Smartphone Bridging Device for Remote Content Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices with short-range communications functionality, such as key fobs and wearable devices, cannot update their communications protocols over the air, requiring physical visits to manufacturers for updates, which is time-consuming and relies on user proactivity, and they lack the ability to communicate with remotely located service providers for new functionality or content data.
Innovation Solution
A method using a networked electronic bridging device with both short-range and long-range communications capabilities to establish secure communication channels between the device and a remotely located content provider, allowing the transfer of content data and executable files to update the device's functionality, such as payment or access control capabilities, without the need for physical replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If short-range communications modules are used in portable electronic devices, then contactless functionality and device portability are improved, but the ability to update communications protocols remotely is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A smartphone application acts as an intermediary device between the portable electronic device and the content provider. The application establishes communication channels to receive content data and forward it to the portable device, enabling remote updates without requiring the portable device itself to have long-range communication capabilities.
2Reliability
If portable electronic devices lack long-range communication capabilities, then device security and power consumption are improved, but the ability to communicate with remotely located content providers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application serves as a mediator that handles all long-range communication with content providers. It receives content data via internet connection and transmits it to the portable electronic device through short-range communication, allowing the portable device to benefit from remote content delivery without needing built-in long-range communication hardware.
3Reliability
If physical visits to manufacturers are required for protocol updates, then update security is improved, but update time and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service remote updates where the user can update their portable electronic device at home using their smartphone. The application automatically receives content data from content providers and provisions it to the portable device without requiring the user to physically visit a manufacturer location, thus saving time while maintaining security through controlled communication channels.
4Adaptability or versatility
If smartphones are used as bridging devices, then remote provisioning capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application leverages the existing multi-functional capabilities of smartphones (internet communication, short-range communication, processing power) to serve as a universal bridging device. This approach uses the smartphone's existing functionalities rather than adding new complex components, thus achieving remote provisioning capability while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for provisioning a portable electronic device comprising a first short-range communications module, with content data from a networked remotely located content provider, using an electronic bridging device. The method comprises the steps of: establishing a first communication channel between a networked electronic bridging device and the portable electronic device, the electronic bridging device comprising a second short-range communications module, and the first communication channel being established using the first and second short-range communications module; establishing a second communication channel between the networked electronic bridging device and the networked remotely located content provider; provisioning the portable electronic device with the content data by transmitting the content data from the remotely located content provider to the portable electronic device using the first and second communication channels.