Wireless Charging Pairing for Secure Cordless Telephone Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication pairing methods for desktop telephones are time-consuming, inconvenient, and insecure, particularly as they rely on Bluetooth protocols that expose devices to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, and require additional NFC capabilities for secure out-of-band authentication, which is costly and complex to implement.

Innovation Solution

The use of a wireless charging system's data communication channel as an out-of-band channel for secure pairing between a telephone base and a wireless handset, leveraging the Wireless Power Consortium Qi Protocol to facilitate fast and secure pairing without the need for additional NFC capabilities or sensors, thereby simplifying the process and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bluetooth protocol is used for wireless communication pairing, then wireless connectivity is established, but pairing process becomes time-consuming and insecure against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an out-of-band communication channel as an intermediary for secure pairing. This separate channel (distinct from the main Bluetooth communication channel) allows exchange of pairing credentials and authentication data, preventing eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks on the primary communication path. The intermediary channel provides a secure foundation for establishing trusted wireless connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the pairing process by utilizing a different communication medium or channel (out-of-band) rather than relying solely on the Bluetooth radio channel. This dimensional separation allows simultaneous secure authentication and communication setup, reducing overall pairing time while enhancing security through multi-channel verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If NFC capabilities are added for secure out-of-band authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing wireless communication interface multi-functional by using it for both data communication and secure pairing authentication. The same radio interface and protocol stack handle both operational communication and pairing credentials exchange, eliminating the need for dedicated NFC hardware while maintaining secure out-of-band authentication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing wireless communication infrastructure to provide the secure pairing function, rather than relying on external or additional specialized hardware. The out-of-band channel is created within the existing communication stack, allowing the device to authenticate itself using resources already present in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If traditional pairing methods are used, then connectivity is established, but user interaction is required which reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs pairing authentication actions in advance during the initial connection establishment. By pre-exchanging cryptographic credentials and establishing trust relationships before actual data communication begins, the system eliminates the need for user intervention during ongoing operations. The pairing is completed automatically as part of the connection handshake process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pairing process is automated through self-service mechanisms where devices automatically exchange credentials, verify authentication, and establish secure connections without requiring user input. The system handles the entire pairing sequence autonomously, improving both convenience and speed by eliminating manual user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables secure and fast wireless communication pairing within approximately one second, reducing user interaction and preventing man-in-the-middle attacks, while maintaining security and eliminating the need for additional hardware components, thus enhancing user experience and protecting data.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitter configured to wirelessly provide power to a power receiver to charge a battery when the wireless charging receiving device is in the charging position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11881727B2Communication pairing for telephone based on wireless charging protocol
Publication Date: 2024.01.23 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US11881727B2 patent drawing
  • US11881727B2 patent drawing
  • US11881727B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of establishing a secure wireless communication pairing using a wireless charging for authentication via an out-of-band channel. The method includes a telephone base detecting presence of a wireless handset and initiating a wireless charging process to charge the wireless handset upon detecting the presence of the wireless handset. The method further includes establishing a secure wireless communication pairing by telephone base with the wireless handset, based on information exchanged as part of the wireless charging process.