Communication Apparatus Authentication State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses using wireless LAN and power-line communications face issues with mistaken authentication due to the simplicity of common key setting methods, leading to potential eavesdropping and identity theft from neighboring devices with the same key.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a state management unit, duplication detection unit, and authentication unit that manages authentication states to prevent duplicate message receipt, ensuring correct authentication by limiting authentication operations and preventing message fraud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple common key setting method is used (storing key inside apparatus or building key generation procedure), then the input means for key settings can be easily implemented at extremely low cost, but the number of pattern functions which can be inputted decreases and the chosen key duplicates, increasing the possibility of mistaken authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing duplication detection before completing authentication. The receiving apparatus detects duplicate receipt of authentication messages in advance, and when duplication is detected, it notifies the transmitting apparatus to stop transmission, preventing mistaken authentication before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by establishing a notification mechanism where the receiving apparatus informs the transmitting apparatus when duplicate messages are detected. This feedback loop allows the transmitting apparatus to stop message transmission, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents authentication errors.
2Ease of operation
If streamlined input means is used for key settings, then implementation cost is extremely low, but the chosen key duplicates and authentication between non-predetermined apparatuses may succeed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing duplication detection that prevents mistaken authentication before it can occur. When the receiving apparatus detects duplicate authentication messages, it sends a notification to stop transmission, thereby preemptively blocking the harmful effect of mistaken authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism creates a feedback loop where authentication message duplication is detected and communicated back to the transmitting apparatus, which then stops transmission. This feedback system eliminates mistaken authentication while preserving the simplicity of the key setting operation.
3Productivity
If mutual authentication is not performed correctly in the initial connection period, then the connection process is simple and fast, but a non-predetermined apparatus will connect by mistake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs duplication detection as a preliminary action during the authentication process. The receiving apparatus detects duplicate messages before authentication is completed, and the transmitting apparatus stops transmission upon notification, ensuring authentication accuracy without significantly delaying the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mechanism provides real-time feedback during authentication, allowing the system to correct potential authentication errors before they result in mistaken connections. This feedback-based approach maintains connection speed while improving authentication accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus and authenticating method prevent mistaken authentication at initial authentication in a connection between communication apparatuses. The communication apparatus includes an authentication processing unit which manages each state of the communication apparatus. The states include an authentication initiation permissible state, an authentication initiation impermissible state, an authentication initiation state, an authenticating state, an authentication successful state, an authentication unsuccessful state and an authentication completed state. Additionally, the authentication processing unit performs authentication with another communication apparatus, and stops the authentication when a plurality of authentication messages is received while in the authentication initiation state and the authenticating state. A conflict detection unit detects that a plurality of authentication messages has been received; a display unit displays each state; and an input unit accepts the state change from authentication initiation permissible to authentication initiation (an authentication initiation operation), and from authentication successful to authentication completed (an authentication completion operation).