Cross-Partition Bluetooth Pairing via Key Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth pairing issues arise when multiple operating system partitions are present in an information handling system, preventing Bluetooth devices from being used across different OS partitions, leading to a poor customer experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sharing Bluetooth pairs across multiple operating system partitions, involving pairing a first OS partition with a Bluetooth device, determining the presence of additional OS partitions, and pairing those partitions with the device, using a key manager to generate and share additional keys for seamless connectivity across partitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth pairing is implemented using traditional methods with separate key management per OS partition, then each OS partition can maintain secure independent pairing, but Bluetooth devices cannot be shared across multiple OS partitions requiring re-pairing each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key manager that serves multiple OS partitions simultaneously, allowing a single Bluetooth pairing to be recognized across all partitions. The key manager stores pairing information in a shared location accessible by all OS environments, enabling one pairing to serve multiple functions and partitions without requiring separate pairings for each OS.
Solution Approach 2:
The key manager acts as an intermediary component between the Bluetooth stack and multiple OS partitions. It mediates the pairing process by intercepting pairing requests, managing the exchange of pairing information, and distributing the shared secret across all OS partitions. This intermediary approach allows seamless cross-partition Bluetooth functionality without requiring each OS to independently manage pairings.
2Ease of operation
If a single shared Bluetooth key is used across all OS partitions, then device sharing becomes seamless, but security is compromised as all partitions share the same authentication credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key management system into partition-specific key storage areas while maintaining a unified access interface. Each OS partition has its own dedicated storage space for Bluetooth keys and pairing information, physically or logically separated from other partitions. The key manager provides controlled access to appropriate key segments based on the active OS partition, enabling both security isolation and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The key manager implements local quality by providing customized key access rights for each OS partition. Each partition receives only the specific pairing keys and credentials relevant to its operation, with access permissions tailored to its security requirements. This localized approach ensures that compromising one partition does not expose keys for other partitions, maintaining security while enabling cross-partition device sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sharing Bluetooth pairs across multiple operating system partitions. The method includes the steps of pairing a first operating system partition with a Bluetooth enabled device; determining when a memory of an information handling system includes an additional operating system partition; and, pairing the additional operating system partition with the Bluetooth enabled device when the additional operating system partition is present.