Illumination Light Source for Secure Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing secure communication links between electronic devices, such as Bluetooth and NFC, are complex for average consumers and lack intuitive usability, with issues like power level adjustments and limited encryption key lengths, and are vulnerable to data interception due to broadcast nature of RF wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an electronic device's illumination light source to transmit modulated optical signals for authentication and configuration, enabling a secure optical link that complements a secondary communication channel, allowing for secure data transfer without requiring additional transceivers or complex setup procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Bluetooth pairing procedures are used to establish secure communication links, then data transfer security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex discovery and pairing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical communication channel (light source) as an intermediary to establish secure Bluetooth pairing. The light source transmits authentication information between devices, serving as a trusted mediator that simplifies the pairing process while maintaining security. This resolves the contradiction by providing a simple optical handshake mechanism that enables secure Bluetooth connections without complex procedures.
2Reliability
If IrDA link is used as third channel for Bluetooth pairing, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requiring both Bluetooth and IrDA transceivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light source multi-functional by using it for both illumination/display purposes and optical communication for authentication. This eliminates the need for dedicated IrDA transceivers while maintaining authentication capability. The light source serves dual purposes, resolving the contradiction between authentication capability and device complexity.
3Reliability
If camera and 2D barcode are used for authentication, then authentication capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to inconvenience and limited encryption key length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the light source to autonomously transmit authentication information optically without requiring user intervention to capture images or manually enter codes. The optical communication happens automatically through the light source, making authentication as convenient as viewing the display while providing strong encryption. This resolves the contradiction between authentication capability and ease of operation.
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, intuitive, and efficient data transfer between devices by leveraging existing light sources for optical communication, enhancing security and usability while reducing the need for additional hardware and complex setup processes.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, via an optical link, configuration and authentication requests/information... the illumination light source... provides modulated optical signals indicative of a data stream
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a data processor and data communication mechanism for: (a) transmitting, via an optical link, configuration and authentication requests/information for a second data communication link to an external device; and (b) transmitting other content data via the separate, second data communication link that is configured using the configuration data transmitted on the optical link. Data communication on the optical link is provided via modulated optical pulses from an illumination light source of the electronic device. The light source is selectively utilized for illuminating a component in the electronic device and for transmitting configuration/authentication data via optical pulses. An optical receiver also receives optically transmitted configuration/acknowledgement data from the external device.