Gateway Module Proximity Authentication for Local Network Resource Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face challenges in sharing multimedia resources between devices within their home or with others due to limitations in existing technologies for seamless access control and resource sharing over local networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a computing device with a network interface, proximity detector, and gateway module to identify and authenticate portable devices within a coverage area, enabling access to resources via a local network by determining identification information, sending authentication messages, and managing access control lists to facilitate secure sharing of multimedia content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing technologies are used for resource sharing, then resource accessibility is improved, but security control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by detecting portable devices in proximity before allowing resource sharing. The gateway device obtains identification information from the portable device and sends authentication messages to the resource manager in advance, ensuring security is established before resource access is granted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the resource manager. It receives identification information from the portable device, communicates with the resource manager to authenticate and obtain access control information, then facilitates resource sharing based on the authenticated credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If access control is simplified for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control simplicityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service authentication where the portable device automatically provides identification information to the gateway device. The resource manager automatically processes authentication and generates access control information without requiring manual user intervention, making the process simple while maintaining security through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If proximity detection is implemented for security, then security control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device performs multiple functions: it detects portable devices in proximity, obtains identification information, communicates with the resource manager for authentication, and manages resource sharing. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single device rather than requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8838815B2Systems and methods to make a resource available via a local network

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Methods and systems for making a resource available are disclosed. In a particular method, identification information associated with a portable device within a particular coverage area is received. A resource associated with the portable device is determined based on the identification information. An authentication message identifying the resource to a device is sent. Access control information is received from the device. The access control information indicates that access to the resource should be enabled via a local network. The resource is made available via the local network.