DE102015226142A1 - Method for electronically pairing devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of electronically pairing devices (10), comprising the steps of: arranging the devices (10) in relation to one another such that a functional communication connection can be established between the devices (10); - Detecting at least one value of at least one same environmental parameter by means of the two devices (10); Comparing the values of environmental parameters of the two devices (10), wherein the two devices (10) are electronically paired if the values of the same environmental parameter detected by the two devices (10) are substantially equal considering a defined tolerance threshold.

Description

The invention relates to a method for electronically pairing devices. The invention further relates to an electronically coupled device.

State of the art

Current developments in the industry mean that workpieces / equipment / services are networked. In order to enable said networking, mainly radio protocols are used. Oftentimes, these workpieces / devices / services provide only a limited opportunity to provide information (for example, display of visual information via display or LEDs, output of audio signals, etc.) or to detect them (for example, photosensors, camera, microphone, temperature, humidity , etc.).

Different radio protocols are known, such as Bluetooth, Zig-Bee, Z-Wave, Enocean, WiFi, HomematicIP, Thread and many more. These can be assigned either to a proprietary class or to a standardized class. The radio protocols mentioned are conventionally used primarily to network devices and thus services in a direct environment (i.e., at distances <approximately 100 m). Here, the networks can consist of up to several hundred terminals, which can communicate either directly or indirectly with each other.

In order for a network to be established, the devices must initially exchange different information, depending on the network type. This initial exchange of information and the inclusion of a terminal in a network is referred to as so-called pairing. In order to enable a secure pairing process and thus a secure exchange of network-typical information, there are different strategies.

So for example, uses Philips ^® with the so-called Philips Hue system, the so-called "push link commissioning" in which the user must press a button on a Philips Bridge during Pairingprozesses to verify that the user has physical access to the device. In most cases, pairing is triggered by the app enabling a local coordinator to open their network for a set amount of time, during which time devices can join the network.

To verify a specific device, often a unique number, such as the Mac address of the built-in radio module or (in the case of ZigBee) the EUI64 number of the wireless module used, this can be entered manually or by scanning a bar or a QR code of the app will be provided.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for electronically pairing devices.

• – Anordnen der Einrichtungen zueinander derart, dass eine Kommunikationsverbindung zwischen den Einrichtungen herstellbar ist;
• – Erfassen wenigstens eines Werts wenigstens eines gleichen Umgebungsparameters mittels der Einrichtungen; und
• – Vergleichen der von den Einrichtungen erfassten Werte; wobei
• – die Einrichtungen durch die Kommunikationsverbindung elektronisch gepaart werden, falls die Werte des gleichen Umgebungsparameters unter Berücksichtigung einer definierten Toleranzschwelle im Wesentlichen gleich sind.

The object is achieved according to a first aspect with a method for electronically pairing devices, comprising the steps:

• - Arranging the devices to each other such that a communication link between the devices can be produced;
• - Detecting at least one value of at least one same environmental parameter by means of the devices; and
• - comparing the values detected by the devices; in which
• - The devices are electronically paired by the communication link if the values of the same environment parameter are substantially equal considering a defined tolerance threshold.

• – wenigstens eine Sensoreinrichtung zum Erfassen wenigstens eines Umgebungsparameters; wobei
• – die Einrichtung ausgebildet ist, ein elektronisches Paaren mit einer anderen Einrichtung durchzuführen; wobei
• – mittels der Sensoreinrichtung ein Erfassen eines Wertes eines Umgebungsparameters durchführbar ist; wobei
• – ein Vergleichen des Wertes mit einem Wert des Umgebungsparameters einer anderen Einrichtung durchführbar ist; wobei
• – die Einrichtungen elektronisch paarbar sind, falls die von den beiden Einrichtungen erfassten Werte des wenigstens einen Umgebungsparameter unter Berücksichtigung einer definierten Toleranzschwelle im Wesentlichen identisch sind.

According to a second aspect, the object is achieved with an electronically pairable device, comprising:

• - At least one sensor device for detecting at least one environmental parameter; in which
• - The device is adapted to perform an electronic pairing with another device; in which
• - By means of the sensor device detecting a value of an environmental parameter is feasible; in which
• - a comparison of the value with a value of the environmental parameter of another device is feasible; in which
• The devices can be electronically paired if the values of the at least one environmental parameter detected by the two devices are substantially identical taking into account a defined tolerance threshold.

In this way, potential network subscribers can advantageously be integrated into a network on the basis of an identically recorded environmental parameter or sensor value. As a result, a security of a so-called pairing process is advantageously increased and no unwanted network participants can integrate into the network.

As a result, the electronic pairing method can be made safer and more comfortable for the user. Must be advantageous For example, no manual operation is performed on the device to be paired to prove that there is physical access to the device to be mated electronically.

Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims.

An advantageous development of the method provides that the environmental parameter is at least one of the following: temperature of the ambient air, CO ₂ value of the ambient air, acceleration, rotation rate, relative humidity content of the ambient air, atmospheric pressure of the ambient air, VOC value of the ambient air, brightness, geomagnetic field , Volume, color, speed, absolute humidity, particle density for defined particle sizes, UV radiation. As a result, a wide variety of metrologically detectable environmental parameters can be used, whereby a design variety of usable for electronic pairing devices is advantageously increased.

A further advantageous development of the method provides that, in the case of detecting a plurality of environmental parameters, the two devices are paired if the values of a same environmental parameter are substantially the same, taking into account a defined tolerance threshold. This defines a kind of minimum requirement for performing the electronic pairing.

A further advantageous development of the method is characterized in that, in the case of detecting a plurality of environmental parameters, the two devices are paired if all the values of the environmental parameters are essentially the same taking into account defined tolerance thresholds. In this way, increased security for electronic pairing is provided by having to meet multiple specifications of the environment parameters defined specifications. In this way, potential hacker attacks into a network with the paired devices can be reduced.

A further advantageous development of the method provides that in the case of using ZigBee EUI64 addresses of the facilities are interchanged. In this way, a security level of the pairing process can be further increased.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method is characterized in that a communication is carried out via a central control device, wherein the electronic pairing is performed by means of the control device. In this way, the central controller is enabled to authenticate the new network user based on the data provided by the devices. As a result, advantageously, a central authentication point can be provided by means of which computing power can be centralized.

A further advantageous development of the method provides that after successful pairing at least one of the devices is controlled with the detected value of the environmental parameter. As a result, use of the environmental parameter for controlling an overall system with paired devices can be carried out in an advantageous manner.

The invention will be described in detail below with further features and advantages with reference to several figures. All described or illustrated features, alone or in any combination form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency, as well as regardless of their formulation or representation in the description or in the figures. The figures are primarily intended to illustrate the principles essential to the invention. Identical or functionally identical features have the same reference numerals.

Disclosed method features are analogous to corresponding disclosed device features and vice versa. This means, in particular, that features, technical advantages and embodiments relating to the method for electronically pairing devices result analogously from corresponding embodiments, features and advantages relating to the electronically coupled device and vice versa.

In the figures shows:

1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the electronically mated device;

2 an indication of directions of movement of two electronically mated devices;

3 an indication of directions of movement of two electronically mated devices;

4 a schematic representation of a system with multiple electronically paired devices; and

5 a basic sequence of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

Description of exemplary embodiments

A central idea of the invention is that a new device can be incorporated into an existing or newly created network in that the device to be recorded and a device already in the network acquire an identical environmental parameter. Such inclusion of network subscribers in a network is hereinafter referred to as "electronic pairing". For example, the two devices can be moved in the same way, or be in an environment with similar environmental conditions. This can be achieved in that a difference of similar sensor values of the sensors of the devices should be in an interval which is to be determined, preferably as small as possible.

It should be noted that the devices must be equipped with identical sensors, which must be able to identify, for example, the same movement patterns and / or environmental conditions.

The method proposed in the invention enables a user to experience an unconventional pairing process of the devices. In the mechanism presented, no actuator on the device (e.g., a button) must be pressed and no MAC address or EUI64 number manually entered. Furthermore, no bar or QR code must be scanned.

Since the user must use the same motion pattern for the mating devices when using an acceleration sensor, it is assumed that both devices are in close proximity to each other. The user therefore always knows which device he is currently recording in his network.

From the time the network is added to the network, the network advertiser can be functionally viewed as a network node, providing the network user with all the services on the network. After leaving the network, the network node loses its status again and becomes a network advertiser, which must again be electronically paired for inclusion in the network.

Due to the fact that, at a defined time, two of the devices detect substantially identical values of at least one environmental parameter, the proposed electronic pairing is performed.

• – Der elektronische Paarungsprozess wird im Vergleich zu bekannten Paarungsprozessen vereinfacht und kann damit für den Anwender plausibler werden
• – Der Anwender muss keinerlei manuelle Elemente betätigen (z.B. Knopf drücken)
• – Es muss kein Bar oder QR-Code gescannt werden
• – Ein höheres Sicherheitsniveau, weil durch den einheitlichen Prozess und das dadurch generierte Muster individuelle Authentifizierungsdaten sowohl während als auch nach dem Paarungsprozess verwendet werden
• – Der Anwender weiß, welches Gerät gepaart wird, da er dieses in unmittelbarer Nähe hat, wobei durch die unmittelbare Nähe eine Sicherheit erhöht ist
• – Der Anwender erfährt ein neuartiges elektronisches Paarungs-Erlebnis für seine Einrichtungen

In this way, among others, the following advantages can be realized:

• - The electronic mating process is simplified compared to known mating processes, making it more plausible for the user
• - The user does not have to press any manual elements (eg press button)
• - No bar or QR code needs to be scanned
• - A higher level of security because the unified process and the resulting pattern will use individual authentication data both during and after the mating process
• - The user knows which device will be paired because he has it in close proximity, with increased security due to the close proximity
• - The user experiences a novel electronic mating experience for his facilities

1 shows very simplified two electronically coupled devices 10 which is both a radio module 20 , as well as additional sensor devices 30 exhibit. The sensor devices 30 serve, environmental influences which on the device 10 act to detect. These environmental influences can be used to create an electronic pair between the two facilities 10 for example, once identical unique patterns of movement have been identified.

As an example, simple movements with an acceleration sensor in one or two spatial dimensions, such as in 2 indicated, or in three spatial dimensions, as in 3 indicated, be used.

As a result, by means of the sensor devices 30 acquired sensor information, which go beyond a pure detection of movement patterns used. For example, these may include a value of the local magnetic field, a local temperature value of the ambient air, a relative local moisture content of the ambient air, a CO ₂ value of the ambient air, a VOC value (a CO ₂ equivalent with an organic air) Ambient air content), ambient air pressure, volume, brightness value, acceleration value, rate of rotation, value of color, value of velocity, absolute humidity, particle density for defined particle sizes, value for UV Be radiation, etc.

In the case of using ZigBee as the radio standard of the radio module 20 can be used to electronically pair the facilities 10 EUI64 addresses of the facilities 10 be exchanged with each other.

Advantageously, the invention can be used in products which can be networked and which have the same sensors installed.

4 shows a network in simplified form 100 , which can be realized with the proposed method. One recognizes a central control device 40 that control the entire network 100 can take over. Recognizable are individual acting as network participants facilities 10 , by means of the described electronic mating process already in the network 100 are integrated and can take over specific control tasks, for example. It can be seen that both the facilities 10 as well as the central control device 40 one radio module each 20 with which a wireless communication link between said devices 10 . 40 is made. It also recognizes an optionally provided smartphone 50 which after the configuration of the network 100 with the facilities 10 Can be used to functions within the network 100 to control. For the proposed pairing method is advantageous only a single spatially defined distance or proximity of the electronically mating devices 10 required. Normally, the facilities remain 10 after electronic pairing in the network 100 but can also be redefined at any time from the network 100 be removed.

Using the smartphone 50 can be a control of each facility 10 be made. It is also possible to provide feedback on the status of the facilities 10 in the network 100 to the smartphone 50 to convey.

By way of example, in this way, for example, a recording of temperature and humidity values in premises is possible, whereby a user via the smartphone 50 a warning message concerning potential mold formation in the premises can be communicated. Advantageously, this makes it possible to have a device 10 to position in a central location in a room, which allows for improved temperature detection possible and improved temperature control, because of a defined spatial distance of the device 10 given to a thermostatic control valve.

5 shows a basic sequence of an embodiment of the proposed method:
In one step 200 become the facilities 10 arranged one another such that a communication link between the devices 10 can be produced.

In one step 210 is at least a value of at least one same environmental parameter by means of the devices 10 detected.

In one step 220 will be a comparison of the facilities 10 recorded values, the facilities 10 be electronically paired by the communication link if the values of the same environment parameter are substantially equal considering a defined tolerance threshold.

Advantageously, the inventive method can be used both in radio-based systems and the wired systems, in the latter case the facilities 10 advantageously no radio module 20 must have.

• A: Ein Endgerät befindet sich schon in einem von einem Koordinator eingerichteten Netzwerk. Ein zweites Endgerät soll in dieses Netzwerk aufgenommen werden. Im Falle, dass beide Endgeräte gleichartige Umwelteinflüsse sensieren, wird das zweite Endgerät in das Netzwerk aufgenommen.
• B: Als eine zusätzliche Sicherheitserweiterung zu einem „normalen“ Pairing-Prozess kann zum Beispiel ein VOC-Sensor verwendet werden, wobei nur im Falle, dass beide zu paarende Geräte den gleichen Sensorwert unter Berücksichtigung einer definierten Toleranzschwelle erfassen, ein Eintritt des zu paarenden Geräts in das Netzwerk erlaubt wird.

Possible application scenarios are:

• A: A terminal is already in a network set up by a coordinator. A second terminal is to be included in this network. In the event that both terminals sense similar environmental influences, the second terminal is added to the network.
• B: As an additional security extension to a "normal" pairing process, for example, a VOC sensor can be used, in which case only if both devices to be paired detect the same sensor value taking into account a defined tolerance threshold, an entry of the device to be paired allowed into the network.

From a technical point of view, the method according to the invention can be realized as software that can be controlled via the smartphone, whereby a simple adaptability and updatability of the method is supported.

In summary, the present invention proposes a method for electronic pairing of devices, with which an increased security standard for forming network structures can be realized. Advantageously, in this way the penetration of hackers into a network of facilities can be largely excluded.

One skilled in the art will suitably modify and / or combine the features of the invention without departing from the gist of the invention.

Claims (10)

Method for electronically pairing devices ( 10 ), comprising the steps: - arranging the facilities ( 10 ) such that a communication link between the devices ( 10 ) can be produced; Detecting at least one value of at least one identical environmental parameter by means of the devices ( 10 ); and - comparing the facilities ( 10 ) recorded values; where - the facilities ( 10 ) are electronically paired by the communication link if the values of the same environment parameter are substantially equal considering a defined tolerance threshold. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental parameter is at least one of: ambient air temperature, ambient air CO ₂ , acceleration, rate of rotation, ambient relative humidity, ambient air pressure, ambient air VOC, brightness, geomagnetic field, volume, Color, speed, absolute humidity, particle density for defined particle sizes, UV radiation. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in case of detecting a plurality of environmental parameters the two devices ( 10 ) are paired if the values of a same environmental parameter are substantially equal considering a defined tolerance threshold. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in case of detecting a plurality of environmental parameters the two devices ( 10 ), if all values of the environmental parameters are substantially equal, taking into account defined tolerance thresholds. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in case of using ZigBee EUI64 addresses of the facilities ( 10 ) are exchanged with each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a communication via a central control device ( 40 ), wherein the electronic pairing by means of the control device ( 40 ) is carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after pairing at least one of the devices ( 10 ) is controlled with the detected value of the environmental parameter. Electronically coupled device ( 10 ) comprising: - at least one sensor device ( 30 ) for detecting at least one environmental parameter; whereby - the device ( 10 ), an electronic pairing with another device ( 10 ) perform; wherein - by means of the sensor device ( 30 ) a detection of a value of an environmental parameter is feasible; wherein - comparing the value with a value of the environmental parameter of another device ( 10 ) is feasible; where - the facilities ( 10 ) can be paired electronically if the two institutions ( 10 ) values of the at least one environmental parameter are substantially identical taking into account a defined tolerance threshold. Electronically coupled device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that a communication link between the devices ( 10 ) is radio-based or wired. Computer program product with program code means for carrying out the method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, when it is stored on a control device ( 10 . 40 ) or stored on a computer-readable medium.

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