Wireless Lighting Connection Information via Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining connection information for integrating components into a wireless lighting system network are inefficient and impractical, especially when the information is inaccessible or out of sight after installation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize unique identification codes and access information, such as order numbers and PINs, to digitally provide connection information to a provisioning device, eliminating the need for physical access to networkable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connection information is printed/attached to the component or its packaging, then the provisioning device can obtain connection information through scanning, but the connection information becomes physically inaccessible after installation (e.g., on backside of component or behind recessed ceiling)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the access dimension from physical space to digital/network space. Instead of requiring physical proximity to the component or its packaging to read connection information, the system provides access through a remote server via network communication. The provisioning device can retrieve connection information from any location with network access, effectively adding a spatial dimension that eliminates physical accessibility constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the component and the provisioning device. The server stores connection information associated with unique identification codes and provides it upon request. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct physical access to the component or its packaging, allowing remote retrieval of connection information through network communication.
2Productivity
If connection information is provided on the component or packaging, then initial access is possible, but installation becomes complex and time-consuming when components are mounted in hard-to-reach locations (e.g., high ceilings)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical access during installation by providing connection information through remote server access. Installers can retrieve connection information from any location with network connectivity, eliminating the need to physically reach high ceilings or confined spaces to scan QR codes or read NFC tags, thereby simplifying installation procedures and reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing access information and connection information on a server before installation occurs. The unique identification code is assigned to each component during manufacturing, and the corresponding connection information is prepared in advance on the server, eliminating the need for on-site information retrieval during installation.
3Ease of operation
If NFC tags are added to components for connection information access, then contactless access is enabled, but the NFC tag becomes out of radio range when the component is mounted on high ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from short-range radio frequency communication (NFC requiring proximity) to long-range network communication. Instead of relying on NFC tags that require the provisioning device to be within radio range, the system provides access to connection information through network protocols that allow retrieval from any location with internet connectivity, effectively extending the access range from meters to potentially global distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that stores and provides connection information remotely. Instead of requiring direct NFC communication with the component, the provisioning device communicates with the server over the network, which acts as a mediator to deliver the connection information regardless of the physical location of the component.
4Ease of operation
If connection information is stored locally on each component, then direct access is possible, but security and access control become difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as a centralized intermediary that stores connection information and manages access control. The server verifies access information (such as order numbers or authentication credentials) before providing connection information, enabling centralized security management and access control policies without requiring complex local security mechanisms on each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides multiple functions: storing connection information, verifying access credentials, managing access control policies, and providing secure delivery. This universal platform handles all security and access control requirements centrally, eliminating the need for each component to have independent security mechanisms while maintaining direct access capabilities for authorized devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (5) for providing connection information required by a provisioning device (4) to establish a wireless connection between the provisioning device (4) and a networkable device (1..3). The apparatus (5) is configured to store, for each of a plurality of networkable devices (1..3), an unique identification code and the connection information assigned to the respective unique identification code, to obtain an order for a certain number of pieces of the networkable devices (1..3), to identify the unique identification code for each piece, to generate, for the order, access information to access only the connection information assigned to the unique identification code that has been identified and to provide the access information.