Multi-Layer Machine-Readable Labels for Secure Device State Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in interacting with and visualizing changes to network-connected devices, as existing mechanisms lack effective methods for users to access and manage device state information in a user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple-layer machine-readable labels, such as QR codes and barcodes, allows users to scan a network-connected device to obtain device records, including state information, by using a secondary layer for authentication and access control, ensuring secure interaction and visualization through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users access device state information through remote computing resource services using HTTP or MQTT, then device state information can be transmitted and stored, but it becomes difficult for users to interact with and visualize changes to the device state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the network-connected device. The mobile device scans a machine-readable label on the device, retrieves device record information from a device server, and presents it through a graphical user interface. This intermediary approach solves the contradiction by making device state information accessible (through the server connection) while also enabling easy user interaction and visualization (through the mobile device's display and interface).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (physical device interfaces, buttons, displays) with optical/electromagnetic methods (machine-readable labels, camera scanning, digital communication protocols). The user interacts with the device state information through scanning a label with a camera and viewing it on a screen, rather than through physical manipulation of the device itself. This substitution enables easier interaction and visualization while maintaining information accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If device state information is made accessible to users through remote services, then users can evaluate and modify device state, but security control and authentication become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by embedding authentication credentials directly in the machine-readable label on the device. When a user scans the label, the mobile device automatically extracts and uses these pre-configured credentials to authenticate with the device server. This preliminary preparation of authentication information simplifies the user experience (easy device state access) while maintaining security, as the authentication complexity is handled automatically in the background rather than requiring manual user input.
3Reliability
If multiple-layer machine-readable labels are implemented for secure access, then authentication and security are improved, but the label complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard machine-readable label format (such as QR code or barcode) that can serve multiple functions: it contains device identification information, authentication credentials, and potentially other data. This multi-functional approach improves authentication security (through embedded credentials) while maintaining ease of manufacture, because standard label formats use well-established, inexpensive printing and scanning technologies that are widely available.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device scans a label of a network-connected device to obtain a first set of information from a primary layer of the label, where the first set of information is about the network-connected device. The controlling device scans the label to obtain a second set of information from a secondary layer of the label, whereby the secondary layer is distinct from the primary layer. The controlling device transmits a request to a device server associated with the network-connected device to obtain device records for the device, whereby the request includes the second set of information. In response to the request, the controlling device receives the one or more device records.