Temporary Network Credential Transfer for IoT Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current network setup process for devices like smart thermostats is complex and often confusing for users, leading to abandonment or non-use due to the need for manual input of permanent network access credentials.
Innovation Solution
A system where a wireless communication device, such as a smartphone, uses preinstalled temporary network access credentials, like a QR code, to establish a temporary network connection with a network gateway, allowing the device to automatically transfer and obtain permanent network access credentials, simplifying the setup to a single user step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual input of permanent network access credentials is required, then network security is maintained, but user complexity increases and setup becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary network as an intermediary between the unconfigured device and the permanent network. The device first connects to a temporary network using pre-provisioned credentials, which acts as a safe mediator that allows configuration without exposing the permanent network credentials. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security (permanent credentials never need manual input) while simplifying operation (users only need to trigger automatic credential transfer).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning temporary network access credentials in the device before the user even receives it. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for users to manually input complex permanent network credentials during setup. The temporary credentials are ready in advance, enabling automatic authentication and credential transfer, thus maintaining security while dramatically simplifying the user setup process.
2Ease of operation
If automatic credential transfer is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically obtain and configure permanent network credentials without user intervention. Once the user triggers the setup (e.g., by pressing a button or scanning a QR code), the device autonomously authenticates on the temporary network, receives the permanent credentials, and configures itself. This keeps the user interface simple while the automatic backend processes handle the complexity.
3Ease of operation
If temporary network is used for setup, then ease of operation improves, but loss of time occurs for network configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly transitioning through the temporary network phase. The temporary network is designed to be used only briefly for credential transfer, not for prolonged operation. The system quickly authenticates, transfers credentials, and then the device disconnects from the temporary network and joins the permanent network. This minimizes the time spent on the temporary network while still providing the operational simplicity benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device for use with a communication device and a network gateway connected to the Internet, wherein the communication device can communicate with the network gateway. The wireless communication device includes: a communication component operable to communicate with the network gateway; a memory component having temporary network access credentials stored therein; and a credential feature associated with the temporary network access credentials and being accessible by the communication device. The communication component can further establish a temporary network connection with the gateway based on the temporary network access credentials, and can further join a permanent network with the gateway.