FIELD

This is directed to communications methods, devices, and systems for generating authentication keys.

BACKGROUND

Most communications protocols require that each device in a wireless network uses a common authentication key, such as a personal identification number (PIN), to secure communications. However, the traditional techniques for implementing such an authentication process can be tedious and slow. For example, the users may need to agree upon a common PIN (or share a predetermined PIN) and then manually enter the PIN into each device. These steps can slow down the process of forming secured networks and may even discourage users from using secured networks.

SUMMARY

This is directed to communications methods, devices, and systems for generating authentication keys based on one or more physical stimuli.

In some embodiments, two or more communications devices can generate an authentication key by monitoring a physical stimulus that is experienced by both devices (e.g., a common physical stimulus). For example, each device can include a sensor and monitor the sensor output during a common physical stimulus. After monitoring a common physical stimulus, each device can then use an identical, predetermined algorithm to generate a common authentication key based on sensor output associated with the stimulus. The devices can use the common authentication key to establish a secure network.

In some embodiments, two or more devices can generate an authentication key by detecting first and second physical stimuli. Each device can generate an authentication key based on the time elapsed between the two stimuli. For example, a user can tap the devices together twice, and then each device can use the time between the taps to generate an authentication key for establishing a secure network between the two devices. Each device may also include wireless circuitry that can use the authentication key to establish a secure network with other devices. In some embodiments, one device can include an exciter and another device can include a sensor, and the exciter can provide a physical stimulus for the sensor to detect. Accordingly, a user may not need to provide a physical stimulus when using such a system to generate an authentication key.

