Bluetooth Input Device Pairing Without Secondary Keyboard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Bluetooth input device pairing and reconnection processes are inconvenient, requiring a second mouse and keyboard, and can be unreliable and insecure, with potential for device spoofing.

Innovation Solution

Software-supervised pairing processes allow a mouse and keyboard to pair with a Bluetooth transceiver without a second device, using a long transition for initial pairing or re-pairing and a short transition for re-establishing connections, incorporating security features like PIN generation and device authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current Bluetooth pairing schemes are used, then devices can be paired, but a second mouse and keyboard are required and the process is tedious

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing process convenienceVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Bluetooth input device performs self-service by generating and transmitting its own PIN code to the transceiver, eliminating the need for a second keyboard. The device autonomously completes the authentication process without requiring external user intervention or additional input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the PIN code generation function from the keyboard and embeds it directly within the Bluetooth input device itself. This removes the dependency on a second keyboard being present during the pairing process, simplifying the overall system requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If current pairing schemes are used, then connection can be established, but the process is unreliable and security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice spoofing vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the transceiver sends a confirmation signal back to the Bluetooth input device after receiving the PIN code. This bidirectional verification ensures that both devices have correctly processed the authentication data, improving connection reliability and preventing spoofing attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The PIN code acts as an intermediary element that mediates the authentication between the transceiver and the Bluetooth input device. This intermediate authentication mechanism provides a security layer that prevents direct spoofing while ensuring reliable connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9363253B2Systems and methods for pairing bluetooth devices

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of software-supervised pairing processes are provided. The processes enable a user to pair a mouse and keyboard with a Bluetooth transceiver without having to use a second mouse and keyboard. At least two separate processes are provided, including a long transition for initial pairing or re-pairing and a short transition for re-establishing a connection after devices have already been paired.