Peripheral Device Authentication via Cryptographic Key Pairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide a scalable solution for authenticating peripheral devices while respecting user privacy, as traditional methods are either insecure or costly to manage, especially when dealing with large numbers of devices.
Innovation Solution
Embedding private keys in peripheral devices and using a public key on the computing device to authenticate these keys, allowing for secure verification without compromising user privacy, and enabling or disabling functionality based on authentication status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional identification methods using identification strings are used, then device connection is simple, but security is compromised as strings can be easily spoofed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification string verification with cryptographic key pair authentication. The peripheral device contains a private key and the computing device holds a public key, enabling secure authentication that cannot be easily spoofed while maintaining automated connection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic key pairs as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the peripheral device and computing device. This intermediary system provides verifiable device identity without requiring direct trust or complex manual verification processes.
2Reliability
If unique device IDs with access controls are used, then device identity verification is reliable, but privacy is sacrificed and system scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses public keys as verifiable copies of device identity that can be shared and verified without revealing the original private identity. Multiple peripheral devices can have unique private keys that all verify against a common public key infrastructure, enabling both verification and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication function from centralized device ID tracking and places it in distributed key pairs. Each peripheral device carries its own authentication credentials locally, eliminating the need for centralized tracking systems while maintaining verification reliability.
3Reliability
If key pairs from public key infrastructure are used, then device authentication is secure, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication framework where a single public key can verify multiple peripheral device private keys. This multi-functional approach allows one computing device to authenticate many different peripherals without requiring individualized authentication mechanisms for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from unique device IDs requiring centralized management to cryptographic key pairs with hierarchical verification. This parameter change reduces complexity by allowing batch verification of multiple devices against a common public key while maintaining individual device security.
Data Source
AI summary
A protocol provides authentication of peripheral devices by a computing device to which the peripheral device connects. Computing devices include a verifier with a public key that authenticates multiple associated private keys. Private keys are embedded on peripheral devices. When the verifier is able to authenticate a connected peripheral, particular functionality is enabled that may not be enabled for peripherals that do not authenticate.