UWB Appliance Network Access via Proximity Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart household appliances face difficulties in network access and security vulnerabilities during the network connection process, particularly due to limited user input options and the risk of unauthorized access when switching to network configuration mode.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ultra-wideband (UWB) communication technology allows for the generation of a secure communication channel between a user terminal and a household appliance, enabling network access without requiring button operations from the appliance. This technology determines the proximity and accurate location of the user terminal, thereby enhancing security by only establishing a communication channel when the user is authorized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration mode is activated for household appliance, then network access capability is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to unauthorized access risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smartphone as an intermediary device between the user and the household appliance. The smartphone displays a QR code that the appliance scans to establish network connection, preventing direct unauthorized access to the appliance while maintaining network access capability through a secure mediation process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication by requiring the appliance to scan a QR code displayed on the user's smartphone before establishing network connection. This preliminary action verifies user authorization before allowing network access, preventing unauthorized connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If network configuration mode is activated for household appliance, then network access capability is improved, but user input complexity increases due to multiple operation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a QR code (a visual copy of connection information) as the medium for transferring network credentials from the smartphone to the household appliance. This copying mechanism replaces complex manual input with simple scanning and automatic recognition, significantly reducing user input steps
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex process of generating and transmitting network credentials via QR code. The user only needs to display the QR code and scan it, eliminating the need for manual configuration steps on both devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a household appliance including receiving a device connection request signal through ultra wideband (UWB) communication from a user terminal, obtaining location information of the user terminal based on the received device connection request signal, establishing a UWB communication channel between the household appliance and the user terminal based on the obtained location information. The method includes receiving network access information to access a network from the user terminal through the established UWB communication channel, and establishing a network connection for the household appliance to access the network based on the received network access information.