Geographic Extension in Computing Device Digital Certificates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computing device digital certificates are geographically agnostic, failing to prevent devices from being used outside a predefined area or accessing other devices when located outside a specified geographic region.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a geographic extension into computing device digital certificates, which includes a distance value that enables validation based on the device's location, allowing access only within a predetermined geographic boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional geographically agnostic digital certificates are used, then device compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but security against unauthorized geographic access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The digital certificate is segmented into multiple components, with a geographic extension added as a separate module. This extension contains latitude, longitude, and radius values that define a geographic boundary, allowing the certificate to maintain its core functionality while adding location-based access control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a geographic dimension to traditional digital certificates by incorporating spatial coordinates and radius parameters. This transforms the certificate from a purely digital authentication mechanism into a geo-aware security tool that operates in both digital and physical space dimensions
2Reliability
If geographic extensions are added to digital certificates, then location-based security is enhanced, but certificate complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The geographic extension is nested within the existing digital certificate structure as an additional extension field. This allows the geographic data to be contained within the certificate without requiring a complete restructuring of the certificate format, maintaining compatibility with standard certificate processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the certificate by adding specific parameters (latitude, longitude, radius) to define the geographic boundary. These parameters are integrated into the certificate's extension fields, allowing the system to enforce location-based access control while maintaining the overall certificate structure
3Reliability
If geographic validation is implemented, then unauthorized access from outside predefined areas is prevented, but processing overhead and validation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The geographic boundary parameters (latitude, longitude, radius) are pre-calculated and embedded in the digital certificate during issuance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time geographic computations during validation, as the certificate itself contains all necessary information for rapid boundary checking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the device's current geographic coordinates and compares them against the pre-stored boundary parameters in the certificate. This copying and comparison approach is computationally efficient, allowing for rapid validation of whether the device is within the authorized geographic area without requiring complex geometric calculations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for computing device digital certificates that include a geographic extension are disclosed herein. One method includes a processor managing a digital certificate for a first computing device, in which the digital certificate includes a geographic extension, and populating the geographic extension with a distance value that enables the digital certificate to be validated via the populated geographic extension. Apparatus and computer program products that include hardware and/or software that can perform the methods for computing device digital certificates that include a geographic extension are also disclosed herein.