QR Control Code Provisioning for Secure IoT Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internet of Things (IoT) devices face security challenges due to their network connectivity, which can lead to network attacks, and existing protection systems are difficult or costly to implement.

Innovation Solution

The use of Quick Response (QR) codes, specifically QR Control Codes (QRCCs), to provision and control Video Capable Devices (VCDs) securely by transferring commands through a QR image, minimizing security issues and enabling secure, faster, and more reliable communication without the need for a network interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If IOT devices are connected to network for manageability, then device control and monitoring are enabled, but security vulnerabilities and network attacks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice manageabilityVSAvoidnetwork attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary medium for device provisioning and management. Instead of direct network connectivity, the system uses QR code images as a trusted intermediary that carries device identification and provisioning information. The camera captures the QR code, and the processing unit extracts information from it, creating a secure indirect communication path that eliminates network exposure during initial device setup and management operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If protection systems are implemented for network security, then device security is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidprotection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the security-critical provisioning and management functions from the network layer and relocates them to a local trusted execution path. By using QR code-based provisioning, the system removes the need for complex network security infrastructure (firewalls, authentication servers, encrypted channels) during device setup. The security function is extracted and implemented through simple local processes: camera capture, QR code decoding, and local database operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If network interface is used for device communication, then remote management is enabled, but security risks and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual copying of information through QR codes as an alternative to electronic network communication. The device provisioning information is copied into a visual format (QR code image) that can be captured by a camera. This copying mechanism enables remote management capabilities without requiring network interfaces, as the information can be transmitted physically through visual means and then processed locally by the target device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3178034B1QR image based device management
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 INTEL CORP
  • EP3178034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3178034B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3178034B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In embodiments, apparatuses, methods, and storage media may be described for identifying a quick response (QR) image. A QR control code (QRCC) may be identified in the QR image based on a QR tag in the image. Based on the QRCC, a control command of an apparatus may be identified. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.