Memory Card Secure Device Pairing Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securely connecting devices are cumbersome for users, particularly when strong codes are required, and lack efficient mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a memory card to securely connect devices by generating key information in one device, storing it on the card, and authenticating the connection using this information when the card is inserted into another device, ensuring secure setup and preventing fraudulent connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strong code comprising a plurality of characters is used for authentication, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication code from manual entry by the user and stores it in a memory card. The memory card contains the code automatically generated by the system, eliminating the need for users to manually input strong codes while maintaining security through automated cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service authentication by automatically generating and storing authentication codes in the memory card. The verification process is also automated, with the system comparing codes cryptographically without requiring user intervention in the authentication mechanics, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a memory card is used to store key information and authenticate connections, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The memory card serves as an intermediary component between devices. It stores authentication information and enables secure connections without requiring direct complex communication protocols between devices. The memory card simplifies the connection process by mediating authentication through stored key information, improving ease of operation while the added complexity is confined to the card itself rather than the main devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2175674B1Method and system for paring devices
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2175674B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2175674B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for establishing a connection (106) between a first device (102) and a second device (104). The method comprises the steps of: (i) generating a key information in the first device (102) and storing the key information in a memory card (116) connected to the first device (102); (ii) storing in the first device (102) key generation information, said key retrieving information allowing to retrieve the key information; (iii) disconnecting the memory card (116) from the first device (102) and connecting the memory card (116) to the second device (104); (iv) transmitting authentication information obtained from the key information from the second device (104) to the first device (102); and (v) setting up the connection (106) after the authentication information has been successfully verified in the first device (102) using the key retrieving information. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system, which can be used in performing the method.