Secure authentication device using light and radio signals

An authentication device is used with an electronic device comprising a capacitive touch screen and a radio transceiver, wherein the authentication device comprises:

• a light receiver, disposed on a face of the authentication device is placed facing the capacitive touch screen,
• the radio transceiver,
• a memory comprising an encryption key,
• the authentication device further comprising:
• a plurality of pins disposed on the face of the authentication device placed facing the capacitive touch screen, at least two pins of the plurality of pins consisting of a conductive material and constituting a predetermined pattern associated with a first item of activation information, the remaining other pins of the plurality of pins consisting of an insulating material, with all the pins of the plurality of pins having an identical appearance,
• a first operating mode, referred to as a standby mode, and a second operating mode referred to as an active mode, the standby mode being characterised by an energy consumption of the authentication device lower than an energy consumption of the active mode,
• the authentication device being adapted for:
• functioning in the first operating mode wherein the authentication device is configured to operate in the standby mode for:
• receiving, via the light receiver an activation light signal emitted by the capacitive touch screen,
• decoding, via the light receiver, the received activation light signal,
• encoding, via the light receiver, the activation light signal into a first message comprising a second item of activation information,
• determining a validity of the second item of activation information, and
• if the second item of activation information is equal to the first item of activation information, switching from the first operating mode referred to as the standby mode into the second operating mode referred to as the active mode,
• wherein the authentication device is configured to operate in the second operating mode referred to as the active mode for:
• receiving, via the light receiver, an identification light signal emitted by the capacitive touch screen,
• decoding, via the light receiver, the received identification light signal,
• encoding, via the light receiver, the identification light signal into a second message comprising identification information,
• broadcasting the second message via the radio transceiver,
• receiving, via the radio transceiver, a request to establish a connection from the electronic device, and
• establishing the connection with the electronic device,
• receiving, via the established connection the first message comprising the second item of activation information to be encrypted,
• encrypting said second item of activation information using the encryption key, and
• sending the first message to the electronic device, the first message comprising the encrypted second item of activation information.