Standalone Wearable Device Configuration via Cryptographic Key Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices typically require a companion device for operation, limiting their functionality without continuous communication with a paired smartphone, and there is a need for devices that can function independently or as satellites within family or enterprise accounts, especially for users without a smartphone.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device configured to operate without a paired companion device, using cryptographic keys to associate with family or enterprise accounts, allowing access to shared data and functioning as a primary device, with features like calendar and media access, and software updates managed through a management device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wearable electronic devices are paired with a companion device for configuration and operation, then operational reliability and data access are improved, but device independence and ease of operation for users without smartphones deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer-to-peer wireless communication channel as an intermediary for device configuration and data transfer. This allows the wearable device to exchange information with a smartphone for setup purposes, then establish independent operation through direct wireless connections to servers and services, eliminating the need for continuous smartphone dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is configured to perform self-service operations including direct wireless communication with servers, automatic data synchronization, and independent application execution. The device can autonomously access shared family or enterprise data, receive software updates, and maintain operations without requiring a paired smartphone, enabling users without smartphones to operate the device independently.
2Loss of information
If wearable devices require continuous connection to a paired smartphone for data access and configuration, then data synchronization accuracy is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary data synchronization during the device configuration phase. The wearable device exchanges necessary data with the smartphone for setup, then establishes pre-configured wireless connections to servers and cloud services. This preliminary action ensures data is synchronized before independent operation begins, eliminating the need for continuous smartphone-mediated synchronization and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device maintains continuous useful action through direct wireless connections to servers and cloud services. Data synchronization occurs continuously and independently without requiring smartphone intervention. The device can autonomously access and update shared data, maintain applications, and synchronize information in real-time, ensuring data accuracy while eliminating time loss associated with smartphone dependency.
3Ease of operation
If wearable devices are configured to operate independently without a paired smartphone, then device independence and usability for minor-aged users are improved, but initial configuration complexity and security management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a peer-to-peer wireless connection as a temporary intermediary during the initial configuration phase. A smartphone or computing device assists with setting up the wearable device through direct wireless communication, handling complex configuration tasks such as account association, data sharing permissions, and security key generation. Once configuration is complete, the intermediary is no longer needed, and the device operates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
After initial configuration, the wearable device performs self-service operations including automatic data synchronization with servers, independent application execution, and autonomous access to shared family or enterprise data. The device manages its own security credentials and maintains operations without requiring smartphone intervention, making it highly usable for minor-aged users or anyone without a smartphone while keeping initial configuration complexity manageable through one-time setup.
4Reliability
If cryptographic keys are generated to associate the wearable device with family or enterprise accounts, then security and data protection are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer-to-peer wireless communication channel as a secure intermediary for cryptographic key exchange during device configuration. This direct wireless connection between the wearable device and the configuring smartphone or computing device enables secure generation and association of cryptographic keys with family or enterprise accounts without requiring complex manual intervention or additional security hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device autonomously manages its cryptographic keys and security credentials after initial configuration. The device independently maintains secure associations with family or enterprise accounts, performs encrypted data synchronization, and manages security permissions without requiring ongoing intervention. This self-service security management protects data while keeping operational complexity low for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide for a satellite device that can be associated with a user account of a minor aged (e.g., child or adolescent) user that does not have a smartphone that can be used as a companion device to the satellite device. The satellite device can be configured to be used as a primary device, without reliance upon a paired smartphone. Certain information can be synchronized with the satellite device via the association with the family account. During initial configuration, a set of cryptographic keys can be generated to associate the account of the satellite device with the set of accounts in the family. The satellite device can then access calendars, media, or other data that is shared with user accounts within a family of user accounts.