Beacon Responder Validation via Challenge-Response Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for proving the presence of usable direct communication channels between devices are inefficient and lack effective validation mechanisms, particularly in ensuring the authenticity and location of responder devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method involving a beacon device transmitting a challenge message to responder devices, with a validation device inferring which devices received the message by comparing response messages to a confirmation message, and optionally using quantum key distribution and distributed ledgers for authentication and data validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a beacon device transmits challenge messages to responder devices to validate direct communication channels, then the ability to prove presence of usable communication channels is improved, but the complexity of validation mechanisms and device coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The validation process is segmented into distinct roles (beacon device, responder device, validation device) and separate message types (challenge message, response message, confirmation message). This segmentation allows complex validation to be broken down into manageable, coordinated steps that improve reliability without overwhelming single-device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A validation device acts as an intermediary that receives both response messages from responder devices and confirmation messages from beacon devices. This intermediary coordinates the validation process, comparing timestamps and messages to determine successful validation, thereby distributing complexity across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in one location
2Measurement precision
If response messages are compared to confirmation messages with timestamp verification, then the precision of location inference and authenticity validation is improved, but the time required for validation processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Timestamps are embedded in messages during their creation (preliminary action) rather than added during validation. The beacon device records the challenge message timestamp, and responder devices record their response message timestamp. This preliminary timestamping allows the validation device to perform simple arithmetic comparisons rather than complex analysis, improving precision while minimizing additional processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or procedural validation methods with a computational timestamp comparison system. By substituting physical validation mechanisms with electronic timestamp arithmetic, the system achieves high precision location inference and authenticity validation with minimal processing time overhead
3Measurement precision
If directional transmission means are used to transmit challenge messages in predetermined directions, then the accuracy of responder device location determination is improved, but the device complexity and transmission coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon device employs directional transmission means to transmit challenge messages with different local qualities (directions) toward different geographic regions. Each directional transmission is optimized for its specific direction, allowing precise determination of which responder devices are located in which directions relative to the beacon. This local optimization improves location accuracy without requiring complex global coordination
4Productivity
If challenge messages and directed repetitions are transmitted according to predetermined temporal and directional patterns, then the ability to detect responder devices and infer their locations is improved, but the quantity of transmissions and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by transmitting directed repetitions of challenge messages according to predetermined temporal patterns. Instead of continuous transmission, the beacon device sends challenge messages at specific intervals in specific directions. This periodic approach improves responder device detection capability by systematically covering different directions over time while limiting the total quantity of transmissions compared to continuous omnidirectional broadcasting
Data Source
AI summary
A beacon device transmits a challenge message to each of one or more responder devices over a respective direct communication link, inviting each responder device to prove the existence of its respective direct communication link by transmitting to a respective recipient device, distinct from the beacon device, a respective response message indicating knowledge of contents of the challenge message. A predetermined time period after its transmission of the challenge message, the beacon device transmits a confirmation message indicating knowledge of the contents of the challenge message to a message store. A validation device then compares contents of each response message which preceded the confirmation message in time, if any, to contents of the confirmation message and infers therefrom which of the respective responder devices, if any, received the challenge message over the respective direct communication link.