Bluetooth Collector Authentication for Secure Media Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring research data related to media data exposure in households are inefficient and insecure, particularly over wireless cellular connections, leading to increased costs and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a Bluetooth connection to securely transfer research data using authentication files, where a first and second authentication file are validated to establish a session authentication file, enabling secure data transfer over a predetermined period, utilizing a processor, memory, and communication interface in a collector device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless cellular connection is used for transferring research data, then data transfer can be achieved, but security is compromised and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Bluetooth technology as an intermediary communication channel between the portable computing device and the collector. This short-range wireless technology serves as a secure mediator that replaces the insecure cellular connection for local data transfer, thereby improving security while reducing communication costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary authentication procedures before allowing data transfer. Authentication files are exchanged and verified in advance to establish trusted relationships between devices, ensuring that only authorized devices can communicate and transfer research data securely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If wireless cellular connection is used for transferring research data, then data transfer can be achieved, but security concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Bluetooth technology acts as a secure intermediary that enables efficient local data transfer without the security vulnerabilities of cellular networks. The short-range nature of Bluetooth inherently provides better security while maintaining transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication files are exchanged and verified before data transfer begins, establishing security credentials in advance. This preliminary authentication ensures that subsequent data transfers occur over secure, authorized connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If authentication files are exchanged via Bluetooth, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is designed to be self-service, where devices automatically exchange and verify authentication files without requiring manual user intervention. The system handles the complex cryptographic operations autonomously, simplifying the user experience while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication files are copied and exchanged between devices in a standardized format. The portable computing device receives a copy of the authentication file from the collector and verifies it against stored credentials, streamlining the authentication process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9386069B2Media exposure data collection and security
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 THE NIELSEN CO (US) LLC
  • US9386069B2 patent drawing
  • US9386069B2 patent drawing
  • US9386069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for securely transferring research data relating to media exposure data, such as radio, television, streaming media and the Internet. A plurality of portable computing devices seek and bond to a collector via Bluetooth in a specific area, such as a household. The collector authenticates itself with each of the portable computing devices and vice versa where the collector arranges a secure research data transfer session with each respective device using exchanged authentication files. As each secure session is made, each portable computing device transmits stored research data during the session.