Acoustic Credential Transfer for Secure Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for associating devices with credentials, such as username and password combinations, face challenges like device accessibility, energy consumption, and security concerns, particularly in guest mode access, where sharing access credentials can be undesirable for security or privacy reasons.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses audio to associate a target device with the credentials of a source device by broadcasting an identification code using a low-energy radiofrequency transmission protocol, allowing the target device to obtain authorization and receive credentials from an association server, enabling secure and efficient device credential sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If username and password are used for device association, then authentication security is improved, but device accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of typing usernames and passwords with acoustic wave transmission. The source device emits acoustic waves containing encoded credentials, which the target device captures via its microphone, eliminating the need for manual keyboard input and improving accessibility for devices without keyboards or for users with disabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer credentials between devices. Instead of direct device-to-device communication or manual credential entry, the credentials are encoded into acoustic signals that serve as a mediator, enabling secure credential transfer while improving ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary communication channels are used for credential transfer, then association capability is improved, but energy consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes energy-intensive wireless communication protocols (WiFi, Bluetooth) with acoustic wave transmission. By encoding credentials into sound waves that propagate through the air, the system achieves credential transfer with significantly lower energy consumption while maintaining association capability.
3Ease of operation
If network credentials are shared for guest access, then access convenience is improved, but security and privacy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the credential transfer process into a temporary, one-time acoustic transmission rather than permanent network credential sharing. The source device emits a single acoustic signal containing the necessary credentials, allowing guest access without compromising the host's network security or requiring ongoing credential exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable, short-lived acoustic signals for credential transfer. Each credential transmission is a transient acoustic wave that exists only momentarily in the air, eliminating the need for persistent credential exposure and reducing security risks associated with ongoing network credential sharing.
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 provides a secure and energy-efficient way to associate devices with credentials, addressing accessibility and security concerns, and facilitating guest mode access without compromising privacy or security.
Implementation Method 1
broadcasting an identification code using a low-energy radiofrequency transmission protocol
Data Source
AI summary
A target device is associated with a source device. A system includes a target device that enters an association mode, obtains an identification code, and broadcasts the identification code. A source device receives the broadcast, obtains authorization to associate with the target device, and provides a message to an association server. The association server receives the message and associates the target device and the source device in response thereto.