Light Augmented Device Pairing via Optical Bit Stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pairing electronic devices, such as computing devices and peripherals, are either time-consuming or vulnerable to security breaches due to manual entry or wireless transmission of shared codes, which can be intercepted.
Innovation Solution
A light-based pairing system where a peripheral device emits a bit stream of light representing a shared code, received by the computing device through a camera, ensuring secure and efficient pairing without external interception, using magnetic sensing for alignment confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry or wireless transmission of shared codes is used for device pairing, then the pairing process is simple to implement, but the security is vulnerable to interception and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual code entry (mechanical interaction) with optical signal transmission. The light emitting device transmits the shared code as light patterns, and the light receiving device captures these patterns, eliminating the need for manual typing while maintaining security through direct optical coupling between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transmit the shared code between devices. Instead of direct wireless transmission vulnerable to interception or manual entry, the shared code is encoded into light signals that are transmitted through a light emitting device and received by a light receiving device, creating a secure physical channel for code transfer.
2Productivity
If wireless transmission of shared codes is used, then pairing speed is improved, but security is compromised due to potential interception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light as an intermediary to create a secure transmission channel. The light emitting device converts the shared code into light patterns, which are then transmitted through air to the light receiving device. This optical intermediary prevents traditional wireless interception methods while maintaining fast transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the camera lens and light sensor as a protective interface that only accepts light from the specific direction of the light emitting device. This creates a de facto shielding effect where code transmission is confined to a specific optical path, preventing lateral interception while maintaining transmission speed.
3Reliability
If light-based transmission is used for secure pairing, then security against interception is improved, but device alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-alignment through the natural behavior of light propagation and camera focusing. When devices are brought into proximity, the camera automatically focuses on the light emitting device, and the system detects the presence of light to confirm proper alignment. This eliminates the need for complex manual alignment mechanisms while maintaining secure code transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different light colors or patterns to indicate alignment status and transmission progress. The light emitting device may change color or flash patterns to guide the user in proper device positioning, making the alignment process intuitive and eliminating complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If manual code entry is required for pairing, then security control is maintained, but user operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of manual code entry with automatic optical detection. The light receiving device, integrated with the camera, automatically captures the light patterns containing the shared code, and the processor automatically extracts and verifies the code. This eliminates manual typing while maintaining security through automatic code verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of the shared code through automatic detection and comparison. The light receiving device captures the transmitted code, the processor extracts it, and automatically compares it with the expected code to confirm pairing. This self-service approach maintains security control while eliminating manual user intervention.
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 rapid, secure, and uncomplicated pairing of devices within the same product family, shielding the shared code from unauthorized observation and eliminating the need for manual alignment and user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
activating a light emitting device of the second electronic device and transmitting a pattern of light defining a bit stream of data
Implementation Method 2
receiving the bit stream of data at a light receiving device of the of the first electronic device, the light receiving device being directly aligned with the light emitting device
Implementation Method 3
at least one magnet included in one of the peripheral device or the computing device, at least one sensing device included in the other of the peripheral device or the computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A light augmented system for securely pairing a computing device and a peripheral device may include a light emitting device provided in the peripheral device, and a light receiving device provided in the computing device. A sensing device may be included in one of the computing device or the peripheral device, and a magnet may be included at a specific location in the other of the computing device or the peripheral device. Upon detection by the sensing device of the magnet at the specific location and confirmation that the computing device and the peripheral device are in a secure closed position, a secure pairing operation may be carried out between the peripheral device and the computing device as the light emitting device transmits a pattern of light to the computing device, the pattern of light defining a bit stream of information corresponding to a pairing code known by the peripheral device and the computing device.