Method and apparatus for secure pairing

• US 20060143455A1
• Filed: 12/28/2004
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Gitzinger, Thomas E.
• Application Number:
  US11/023,952
• Publication Number:
  US 20060143455A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/170
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/04 for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/18 using different networks or channels, e.g. using out of band channels cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key distribution involving distinctive intermediate devices or communication paths H04L9/0827; cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for authentication using a plurality of channels H04L9/3215
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6066 including a wireless connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/02 Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/50 Secure pairing of devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securely pairing wireless devices is disclosed. The method comprises sending (304) from a first device (102) secure information, such as a Bluetooth code, a pin or combination thereof, over a wired link (260). Then receiving (306) from a second device (104) a confirmation to the secure information over a wireless link (105). Then, the method comprises, communicating over a link using at least a portion of the secure information to maintain a secure link.

Claims

1. A method of securely pairing wireless devices, comprising:

sending from a first device a secure information over a wired link;

receiving from a second device the confirmation to the secure information over a wireless link; and

communicating over the wireless link using at least a portion of the secure information to maintain a secure link.

2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the wired link supports communication in only a single direction.

3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the secure information includes a device identification required.

4. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the secure information includes a pin.

5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the wireless link supports communication in only a single direction.

6. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the wired link is formed by coupling a first audio connecter of the first device to a second audio connector of the second device.

7. The method as defined in claim 1, further comprising determining that the second device is capable of receiving the secure information.

8. The method as defined in claim 7, further comprising sending a device identification and a code

11. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry further supports automatic pairing that is initiated upon connection of the audio headset plug to the audio headset receptacle.

12. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry further supports a manual pairing mode that is initiated by the selection of a pairing mode.

9. Wireless communication devices, comprising:

a first device including an audio headset plug;

a wireless transmitter; and

control circuitry for establishing and maintain pairing;

a second device including an audio headset receptacle complimentary to the audio headset plug;

a transmitter;

a wireless receiver configured to form a wireless link with the wireless transmitter; and

control circuitry to support establishing and maintaining pairing;

wherein, the first device communicates secure information for pairing to the second device via the headset plug and headset receptacle when connected, and wherein the second device communicates confirmation information to the first via the wireless link to pair the first and second devices.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, wherein the audio headset plug is a mini stereo head set plug.

13. A method for the secure pairing of wireless devices comprising:

receiving at a first device secure information over a wireless link;

sending over a wired link a confirmation of the receipt of the secure information;

communicating over the wireless link using at least a portion of the secure information to maintain a secure wireless link.