Cryptographic Handshake Power Charger Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing portability of electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops leads to a higher risk of them being lost or stolen, and existing methods to prevent theft, like network blocking, are inadequate as stolen devices can still be used in Wi-Fi mode, especially in developing countries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a power charge management system using a processor that authorizes charging sessions through cryptographic handshakes or physical tokens, limiting charging to a specific threshold on unauthorized chargers and geographically restricted areas, thereby reducing the device's value and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network blocking is used to prevent theft, then device security is improved, but stolen devices can still be used in Wi-Fi mode making the method inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charging process into multiple stages: initial connection, cryptographic handshake authentication, and charging authorization. By dividing the charging function into these separate steps, the system can authenticate the device before allowing full charging, preventing stolen devices from being fully charged while still allowing authorized devices to charge normally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryptographic handshake protocol as an intermediary mechanism between the UE and charging station. This intermediary authentication layer verifies device legitimacy before enabling charging, blocking stolen devices without affecting the core charging function for authorized devices
2Reliability
If cryptographic handshake authentication is implemented, then charging security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryptographic handshake protocol serves multiple functions simultaneously: it authenticates the device, establishes secure communication channels, and enables subsequent charging authorization. By combining these functions into a single standardized protocol, the patent improves charging security without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from simple network blocking to cryptographic verification. This parameter change transforms the security mechanism from a coarse-grained approach to a fine-grained cryptographic approach, enabling more precise security control while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols
3Reliability
If charging is limited to specific threshold on unauthorized chargers, then stolen device value is reduced, but user convenience is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryptographic authentication before allowing charging to proceed. By authenticating the device in advance through the handshake protocol, the system can automatically authorize or deny charging without requiring user intervention, maintaining convenience for authorized users while preventing theft
4Reliability
If geographic restriction is applied to charging locations, then device security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges geographic location verification with the cryptographic authentication protocol. By combining these two security mechanisms into a unified authorization decision, the system enhances security without requiring separate complex systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for using power charge management authorization for a user equipment (UE) by a processor. A power charging session is authorized by firmware of the UE for charging the UE using a cryptographic handshake between the UE and a power charging station.