Wireless Peripheral Pairing via NFC Key Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless peripheral devices lack a simple and secure method for establishing a secure communication channel with host devices, as existing protocols require manual key exchange and are prone to security breaches due to public radio transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless peripheral device with a pre-loaded encryption key stored on a short-range, read-only RFID tag that communicates the key to a host device via near-field communication, allowing for secure pairing and encrypted communication using a separate long-range channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual key exchange is used to establish secure communication, then security is improved, but device complexity and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the key exchange process into two distinct communication channels: a secure short-range channel (NFC) for transmitting the encryption key, and a public long-range channel (Bluetooth) for subsequent data communication. This segmentation allows the key exchange to occur through a physically secure interface while maintaining the convenience of wireless communication for actual data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates secure key exchange by requiring physical proximity between devices. This intermediary layer acts as a trusted mediator that prevents unauthorized key interception, as the short-range NFC channel cannot be accessed without the peripheral device being in immediate physical contact with the host device.
2Ease of operation
If encryption keys are transmitted over public radio channels, then ease of pairing is improved, but security is worsened due to interception risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the key transmission function from the data communication function by using different communication channels. The NFC channel is dedicated solely to secure key exchange requiring physical proximity, while the Bluetooth channel handles data communication over longer ranges. This segmentation ensures that ease of wireless pairing is maintained while security is protected through the physically secure key exchange channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security characteristics to different parts of the communication process. The key exchange phase uses short-range NFC with strict proximity requirements providing high local security, while the subsequent data communication phase uses long-range Bluetooth providing convenience. Each channel is optimized for its specific function with appropriate security characteristics.
3Reliability
If wired connection is used for key exchange, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless NFC system that provides equivalent security through electromagnetic field communication at extremely short ranges. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cables and connectors while maintaining the security benefits of requiring physical proximity for key exchange, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
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
This method simplifies and secures the pairing process by limiting key transmission to a short range, reducing the risk of interception and eliminating the need for manual key input, while ensuring only authorized devices can connect, enhancing user security and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
communicates the key to a host device via near-field communication
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method are provided for simply and securely pairing a wireless peripheral device with a host device or system. The device, claim, and method and other peripheral devices provide for improved simplification and security of the pairing process involved with establishing a secure wireless connection between a peripheral device and a host. Simplification is improved because actions required by the user to complete the pairing process are minimized, and security is improved because of a greatly increased ability on the part of the user to ensure that pairing process is conducted in a secure environment. The pairing may be applicable to any number of host devices and peripheral devices. The host device may be a desktop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, or similar device, and the peripheral device may be a keyboard, mouse, game controller, or personal digital assistant (PDA).