Temporary Interface Device for Automated M2M Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup of networked devices, such as M2M devices, is often cumbersome, complex, and error-prone for non-technical users due to the need for manual entry of device identifiers and network credentials, which limits the adoption of networked application systems like home security and medical monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A temporary user interface device with features like NFC, Bluetooth, image, and audio capture functionality is used to authenticate and authorize users, automatically discover device information, and configure M2M devices to connect to networks, minimizing user interaction and enhancing security by leveraging location and user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual network setup tasks are performed by users, then networked devices can be configured and connected to services, but the process becomes cumbersome, complex, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary user interface device as an intermediary between the M2M device and the network service. This intermediary device automatically performs network setup tasks by querying the M2M device for identification information, querying the network service for credentials, and configuring the connection automatically, thereby eliminating the need for manual user input and reducing errors
Solution Approach 2:
The M2M device is equipped with the capability to automatically provide its own identification information when queried, and the system enables automatic discovery and configuration without requiring user intervention. The temporary user interface device orchestrates this self-service process, allowing the M2M device to configure itself with minimal user interaction
2Reliability
If users manually enter device identifiers and network credentials, then device connection can be established, but errors increase and user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual typing and entry with automated electronic querying and data extraction. The temporary user interface device uses software automation to query the M2M device for identification information, retrieve network credentials from the service, and configure the connection automatically, eliminating manual entry errors
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary user interface device acts as an intermediary that automatically extracts device identification information from the M2M device and retrieves network credentials from the service, then configures the connection without requiring users to manually read, transcribe, or enter any information, thereby eliminating transcription errors and reducing user burden
3Ease of operation
If comprehensive network setup automation is implemented, then ease of use improves, but device functionality and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temporary user interface device that is used only during the initial setup phase and then discarded or repurposed. This temporary device can be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with readily available capabilities (camera, NFC, Bluetooth, microphone) that are used to capture device information and configure the connection, after which it is no longer needed for the M2M device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary user interface device leverages existing multi-functional capabilities of common devices like smartphones and tablets. It uses the camera or NFC or Bluetooth for device identification, the microphone for audio input, and the processing capabilities for automated configuration, thereby avoiding the need to design and manufacture a specialized dedicated setup device
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device may execute a device connection application on a processor of the computing device to provide operations including establishing an ad-hoc data connection between the computing device and a machine-to-machine device, the computing device configured to set up the machine-to-machine device to interact with a network-based service using a user account of the network-based service; receiving device information from the machine-to-machine device over the established ad-hoc data connection; and connecting the machine-to-machine device to the network-based service based on the device information received from the machine-to-machine device and according to authentication of the computing device as being associated with the user account. The computing device may further be configured to authenticate and authorize a user to configure the machine-to-machine device to join the network and network-based service.