Peripheral Device Authentication Link for Secure Pairing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems between peripheral devices and host devices lack user authentication, leading to security risks as unauthorized users can pair devices, potentially accessing sensitive data and facing issues with theft and reuse.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an authentication-based communication link where the peripheral device requests and stores user credentials and device identifiers, performing authentication before establishing a communication link, and maintaining authentication checks to ensure only authorized devices and users can connect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional pairing procedures are used without authentication, then device compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but security is worsened allowing unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication procedures before establishing communication links. User credentials are verified in advance during the pairing process, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect. This preliminary authentication action prevents unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces authentication credentials as an intermediary element between the peripheral device and host device. These credentials act as a mediator that verifies the identity and authorization of connecting devices, allowing secure connections without compromising user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If authentication procedures are implemented, then security is improved preventing unauthorized access, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunauthorized accessVSAvoidauthentication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that works across multiple device types and communication protocols. The authentication system is designed to be protocol-agnostic, allowing the same authentication framework to secure Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless communications without requiring device-specific complex implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system enables devices to perform self-verification using stored credentials. Once credentials are established during initial pairing, devices can autonomously authenticate future connection requests without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex external verification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If user credentials are stored in peripheral device, then authentication capability is improved, but security risk is worsened if credentials are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication capabilityVSAvoidcredential compromise risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments authentication credentials into multiple components distributed between the peripheral device and host device. Rather than storing complete credentials in one location, the system divides authentication data so that no single device holds all necessary information, reducing the impact of credential compromise at any single point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements security measures in advance to protect stored credentials. Encryption and secure storage mechanisms are established before credentials are compromised, providing a protective buffer that mitigates damage if security is breached. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if credentials are accessed, they remain protected by multiple security layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11792651B2Authentication-based communication link with a peripheral device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for an authentication-based communication link with a peripheral device are presented. In some embodiments, the peripheral device receives, from a host device, and stores, in a memory of the peripheral device, registration data including, for instance, a user credential, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier. Upon a request to pair the peripheral device with the same or a different host device, the peripheral device requests and receives, from such a host device, authentication data including a user credential, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier. The peripheral device determines whether a match exists between the received authentication data and the registration data. If so, a communication link is established with the host device.