Sensor-Based Device Pairing Using Common Context Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for establishing secure connections between devices require multiple manual steps and are inefficient, especially in ad-hoc wireless networks, where devices need to share content quickly and securely without physical contact.

Innovation Solution

Devices use common context data sensed by multiple sensors to generate identical cryptographic keys, enabling secure communication and content transfer without manual intervention, allowing for simultaneous pairing of multiple devices and secure access to resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional manual pairing methods are used, then security can be maintained, but the pairing process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpairing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic device pairing through sensor-based authentication without requiring manual user intervention. The devices autonomously capture images, extract features, compare data, and establish connections, eliminating the need for users to manually configure pairing parameters or enter authentication codes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical pairing operations with automated optical and computational systems. Instead of requiring physical button presses or manual code entry, the system uses camera-based image capture, computer vision algorithms, and automated feature extraction to accomplish pairing tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual pairing steps are required, then security can be ensured, but productivity and speed of content sharing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcontent sharing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions automatically by capturing images and extracting features before content sharing begins. The feature extraction and comparison processes are initiated automatically upon device proximity detection, eliminating the need for users to wait through manual authentication steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pairing process maintains continuous operation through automated image capture, feature extraction, and comparison steps that flow seamlessly without manual intervention. The system continuously monitors for pairing opportunities and executes authentication protocols automatically, ensuring uninterrupted content sharing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If NFC technology is used for content transfer, then security is improved through physical contact requirement, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for precise physical alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice alignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based NFC pairing mechanism with an optical system using cameras and image processing. Instead of requiring precise physical alignment and contact between devices, the system captures images of pairing codes or visual elements and processes them computationally to establish connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary visual encoding mechanism (pairing codes or visual elements) that mediates between the two devices. Rather than requiring direct physical contact or complex wireless handshaking, the visual intermediary carries the necessary authentication information that can be captured and processed by camera systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If multiple manual pairing steps are required, then security can be maintained, but loss of time increases due to prolonged pairing process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpairing process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system skips through multiple traditional pairing steps by directly capturing authentication information through image recognition. Instead of sequentially executing manual authentication, device discovery, and connection establishment steps, the system rapidly captures the essential authentication data and processes it computationally to accelerate the pairing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS10217381B2Secure multi-party device pairing using sensor data

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Content is securely shared between communication devices in an ad-hoc manner by employing common sensing context to establish pairing between the communication devices. In one aspect, the communication devices are within a specified distance from each other and sense common signals from their environment over a specified time period. The common signals are analyzed to determine an initialization or session key, which is utilized to secure content transfer between the communication devices. Additionally or alternatively, the key is utilized to provide access to virtual (e.g., digital content) and/or physical (e.g., buildings) resources.