Acoustic Near Field Authentication Using Encoded Sound Waves
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near field communication technologies require close proximity between devices, are expensive to implement, and lack security, making them impractical for widespread use in transactions, especially for small businesses and financial transactions.
Innovation Solution
A method using audio transceivers to transmit and receive encoded sound waves for authentication, allowing devices to communicate over a wider range and securely authenticate users and devices using periodic enclosed content messages that include biometric and device identification data, enabling secure transactions without the need for expensive upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional near field communication is used, then authentication can be performed, but the devices must be in extremely close proximity (within 4 centimeters), which restricts practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic-based near field communication with acoustic wave-based communication. The mobile device transmits authentication data as encoded sound waves through its speaker, and the register receives and decodes these acoustic signals. This substitution of the communication medium allows for greater transmission distance while maintaining security, as acoustic waves can be directed and localized more effectively than radio waves for near-field interactions.
2Reliability
If conventional near field communication is used, then authentication can be performed, but the technology requires expensive equipment and software upgrades for both the transactional device and the user's electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the mobile device to perform authentication using its existing speaker and microphone components without requiring additional specialized hardware. The mobile device encodes authentication data into sound waves using its own built-in acoustic components, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades to the user's device. The register side requires minimal infrastructure changes, making the overall implementation much more cost-effective compared to conventional NFC or Bluetooth solutions.
3Reliability
If conventional near field communication is used, then authentication can be performed, but there is no protection against eavesdropping and data modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for authentication communication. The mobile device encodes authentication data into sound wave patterns, which are then transmitted through the air as acoustic signals. This intermediary approach provides inherent security benefits, as acoustic waves can be easily blocked or interfered with by physical obstacles, creating a natural barrier against eavesdropping. The sound waves must pass through the air gap between devices, making interception more difficult compared to direct electromagnetic coupling.
4Reliability
If devices are placed within close proximity for conventional near field communication, then authentication can be performed, but the user cannot make further use of the phone while the transaction is taking place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the authentication interaction from a contact-based two-dimensional plane to an acoustic three-dimensional space. Instead of requiring the phone to be physically touching or within centimeters of the register, the user can hold the phone at a comfortable distance while acoustic waves transmit authentication data through the air. This dimensional shift allows the user to maintain natural phone handling and usage during the transaction, improving both comfort and device usability.
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 solution enhances security and practicality by allowing transactions to occur over a wider range, reducing the risk of device damage and enabling simultaneous use of devices during transactions, while providing an additional layer of security for financial and confidential communications.
Implementation Method 1
A source such as a mobile computing device transmits an authentication request by executing the following salient steps using an audio transceiver: scanning a plurality of predetermined frequencies for a free frequency, selecting the free frequency from the plurality of predetermined frequencies, generating a periodic enclosed content message, encoding a carrier wave with the periodic enclosed content message, and transmitting the modulated carrier wave at the free frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for near field authentication of sources using an audio transceiver computing device includes scanning a plurality of predetermined frequencies for a free frequency, selecting the free frequency from the plurality of predetermined frequencies, generating a periodic enclosed content message, generating a modulated carrier wave representing the periodic enclosed content message, and transmitting the modulated carrier wave at the free frequency. A method for near field authentication of sources using a microphone input of a receiving computing device includes scanning a plurality of predetermined frequencies to detect a signal using the microphone input, verifying, responsive to detecting the signal, that the signal includes at least one enclosed content message, and extracting a content from the enclosed content message.