UWB Device Onboarding With Proximity-Based Secure Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB systems face challenges in device on-boarding due to manual identification methods, large RF ranges leading to security vulnerabilities, lack of intuitive user experience, and inability to perform secure and parallel on-boarding of multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing UWB ranging for intuitive device identification, secure on-boarding within threshold distance/angle, and connectionless information transfer to enable seamless and secure on-boarding of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual identification methods are used for device on-boarding, then device discovery is possible, but the process becomes confusing and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods (checking serial numbers, scanning QR codes) with automated UWB-based identification. The system uses UWB ranging to automatically identify and select devices for on-boarding, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service device on-boarding where devices automatically broadcast their availability and the user device automatically discovers and selects them. The process requires minimal user intervention, with the system handling device identification, selection, and connection establishment autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If RF communication is used for device on-boarding, then wireless connectivity is established, but security vulnerabilities arise due to large RF range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces UWB ranging as an intermediary layer between RF communication and device on-boarding. The system first uses UWB to verify physical proximity (within threshold distance/angle), then allows RF communication. This intermediary proximity verification prevents distant devices from exploiting RF range for unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from pure RF-based connection to a hybrid approach combining UWB ranging verification with RF data transfer. By requiring UWB proximity verification (distance and angle parameters) before allowing RF communication, the system maintains security while enabling wireless on-boarding.
3Productivity
If traditional on-boarding methods are used, then single device configuration is possible, but parallel on-boarding of multiple devices cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device on-boarding process into independent parallel tasks. Each device discovery and configuration process runs independently through the UWB identification and RF configuration pipeline, allowing multiple devices to be onboarded simultaneously without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous device discovery and configuration capability by keeping the UWB listening and RF configuration processes active simultaneously. Multiple devices can be discovered, identified, and configured in continuous parallel operations, maximizing on-boarding productivity.
4Productivity
If connectionless information transfer is used during on-boarding, then configuration efficiency is improved, but security and privacy issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary UWB-based proximity verification and device identification before initiating connectionless information transfer. By establishing trust through proximity verification first, the system enables efficient connectionless configuration while maintaining security, as the preliminary verification ensures only authorized nearby devices receive configuration data.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user experience with intuitive device selection, ensures security through proximity-based on-boarding, and allows parallel configuration of multiple devices, preventing malicious connections.
Implementation Method 1
UWB ranging to intuitively identify the device to be on-boarded
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for handling communication in ultra-wideband (UWB) system. A first electronic device discovers at least one second electronic device to be on-boarded. The method and system perform at least one of determining, by the first electronic device, that the at least one discovered second electronic device is within an on-boarding range, and configuring information to the at least one discovered second electronic device by a connectionless message. The first electronic device establishes the communication with the at least one discovered second electronic device in the UWB system.