Accelerometer-Based Shared Secret Generation for Wireless Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing communication between portable devices, such as complex passcode entry in WLAN and Bluetooth connections, are error-prone and vulnerable to security breaches, seeking a simpler and more secure method for establishing encrypted links.
Innovation Solution
Generating a shared secret between devices by measuring acceleration when they are shaken together, using a 3D accelerometer to create a unique digitized code independent of device orientation, and confirming the secure link through a confirmation datagram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex pass codes or serial numbers are used for device association, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of typing passcodes with an automated accelerometer-based system. Users simply shake devices together, and the system automatically captures acceleration data, processes it through hash functions, and generates shared secrets, eliminating the need for manual code entry while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating secure credentials through accelerometer data. The devices autonomously capture shaking motion, process the data through cryptographic hash functions, and establish shared secrets without requiring user intervention beyond the initial shaking action, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining security
2Ease of operation
If shorter or default pass codes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic shaking motion captured by accelerometers to generate security credentials. Each shaking event produces unique acceleration data that is processed through hash functions to create unpredictable shared secrets, providing both ease of operation (simple shaking action) and strong security (unique, unpredictable credentials generated from dynamic motion)
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter from static passcode selection to dynamic acceleration measurement. By capturing the unique temporal and spatial characteristics of shaking motion through accelerometer data and processing it through cryptographic hash functions, the system generates high-entropy shared secrets that are both easy to obtain (through natural shaking) and secure (due to the complexity and uniqueness of the motion data)
3Reliability
If manual code entry is required for device pairing, then security control is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security control function from the user interface layer and relocates it to the sensor and processing layer. Instead of requiring users to manually enter codes through the interface, the system extracts acceleration data from the accelerometer sensor, processes it through hash functions, and automatically establishes secure credentials, reducing device complexity while maintaining security control
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer and cryptographic processing serve as intermediaries between the physical shaking action and the security credential establishment. The system uses the accelerometer to capture motion data, processes this data through hash functions to generate shared secrets, and automatically uses these secrets for secure communication, eliminating the need for complex manual code entry interfaces
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
This method simplifies the pairing process, enhances security by eliminating the need for complex passcodes, and ensures a unique shared secret between devices, making it difficult for third parties to compromise the link.
Implementation Method 1
An acceleration of the at least two devices is measured at least during a time window beginning at a time corresponding to when a magnitude of the acceleration exceeds a threshold
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating a shared secret between at least two wireless portable electronic devices. A shared secret is generated by holding together the at least two devices and shaking them. An acceleration of the at least two devices is measured at least during a time window beginning at a time corresponding to when a magnitude of the acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold. The acceleration is sampled, resulting in a plurality of vectors, such that a first vector is an initial sample of the acceleration during the time window. In some embodiments, the acceleration is measured in three dimensions. Dot products are calculated between the first vector and each of a plurality of subsequent vectors, resulting in an array of scalars. At least a portion of this array is used to generate the shared secret between the at least two devices.