Dynamic Optical Label Token System for Secure Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data transfer between devices in close proximity often require pre-configuration and authentication, which can be insecure and inefficient, especially when devices are not initially connected to the same network.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a primary device to generate and display an optical label containing a secondary URL, allowing a secondary device to connect via a relay server and establish a communication channel without pre-authentication, using tokens encoded with URL information to facilitate secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods are used to establish communication between devices, then communication can be established, but pre-configuration and authentication are required which increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication server that mediates the connection process between primary and secondary devices. The server generates authentication tokens and manages the pairing process, eliminating the need for complex pre-configuration on the devices themselves. The optical label acts as an intermediary carrier that transmits connection information from the primary device to the secondary device without requiring direct complex negotiation between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication server performs preliminary authentication and token generation actions before the actual device connection is established. The primary device generates an optical label with pre-encoded connection information, and the server pre-establishes authentication credentials. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex runtime configuration and authentication negotiations between devices.
2Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used to secure data transfer, then security can be maintained, but the authentication process increases the time required for device connection and data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication credentials and tokens are generated and validated in advance by the authentication server before the actual data transfer begins. The optical label contains pre-encoded authentication information that is validated immediately upon presentation, eliminating the need for time-consuming mutual authentication negotiations during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be self-service oriented where the authentication server automatically validates tokens and establishes connections without requiring manual user intervention or lengthy back-and-forth authentication exchanges. The optical label itself carries the authentication credentials, allowing for rapid self-validation.
3Ease of operation
If devices are pre-configured with VPN or NAC rules to facilitate communication, then communication can be established, but this exposes the network to additional security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication server acts as a secure intermediary that manages all authentication and authorization without requiring devices to be pre-configured with vulnerable VPN or NAC rules. The server validates tokens and manages connection permissions centrally, eliminating the need for distributed security configurations that create attack surfaces. Devices simply present tokens without needing to understand or implement complex security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of configuring devices with complex security rules that can be exploited, the system uses simplified token copies that encapsulate authorization information. The optical label contains a copy of the necessary connection and authentication information in a secure, read-only format that cannot be modified or exploited to gain unauthorized access.
4Productivity
If optical labels are used to transmit connection information, then the connection process is simplified and accelerated, but the information encoded in the label must be sufficiently detailed to establish secure communication
Solution Approach 1:
The connection and authentication information is segmented into distinct components within the token structure, with each segment serving a specific function (device identification, authentication credentials, connection parameters). This segmentation allows the optical label to contain comprehensive information in an organized, efficient format that can be rapidly parsed and validated without requiring complex processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for facilitating the communication between two or more devices, using a primary device, a secondary device, a relay server, and/or a bridge server. The method includes receiving, by a primary device, a primary token encoded with information to generate a primary URL and a secondary token encoded with information to generate a secondary URL, generating the primary URL from the primary token and the secondary URL from the secondary token, generating an optical label comprising information used to generate the secondary URL, and displaying the optical label to the secondary device. The method further includes establishing, by the relay server, a communication channel between the primary and second devices after the primary device connects to the relay server using the primary URL and the secondary device connects to the replay server using the secondary URL.