Network Device Pairing via Sequence Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pairing methods for network devices are cumbersome, especially in larger environments and for embedded devices like IoT devices, which lack user interfaces, and current solutions like WiFi Protected Setup and QR codes have security vulnerabilities and size limitations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for pairing network devices using a control device, node device, and network server, where a pairing sequence is detected and converted into signals, allowing for secure and efficient pairing without the need for manual user interface input, using gestures or other inputs recognizable by both devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pairing settings are applied to each device, then pairing security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing securityVSAvoidease of pairing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables devices to pair automatically by detecting and recognizing pairing sequences without requiring manual user input on each device. The gateway automatically initiates pairing windows and validates pairing sequences, allowing embedded devices without user interfaces to autonomously complete pairing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway acts as an intermediary between devices, centralizing the pairing process. It receives pairing sequences from multiple devices, validates them against predefined sequences, and manages the pairing window coordination, eliminating the need for direct manual configuration on each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical button pairing windows are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to accessibility and continuous vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pairing initiationVSAvoidnetwork security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages pairing windows that open and close based on detected pairing sequences rather than fixed time intervals. The pairing window opens when a valid sequence is detected and closes after successful pairing or timeout, providing adaptive security that responds to actual usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors for pairing sequences and provides feedback by opening pairing windows only when valid sequences are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that pairing is only available when intentionally initiated by authorized devices, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If QR codes are used for pairing, then ease of operation is improved, but device size is constrained by minimum QR code dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pairingVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces physical QR code scanning with a pairing sequence detection mechanism. Instead of requiring visual scanning of codes, devices use sensors to detect pairing sequences (such as tap patterns, gestures, or other physical inputs) which are then converted into pairing signals, eliminating the minimum dimension constraints of QR codes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pairing parameter from visual QR code dimensions to temporal/spatial pairing sequence patterns. By detecting sequences based on timing, position, or pattern recognition rather than visual size, the system enables pairing on devices of any size without being constrained by minimum QR code dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If multiple devices are paired manually, then pairing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidpairing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a database of valid pairing sequences and configurations before actual pairing occurs. When multiple devices need pairing, the gateway automatically retrieves and validates the appropriate sequences from pre-configured data, enabling rapid accurate pairing without manual configuration for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway continuously monitors for pairing sequences from multiple devices simultaneously, maintaining an active pairing window state. This continuous operation allows multiple devices to be paired in sequence without interruption or manual re-initiation, significantly improving productivity while maintaining pairing precision through continuous validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11258859B2Systems and methods for pairing network devices

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLGIES RES AS

AI summary

A method for pairing a first network device with a second network device is provided. The method may include receiving a first signal corresponding to a first pairing sequence received at the first network device, receiving a second signal corresponding to a second pairing sequence received at the second network device, comparing the first pairing sequence with the second pairing sequence, and pairing the first network device and the second network device when the second pairing sequence correlates to the first pairing sequence.