Methods for authenticating device-to-device communication

• US 10,064,052 B2
• Filed: 06/25/2014
• Issued: 08/28/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qardio, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qardio, Inc.
• Inventors: Peluso, Marco, Iannella, Rosario
• Primary Examiner(s): Armouche, Hadi S
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wade, Shaqueal D
• Application Number:
  US14/314,139
• Publication Number:
  US 20140380419A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,525 Days
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/08 for authentication of entities cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication H04L9/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 Direct-mode setup

Abstract

Devices and methods are described to enable devices to be paired in a convenient and secure way based on proximity with the use of a single radio transmission protocol. Using devices configurable to perform the processes described, users are able to pair Bluetooth enabled devices or other radio communication protocols simply by putting the devices briefly in contact, or within close proximity, usually few centimeters. When the two devices touch or are in close proximity, the encryption key is shared across the two devices without further interaction required by the user. The encryption key is not made visible, so one potential source of security breach is eliminated. After first setup, proximity is not required and the device can communicate securely based on the previously exchanged security tokens (and encryption keys) without the requirement of proximity. This method is hence superior to all other authentication methods in use as it combines the benefit of an easy setup/configuration with the use of secure communications and cheaper design and manufacturing.

Claims

1. An electronic system for wirelessly and securely authenticating pairing between one or more first devices and one or more second devices comprising:

one or more first devices, wherein each of the one or more first devices has a first device memory and a first device secure communications component that uses a first unique electromagnetic communication identifier corresponding to the first device in connection with establishing a secure communication channel from the first device;

one or more second devices, wherein each of the one or more second devices has a second device memory and a second device secure communications component that uses a second unique electromagnetic communication identifier corresponding to the second device in connection with establishing a secure communication channel with the first device;

code to request a pairing by the one or more first devices to the one or more second devices;

code to validate a received signal strength at or above a trigger level using a radio transmission protocol from the one or more first devices by the one or more second devices by measuring a power present in a radio signal received by the one or more first devices;

when the received signal strength of the one or more first devices confirms a physical proximity during a first pairing that is at least one of adjacent and within threshold centimeters of the one or more second devices, code to accept the pairing request and download an application onto at least one of the one or more first devices and the one or more second devices;

code to exchange authentication tokens between the one or more first devices and the one or more second devices without manual entry of information by a user;

code to automatically authenticate the one or more first devices with the one or more second devices during a subsequent pairing using the radio transmission protocol without requiring the received signal strength indication to be at or above the trigger level.

2. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more second devices further comprises a transmission power monitor.

3. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the request for pairing is automatic.

4. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the trigger level is modified dynamically based on information received from the one or more second devices.

5. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the trigger level is modified dynamically based on information coming from a surrounding environment.

6. The electronic system of claim 4, wherein the trigger level is modified dynamically also based on information coming from a surrounding environment.

7. A method for facilitating electronic communication among wireless devices comprising:

receiving a signal from one or more first devices, wherein each of the one or more first devices have a first device memory and a first device secure communications component that uses a first unique electromagnetic communication identifier corresponding to the first device in connection with establishing a secure communication channel for transmitting data from the first device;

validating a received signal strength at or above a trigger level from the one or more first devices using a radio transmission protocol;

downloading an application onto at least one of the one or more first devices and one or more second devices during a first time pairing between the one or more first devices and the one or more second devices once the one or more first devices is at least one of adjacent and within threshold centimeters to the one or more second devices;

sharing an authentication token between the one or more first devices and the one or more second devices without visibility to a user during the first time pairing;

activating the downloaded application on the one or more first devices;

requesting a subsequent pairing between the one or more first devices with the one or more second devices without manual entry of information by the user when the one or more first devices is no within physic proximity of the one or more second devices and is within a radio communication distance of the one or more second device;

sending information from the one or more first devices to one or more second devices; and

authenticating automatically during the subsequent wireless pairing using the radio transmission protocol without requiring the received signal strength indication to be at or above the trigger level.

8. The method for facilitating electronic communication among wireless devices of claim 7, wherein the second device further comprises a transmission power monitor.

9. The method for facilitating electronic communication among one or more first devices and one or more second devices of claim 7, wherein a power present in a radio signal is measured.