Server-Based Device Association via Beacon Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing registration processes for computing devices, such as smart home devices, are cumbersome and require multiple user input steps to associate a device with a user account, making it inefficient for wireless connectivity and network access.
Innovation Solution
A server-based association process that allows devices to automatically connect to a network and register with a user account by sending a request to a provisioner, which then authenticates the user and associates the device with the account, simplifying the registration process through beaconing and data validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional registration processes are used for device association, then user account security is maintained, but the registration process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple user input steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-registration by automatically generating a registration request containing device information and sending it to the server without requiring user input for device identification. The server automatically processes the registration and associates the device with the user account, eliminating the need for manual device pairing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the device identification and registration information directly from the device itself (via beacon transmission or device metadata) and sends it to the server for automatic processing. This separates the device identification function from user input requirements, allowing the system to automatically match devices with user accounts.
2Productivity
If automatic device association is implemented, then registration efficiency is improved, but user authentication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The server receives automatic device registration requests and provides feedback by validating the device information against stored user account data. The server sends confirmation responses to indicate whether the device was successfully associated with a user account, allowing the system to maintain security through verification while enabling automatic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
User accounts are pre-configured in the server system with associated device information before actual device registration occurs. When a device attempts to register automatically, the server compares the device's transmitted information against pre-stored user account data, enabling secure automatic authentication without real-time user interaction.
3Measurement precision
If manual device registration is used, then data validation accuracy is maintained, but the registration process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual user input mechanisms with automated electronic data transmission. Devices automatically transmit their identification information (such as device IDs, serial numbers, or beacon data) electronically to the server, which then automatically validates this data against stored user account information, eliminating the need for manual typing or selection while maintaining data accuracy through systematic validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for a server-based association of a device with a user account are described. In an example, a computer system receives, from a second device, first data of a first device. The first data indicates a request for a first association between the first device and a user account. The computer system determines that the first data is valid based on second data associated with the first device. Based on the first data being valid, the computer system sends, to the second device, third data to initiate a user authentication. The computer system then receives, from the second device, a user identifier based on the user authentication and determines that a second association between the user identifier and the user account already exists. The computer system causes the first association between the first device and the user account to be generated based on the second association.