Personal Digital Key Access Control for Password-Free Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems lack effective, user-friendly security measures to protect sensitive information and manage multiple user accounts across various devices and third-party systems, leading to difficulties in remembering passwords and potential security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A security system utilizing a personal digital key (PDK) that wirelessly communicates with a reader and computing device, automatically controlling access to resources based on the PDK's presence, storing encrypted information like usernames and passwords, and enabling seamless access management without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional password-based security systems are used, then user identification and access control can be implemented, but users face difficulty remembering multiple passwords and the system lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity detection system as an intermediary between the user and the computing device. The system detects the presence of authorized users through wireless communication or other proximity sensing mechanisms, automatically granting access without requiring manual password entry. This intermediary layer eliminates the need for users to remember passwords while maintaining security through automated presence verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system performs self-service by automatically detecting user presence and managing access control without human intervention. The system autonomously verifies authorized users through proximity detection, automatically authenticates them, and grants or denies access to computing resources based on their presence, eliminating manual password management entirely.
2Reliability
If file encryption systems are implemented to protect sensitive information, then security of stored data is improved, but the system becomes difficult to use due to administrative overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption system operates autonomously by automatically detecting user presence and applying decryption keys based on proximity. When an authorized user approaches the computing device, the system self-servicefully retrieves the appropriate decryption key and decrypts protected files without requiring the user to manually enter passwords or configure encryption settings, making encrypted file access as easy as unencrypted access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring encryption keys and authentication mechanisms before users need access to protected files. Decryption keys are stored and ready in advance, and the system automatically retrieves and applies the correct key when an authorized user is detected, eliminating the need for users to perform any cryptographic operations or administrative tasks.
3Reliability
If manual password entry is required for each third-party system, then access control can be enforced, but users spend excessive time managing and remembering credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity detection system serves as an intermediary that automatically handles authentication to multiple third-party systems. When an authorized user is detected near the computing device, the system automatically transmits appropriate credentials to various third-party services, eliminating the need for users to manually enter usernames and passwords for each system while maintaining secure access control.
4Reliability
If security systems require user intervention for authentication, then access security is maintained, but the system becomes intrusive and disrupts user workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system performs self-service by automatically detecting user presence through proximity sensing and granting access without interrupting the user's workflow. The system continuously monitors for authorized users and automatically authenticates them when they approach, eliminating the need for manual login screens, password prompts, or authentication dialogs that would disrupt continuous work.
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
Provides secure, automatic, and non-intrusive access control, eliminating the need for manual password management and ensuring continuous protection of computing resources by maintaining communication with the PDK, even when not in direct proximity.
Implementation Method 1
The PDK is able to link and communicate with the reader via a wireless radio frequency (RF) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A security system comprises a personal digital key (PDK), a reader and a computing device. The PDK is a portable, personal transceiver that includes a controller and one or more passwords or codes. The computing device includes a detection engine, vault storage and a set up module. The detection engine detect events relating to the access of any files and third-party systems by the computing device and receives information from the reader as to whether the PDK is present/linked. The detection engine controls whether a user is able to access any of the functionality provided by the computing device based upon whether the PDK is in communication with the reader or not. The present invention also includes a number of methods such as a method for initializing the security system, a method for setting up a computing device, and a method for controlling access to computing resources.