Acoustic Proximity Unlock for Locked Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional password authentication methods for locked devices are cumbersome, requiring repetitive input and offering no alternative for easier secure access, especially in environments where frequent unlocking is necessary.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method that uses a wireless communication protocol to receive a device identifier, generate and transmit an acoustic signal, and estimate the distance between devices to automatically unlock the locked device upon authentication of a trusted device within a predetermined range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional password authentication methodology is used, then device security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to repetitive password entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device accessVSAvoidtime for password entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by detecting the presence of a trusted device before the actual unlock operation. The trusted device is registered in advance, and its detection triggers the unlock sequence, eliminating the need for real-time password entry and pre-establishing the authentication relationship.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic signal as an intermediary medium between the trusted device and the locked device. The acoustic signal serves as a carrier to transmit authentication information wirelessly, replacing direct password input and enabling contactless authentication through sound wave transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automated unlock is implemented using acoustic signals, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of device accessVSAvoidcomplexity of authentication system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an acoustic signal transmission system. Instead of requiring physical interaction with the device through keyboard entry, the system uses acoustic waves to carry authentication data, substituting mechanical operations with acoustic field interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wireless communication carrier, an authentication token, and a proximity verification mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If distance estimation based on acoustic signals is used, then security is enhanced by verifying proximity, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of access controlVSAvoidprecision of distance estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the locked device transmit an acoustic signal and the trusted device receive and report back the signal characteristics. This round-trip communication provides feedback information about signal strength and timing, which is used to estimate distance and verify that the trusted device is within the required proximity threshold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring extremely precise distance measurement, the system uses partial information from the acoustic signal (such as signal strength or time of flight) to determine if the distance is within an acceptable range. This approach provides sufficient security verification without demanding ultra-precise measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 provides easier and more secure access to locked devices by eliminating the need for repetitive password entry, allowing automatic unlocking when a trusted device is in close proximity, thereby enhancing user convenience and security.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting an acoustic signal as sound generated at the locked device based on the authentication, receiving a copy of the acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal transmission: Sound

Implementation Method 2

estimating a distance between the locked device and the trusted device based on the copy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20240370548A1Automated device access

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 APPLE INC

AI summary

A method of unlocking a locked device includes receiving a device identifier over a wireless communication protocol, determining if the device identifier is associated with a list of trusted devices, transmitting a request to generate an acoustic signal over the wireless communication protocol based on the determination, receiving the acoustic signal as an audio sound generated external to the locked device, estimating a distance between a source of the audio sound and the locked device, and unlocking the locked device based on the estimation.