Wireless Access Point License Authentication via Signal Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional license activation methods rely on accurate location-based positioning, which is insecure and complex, and do not effectively authenticate users without precise GPS or GNSS coordinates.

Innovation Solution

A license authentication method that determines the client's proximity to a wireless access point based on distance, using radio signal calculations, without requiring precise location coordinates, and authenticates licenses based on allowed time and product/user identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If location-based methods using GPS or GNSS are used for license activation, then the license can be activated based on accurate positioning, but the system complexity increases and user personal information security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the location verification function from complex GPS/GNSS positioning systems and implements it through a simplified distance-based authentication mechanism using only wireless signal strength measurement, thereby achieving location verification without the complexity of satellite positioning systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/satellite-based GPS-GNSS positioning system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless signal strength measurement system, substituting complex satellite navigation infrastructure with simple radio signal propagation characteristics for distance estimation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If accurate location coordinates are required for license authentication, then the license activation can be precisely controlled, but the authentication process becomes more complex and less secure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses transient wireless signal strength measurements instead of permanent location coordinates, creating a one-time distance verification that is discarded after authentication, thereby reducing the security risks associated with storing and transmitting precise location data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of determining absolute location coordinates and then verifying distance, the patent inverts the approach by directly measuring distance through signal strength and using that distance measurement for authentication, eliminating the need for coordinate-based positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional location-based positioning is used for license activation, then the license can be tied to specific locations, but the authentication process becomes complex and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation-based license controlVSAvoidlicense activation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the wireless access point serve multiple functions: it provides both wireless network access and performs license authentication through distance verification, eliminating the need for separate positioning infrastructure and streamlining the authentication process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the license authentication process with the existing wireless connection establishment process, merging location verification into the standard Wi-Fi handshake procedure, thereby improving efficiency by eliminating separate authentication steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method simplifies the authentication process, enhances security by eliminating the need for precise location determination, and allows for efficient license activation using existing wireless infrastructure.

Implementation Method 1

The second distance value may be calculated based on a radio signal transmitted and received between the wireless access point and the client

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11238135B2License authentication method in wireless access point, wireless access point apparatus performing said license authentication, license activation method in client apparatus, and client apparatus interworking with wireless access point

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 N3N

AI summary

One aspect of the present invention discloses a license authentication method in a wireless access point (AP). The method comprises receiving a license authentication request including license information from a client; calculating a distance of the client from the wireless access point in response to the received license authentication request; based on the calculated distance, determining whether the client exists within a range of allowed positions for license authentication related to license location information for allowing authentication of a license included in the license information; and determining whether to authenticate in response to the license authentication request based on the determination result.