Electromagnetic Exposure Matching for Relay-Resistant Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems between devices, such as cars and smartphones, are vulnerable to relay attacks, which allow unauthorized access by mimicking the communication between the two devices, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A method that collects and compares electromagnetic wave exposure information from both devices to determine proximity, using a fingerprint-like comparison of radio wave sources and signal strengths to ensure genuine device proximity, thereby enhancing security against relay attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional proximity detection methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to relay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic wave exposure information as an intermediary verification mechanism. Instead of directly trusting communication between devices, the system uses the surrounding electromagnetic environment (Wi-Fi networks, cellular towers, Bluetooth devices) as a mediator to indirectly verify genuine proximity. This intermediary layer prevents relay attacks by ensuring that devices are physically co-located in the same electromagnetic environment.
2Reliability
If relay attack protection is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses each device's own existing electromagnetic wave reception capabilities to generate proximity verification data. Instead of adding dedicated hardware, the patent leverages the device's built-in ability to receive Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth signals. Each device independently collects and shares its electromagnetic environment data, making the security verification self-service and avoiding additional complex hardware components.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic wave exposure comparison is performed, then measurement precision is improved for proximity detection, but loss of information is worsened due to environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most relevant features from the electromagnetic environment data for comparison. Instead of comparing entire electromagnetic profiles which contain noise and irrelevant information, the system identifies and compares key characteristics such as the presence and strength of dominant Wi-Fi networks, cellular towers, and Bluetooth devices. This selective extraction maintains measurement precision while filtering out environmental noise and irrelevant information.
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
This method provides a robust and secure way to verify device proximity, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring that only genuine devices can unlock each other, even in noisy environments.
Implementation Method 1
collecting a first information on exposure of the first device to electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
receiving a second information on exposure of the second device to electromagnetic waves from the second device
Data Source
AI summary
The method of proximity detection between a first and a second device (DVC1, DVC2), carried out by the first device (DVC1), comprises the steps of collecting a first information on exposure of the first device (DVC1) to electromagnetic waves; receiving a second information on exposure of the second device (DVC2) to electromagnetic waves from the second device (DVC2); determining a matching information between the first information on exposure and the second information on exposure and detecting either proximity or non-proximity between the first and the second device (DVC1, DVC2) based on the matching information.