IoT Device Pairing via Proprietary Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standardized pairing methods for IoT devices, such as connected lighting systems, are inadequate as they often require users to physically locate and enter passkeys, which can be difficult, especially for ceiling-mounted lamps, and non-standardized solutions compromise security by not using existing standardized encryption mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proprietary locking mechanism before enabling standardized pairing protocols like Bluetooth Low Energy's JustWorks or PassKey, allowing for a trade-off between security and ease of use by ensuring authentication before using less secure but convenient pairing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized pairing methods (e.g., Bluetooth PassKey or JustWorks) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened because passkeys are difficult to locate for ceiling-mounted devices or encryption is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary authentication phase using NFC or other secure out-of-band mechanisms before enabling the standardized pairing protocol. This preliminary action establishes a trusted relationship that allows subsequent use of less secure but more convenient pairing methods like JustWorks, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Reliability
If a proprietary locking mechanism is implemented before standardized pairing, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge device as an intermediary that manages the proprietary locking mechanism and coordinates with standardized pairing protocols. This intermediary handles the complex security requirements centrally, allowing individual devices to remain relatively simple while still achieving high security through the coordinated system approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for establishing a wireless communication connection for exchanging of control messages between a first device and a second device using both of a non-standardized locking mechanism and a standardized pairing protocol, the method comprising: applying the non-standardized locking mechanism to set whether access to the standardized pairing protocol is locked or unlocked; and on condition of being activated by said non-standardized locking mechanism, performing a pairing between the first device and the second device using the standardized pairing protocol, wherein completion of the standardized pairing protocol activates the wireless communication connection for exchanging of control messages.