Beacon Security via Dynamic Time-Varying Identification Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beacon devices transmit unsecured wireless signals, allowing unauthorized users to correlate beacon identifiers with their locations, leading to potential misuse by competitors or others.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that generates and uses secure identification codes based on algorithms, incorporating fixed and dynamic variables, such as time, to periodically change beacon identification information, ensuring only authorized users can correlate beacons with their locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beacon devices transmit unsecured wireless signals with static identification information, then ease of operation and device simplicity are improved, but security and reliability deteriorate as unauthorized users can correlate beacon identifiers with locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static beacon identification information to dynamic identification codes that change over time. The system generates time-varying identification codes using algorithms that incorporate time variables, causing the beacon's identifying information to dynamically update periodically. This resolves the security issue while maintaining operational simplicity, as the dynamic changes occur automatically without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the identification information parameter of the beacon transmissions. Instead of using fixed identifiers, the system changes the identification parameter periodically by generating new codes based on time-dependent algorithms. This parameter transformation ensures that each transmission contains updated identification information, preventing unauthorized correlation of beacon locations while preserving the ease of transmission.
2Reliability
If beacon identification information changes periodically, then security is improved, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the beacon device to automatically generate and update its own identification codes without external intervention. The beacon incorporates an algorithm that uses its current time and predefined variables to autonomously produce new identification codes. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external key management infrastructure, as each beacon independently maintains its security credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary algorithm that mediates between the beacon's static secret variables and the dynamic time information to generate secure identification codes. This intermediary computational layer transforms simple inputs (time and secret variables) into secure outputs without requiring complex cryptographic hardware or external key distribution systems, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If time-varying codes are used in beacon transmissions, then unauthorized access is prevented, but information processing and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by using simplified cryptographic operations that provide sufficient security without requiring full-strength cryptographic processing. The identification code generation uses algorithms that incorporate time variables and secret variables in a computationally efficient manner, performing only the necessary computational steps to generate secure codes rather than executing complete cryptographic protocols. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining adequate access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by updating identification codes at regular time intervals rather than continuously. The beacon generates new identification codes based on periodic time variables, creating a rhythm of code updates that provides security against unauthorized access while allowing computational resources to rest between updates. This periodic regeneration strategy reduces overall computational energy requirements compared to continuous code generation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods that include a beacon that includes an antenna; data storage configured to store a code that is calculated according to an algorithm and based on a first variable, the first variable being defined according to a first interval of time; and a processor configured to cause the code to be emitted by the beacon.


