Acoustic Sensor-Based Device Identifier Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device identifiers, such as UDID and IMEI, are vulnerable to spoofing, leading to security issues and unauthorized access, as they are not stable and spoof-resistant.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based identifier is generated using the unique acoustic features of a device's speaker and microphone systems, employing an ultrasonic or near-ultrasonic reference audio sample to create a fingerprint that is difficult to spoof, based on manufacturing variances and imperfections in hardware components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional device identifiers (UDID, IMEI) are used for device authentication, then device identification is simple and straightforward, but the identifiers are vulnerable to spoofing and security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electronic identifier storage (UDID, IMEI stored in hardware components) with an acoustic-based identification system. The device identifier is transformed into an acoustic signal that can be transmitted and verified through audio channels, making spoofing significantly more difficult while maintaining authentication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of device identification from static hardware-stored values to dynamic acoustic characteristics. By measuring and analyzing acoustic properties (frequency response, resonance patterns, noise characteristics) of the device's speaker and microphone, the system creates a unique acoustic fingerprint that is extremely difficult to replicate.
2Ease of operation
If device identifiers are stored in readable memory components for easy access, then authentication process is efficient, but the identifiers can be accessed and copied by applications creating security vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification process using acoustic signals. Instead of directly accessing and verifying stored identifier values, the system uses the device's acoustic hardware (speaker and microphone) as intermediaries to transmit and verify the identifier. This adds a physical layer of security that applications cannot directly access or copy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct memory read-access mechanism with an acoustic transmission and verification process. The device identifier is converted into acoustic signals that must pass through the physical acoustic pathway, making it impossible for applications to directly read or copy the identifier values from memory.
3Reliability
If device identifiers are made spoof-resistant through complex security mechanisms, then authentication security is improved, but the authentication process becomes more complex and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-measuring and storing the acoustic fingerprint characteristics of each device during manufacturing or initial setup. This acoustic profile is saved and can be quickly verified in future authentication processes without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus maintaining spoof resistance while reducing authentication time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the device's acoustic fingerprint characteristics and stores it securely. During authentication, the system compares the live acoustic measurement against this pre-stored copy rather than performing complex cryptographic verification, significantly speeding up the authentication process while maintaining security.
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
The sensor-based identifier provides a robust and unique identification mechanism that is resistant to spoofing, enhancing device authentication and security by leveraging the inherent hardware characteristics of the device.
Implementation Method 1
obtain an audio sample based on playback of the reference sample by the speaker system and capture of the reference sample by the microphone system
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of creating a device identifier that are based upon hardware components of a client device are discussed. An inaudible or high frequency reference audio sample is played. Audio capture is initiated using the microphone system. A sensor-based device identifier can be generated from the captured audio due the manufacturing variances in the hardware components used for the speaker and microphone systems.