Wireless Pairing of Sanitaryware Controllers for Secure Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fixture control systems require complex wired or infrared connections for configuration, making maintenance in large installations difficult and impractical for private users.
Innovation Solution
A method for connecting sanitaryware controls to a computer using a wireless communication interface, an input interface, and a pairing process that ensures secure and simple data exchange between the sanitaryware control unit and the computer, allowing for user authentication and selection of the desired control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired or infrared connections are used for configuration, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections and infrared optical connections with wireless electromagnetic communication (WiFi, Bluetooth). This substitution eliminates physical connection requirements while maintaining communication reliability through standardized wireless protocols, thereby reducing installation complexity and improving user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pairing code mechanism as an intermediary authentication layer during the wireless connection establishment. This pairing code serves as a mediator that ensures secure and reliable connection initialization between the control unit and configuration device, preventing unauthorized connections while simplifying the overall connection process.
2Reliability
If service devices are used for configuration, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the control unit to perform self-identification and self-pairing functions. The control unit automatically generates and displays pairing codes, and the configuration device can automatically search and connect to available control units. This self-service capability eliminates the need for specialized service devices while maintaining connection security through automated authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes standard computers, smartphones, or tablets universal configuration devices that can work with any control unit in the system. By using standard wireless communication interfaces and pairing mechanisms, any user device can serve as a configuration tool, eliminating the need for proprietary service devices and significantly improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for connection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pairing codes as an intermediary authentication mechanism that establishes secure wireless connections. The pairing code verification process ensures that only authorized devices can connect, preventing unauthorized access and maintaining connection integrity. This intermediary layer compensates for the inherent security vulnerabilities of wireless communication while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit and configuration device exchange pairing codes and connection status information. The system provides real-time feedback on connection establishment, authentication status, and configuration progress. This feedback loop ensures reliable connection management by allowing users to verify successful pairing and troubleshoot connection issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for connecting a sanitaryware controller (1a) selected from a group of at least one sanitaryware controller (1a), in particular selected from a group of at least two sanitaryware controllers (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), to a computer (2), wherein the sanitaryware controller (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) is configured to control a function of a sanitaryware item and has at least one processor (3), a wireless communication interface (4) operatively connected to the processor, and an input interface (5) operatively connected to the processor, wherein the computer (2) has at least one processor (6), a wireless communication interface (7) operatively connected to the processor (6), and a screen (8) operatively connected to the processor (6), wherein a pairing process is performed for the data connection (D) between the sanitaryware controller (1a) to be connected and the computer (2).and wherein, during the pairing process, the input interface (5) on the sanitaryware control unit (1a) to be connected is activated, as a result of which activation the data connection (D) between the communication interface (4) of said sanitaryware control unit (1a) and the communication interface (7) of the computer (2) is established, such that data can be exchanged between the processor (3) of the sanitaryware control unit (1a) and the processor (6) of the computer (2).