Encrypted Location Querying for Lost Terminal Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating lost terminal devices, such as mobile phones, compromise security by allowing unauthorized access to the device's location, reducing the effectiveness of finding the device and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a query instruction sent to a server to obtain an encrypted target coordinate location and public key digest, where the target private key is determined from the public key digest to decrypt the location, ensuring only the intended device can access the location, thus enhancing security and finding efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the location is encrypted and only accessible to the intended device, then security is improved, but the complexity of the positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing public keys to terminal devices before the actual positioning query occurs. When a device loses another, the querying device already possesses the necessary public key to encrypt the location request, eliminating the need for real-time key exchange and reducing system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that facilitates secure location querying without directly handling sensitive decryption operations. The server stores public key digests and coordinates the verification process between devices, acting as a trusted mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring security through cryptographic verification.
2Reliability
If public key verification is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the time required for location querying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing and storing public key digests on the server before actual positioning queries. During the query process, the server quickly verifies the querying device's public key against the pre-stored digest, significantly reducing verification time compared to real-time key generation or comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by storing only the digest (a simplified representation) of the public key on the server rather than the full public key itself. This allows for rapid verification through digest comparison while maintaining the security properties of the original public key, thereby reducing query time without compromising security.
3Reliability
If encryption is used for location data, then security is enhanced, but the ease of operation for locating devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the querying device to autonomously encrypt its location request using the target device's public key. The device independently performs the encryption and sends the secured request to the server, eliminating the need for manual security configuration or intervention while maintaining strong encryption-based security.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that automates the secure location retrieval process. It handles public key digest verification, coordinates the encryption/decryption workflow, and returns location information only to verified devices. This intermediary approach shields users from complex cryptographic operations while ensuring security, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a device includes: sending a query instruction to a server, wherein the query instruction is configured to query a target coordinate location of the terminal device. The method also includes receiving a query response from the server. The query response includes the target coordinate location and a target public key digest. The target coordinate location is obtained by encrypting a coordinate location that is positioned for the device. The target coordinate location is sent to the server as well as the target public key digest synchronously. The method also includes determining a target private key based on the target public key digest; and decrypting the target coordinate location using the target private key to obtain the coordinate location located by the device.