Device Use Restriction via Segmented Optical and Wireless Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device use restriction systems using RFID modules face challenges in setting an optimal range for releasing use restrictions, leading to either inconvenient restrictions for authorized users or potential unauthorized access when the range is too large or too small.
Innovation Solution
A device use restricting system that employs wireless communication and optical communication methods to narrow the signal reception area, using an RFID module with a photoreceptor and a light emitter to authenticate authorized users within a specific optical communication area, while allowing broader wireless communication for convenience and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wireless communication area is used for user authentication, then user convenience is improved, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication area into two distinct zones: a wide wireless communication area for detecting RFID tags and a narrow optical communication area for transmitting authentication signals. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both broad detection capability and restricted authentication, resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical signal transmission mechanism that acts as a mediator between the wireless detection phase and the final authentication decision. The light emitter and photoreceptor create an intermediate verification step that ensures only users within the restricted optical area can be authenticated, even though their RFID tags may be detected in the broader wireless area.
2Ease of operation
If the signal reception area is made larger, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal reception function into two distinct reception areas with different purposes: a large wireless communication area for tag detection and a small optical communication area for authentication signal reception. This allows the system to maintain large reception capability while restricting authentication to a small secure area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different spatial regions: the wireless communication area has broad coverage for convenience, while the optical communication area has highly directional and localized properties for security. Each area is optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between coverage and security.
3Reliability
If the signal reception area is made smaller, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two stages: broad wireless tag detection that provides convenience, followed by restricted optical signal transmission that provides security. The small optical reception area is compensated by the large wireless detection area, ensuring users can easily approach the device while authentication remains secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary wireless tag detection in the broad communication area before requiring optical signal transmission in the narrow area. This preliminary action allows the system to identify potential users early, providing convenience, while the subsequent optical verification maintains security through the restricted reception area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively excludes unauthorized access while maintaining user convenience by ensuring only authorized users can access the device within the specified optical communication area, preventing both false denials and unauthorized use.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID module with a photoreceptor and a light emitter to authenticate authorized users within a specific optical communication area
Implementation Method 2
the device having, wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with the RFID module residing within a wireless communication area of the device in a non-contact manner
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided with a reader/writer that wirelessly communicates with an RFID module in a con-contact manner that resides within a wireless communications area of the device, and an optical transmitter transmitting a signal receivable by the RFID module in an area in the vicinity of the device within the wireless communication area of the device, the signal receivable area being narrower than the wireless communication area. The device determines whether an ID of an RFID currently performing wireless-communication is stored in its storage as an authorized ID, or not. The optical transmitter initiates signal transmission on the condition of the determination that the corresponding ID is stored. Upon receipt of the signal from the optical transmitter by a photoreceptor, the RFID module wirelessly transmits an authentication request signal to the device. Having received the authentication request signal from the RFID module, the device authenticates the ID and authorizes the use of the device based on the establishment of the authentication. Thus, the use of the device by unspecified users can be excluded at a high ratio without impairing the convenience of users of the device.