QR-Code Public-Key Bootstrapping for Wireless Connection Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies, such as the Device Provisioning Protocol (DPP) scheme, face challenges in establishing secure and efficient connections between devices without requiring complex user interactions or additional software installations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a first terminal with a camera and display to decode a QR Code containing a public key and specific information, enabling a user-friendly operation screen for changing device states, and a second terminal to directly utilize the public key for connection establishment, regardless of vendor-provided software, facilitating easy wireless connections between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vendor-specific computer program is required on the terminal to display the operation screen and execute the connection process, then the ease of operation is improved for users with the specified terminal, but the adaptability deteriorates because terminals without the program cannot establish connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary role where the communication apparatus generates and provides bootstrapping information (including public key and connection parameters) that enables terminals to establish connections without requiring vendor-specific programs. This intermediary data structure acts as a universal mediator between the communication apparatus and diverse terminals, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the bootstrapping information format and connection establishment process to be terminal-agnostic. Any terminal with camera and basic decoding capabilities can read the code image and establish connections, making the system universally compatible across different terminal types and vendors while maintaining ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the terminal displays an operation screen to guide users through the changing operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the additional display and interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the communication apparatus with bootstrapping information that includes all necessary connection parameters and public keys. This pre-prepared information is encoded in the code image, so when the terminal reads it, the connection establishment can proceed directly without requiring extensive user guidance or multiple interaction steps, thus reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The operation screen allows users to skip detailed configuration steps by providing visual guidance for the changing operation. Users can quickly navigate through the necessary steps to enable DPP function and initiate connection, rushing through the setup process efficiently without getting bogged down in complex technical configurations
3Device complexity
If the code image contains only the public key without specific information for operation screen display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because terminals cannot display user-friendly operation screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bootstrapping information into distinct functional components: public key for security authentication, connection parameters for network configuration, and specific information for operation screen display. This segmentation allows the code image to contain comprehensive data without increasing perceived device complexity, as each component serves a clear, separate function that improves ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A first terminal obtains a character string by decoding a code image. The character string is described in accordance with Bootstrapping Information Format and includes a public key of a communication apparatus and specific information. The first terminal displays an operation screen by using the specific information. The first terminal executes a first target communication with the communication apparatus by using the public key after a changing operation indicated by the operation screen is performed to the communication apparatus. A second terminal obtains the character string by decoding the code image. The second terminal executes a second target communication with the communication apparatus by using the public key after the changing operation is performed to the communication apparatus without displaying the operation screen using the specific information.