Remote M2M Device Configuration via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, such as refrigerators and sprinklers, often lack user interfaces and multiple radio interfaces, making it impractical to manually configure them for wireless network access, especially when reconfiguration is needed, as they may not have direct access to connectivity information.
Innovation Solution
An M2M device can be remotely configured by a station (STA) to establish a communication link with an access point (AP) by functioning as a second AP to acquire necessary information, then as a second STA to communicate with the AP using security information obtained from a trusted third party, allowing it to connect to a wireless network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used for M2M devices, then security and control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of user interfaces and physical accessibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the configuration device and the M2M device. The server receives configuration information from the configuration device, processes it, and then transmits it to the M2M device. This mediator approach allows secure centralized control while enabling remote configuration without requiring physical access to the M2M device or its interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical configuration approach (requiring physical access to device interfaces) with a wireless electronic configuration system. The configuration device communicates with the M2M device through wireless signals via the server, eliminating the need for physical proximity or manual interface interaction.
2Ease of operation
If physical proximity configuration is used, then direct device access is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when devices are installed in remote or inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a remote intermediary that bridges the configuration device and the M2M device regardless of their physical locations. This allows configuration to be performed remotely over network connections, adapting to devices installed in various locations including remote or inaccessible areas where physical access is not feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is designed to work universally with different M2M devices through the server intermediary, accommodating various deployment scenarios whether devices are locally accessible or remotely installed. The system adapts to different physical situations while maintaining consistent configuration capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radio interfaces are provided in M2M devices, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication functions into a single M2M device that can operate with a single radio interface. The device can communicate with different types of access points (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate radio hardware for each communication type while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The M2M device is designed with universal communication capability, allowing a single device to support multiple communication protocols and access point types through its single radio interface. This multi-functional approach provides communication versatility without requiring multiple separate radio interfaces or increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A particular method includes transmitting a message from a first device to a second device. The message includes first information associated with identification of the first device. The first information enables the second device to obtain access data. The method also includes establishing a first communication link between the first device and the second device based on the access data. The method further includes receiving, via the first communication link, second information associated with establishment of a second communication link between the first device and a third device. The method also includes configuring the first device to establish the second communication link between the first device and the third device based on the second information.