Dual-Interface EEPROM for Automatic NFC Bluetooth Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Bluetooth peripheral devices require manual user input for pairing, which is cumbersome and prone to user errors and security vulnerabilities, as they rely solely on manual entry of PINs for authentication and configuration.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a passive NFC transceiver and dual interfaced EEPROM that allows configuration data to be received via NFC or hard-wired connections, enabling secure and automatic pairing between Bluetooth devices without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual pairing process is used for Bluetooth peripheral devices, then authentication security can be maintained, but user convenience deteriorates and pairing errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile device and Bluetooth peripheral. The NFC interface enables automatic exchange of pairing information and authentication data, eliminating the need for manual PIN entry while maintaining security through encrypted wireless communication. The NFC reader/writer acts as a mediator that automatically handles the pairing protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service pairing where the Bluetooth peripheral device automatically performs authentication and configuration without user intervention. The EEPROM stores pairing information that is automatically retrieved and exchanged via NFC, allowing the device to pair autonomously with the mobile device without requiring manual input from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual PIN entry is required for pairing, then security against unauthorized access is maintained, but pairing time and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpairing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing authentication credentials and pairing information in the EEPROM of the Bluetooth peripheral device during manufacturing. This pre-configured data is automatically retrieved and exchanged via NFC during pairing, eliminating the need for manual PIN entry and significantly reducing pairing time while maintaining security through pre-established authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of physical keyboard input and manual PIN entry with an automated electromagnetic field-based NFC communication system. This substitution eliminates manual typing operations and automated the authentication process through wireless data exchange, reducing pairing time from minutes to seconds while maintaining security through encrypted RF communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If only manual pairing method is used, then device complexity remains low, but adaptability to automated pairing processes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpairing method adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating multiple pairing interfaces into a single Bluetooth peripheral device: both manual pairing interface and automated NFC pairing interface. The dual-interface design allows the device to adapt to different pairing scenarios - manual pairing for simplicity and NFC-based automated pairing for convenience and speed - making the device versatile and adaptable to various user needs without significantly increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates secure, automatic, and error-free pairing of Bluetooth devices by using NFC to transmit authentication information directly to the EEPROM, enhancing user experience and security by eliminating manual data entry and reducing the risk of third-party attacks.

Implementation Method 1

a passive NFC transceiver and dual interfaced EEPROM that allows configuration data to be received via NFC

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9241237B2Device with an EEPROM having both a near field communication interface and a second interface

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 NXP BV

AI summary

A peripheral device and a method for programming the read/writeable memory of the RFID circuitry by communications between either RF antenna or bus communications port controller interface or both. In the peripheral device, an EEPROM, bus communications controller interface, NFC interface, antenna, and logic controller operate to receive and transmit configuration and calibration data between a wireless personal area network circuit and an external wireless personal area network enabled device. The dual interfaced EEPROM is operable to share or partition its EEPROM between an NFC interface and a bus communications controller.