Handheld Device Authentication Code Copying for Desktop Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for computer access using smart-cards often require users to manage separate authentication for desktop and handheld devices, leading to inconvenience when switching between devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where a handheld electronic device stores or has access to an authentication code that can be transmitted to a computer over a communication link to authenticate the user, allowing simultaneous access to both devices with a single authorization code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the smart-card is removed from the handheld electronic device to authenticate the desktop computer, then the desktop computer can be unlocked, but the handheld electronic device becomes locked and cannot be accessed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the authentication functionality by storing the authentication code both on the removable smart-card and in the memory of the handheld electronic device. This allows the handheld device to provide authentication to the desktop computer without requiring the physical smart-card to be present, enabling simultaneous access to both devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld electronic device acts as an intermediary between the smart-card and the desktop computer. It receives the authentication code from the smart-card, stores it locally, and then transmits it to the desktop computer when needed, eliminating the need for direct smart-card insertion into the computer and allowing the smart-card to remain in the handheld device.
2Reliability
If separate authentication codes are required for desktop computer and handheld electronic device, then security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to managing multiple codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication code that can be used for both the handheld electronic device and the desktop computer. The same authentication code stored in the handheld device's memory can authenticate both devices, eliminating the need for users to manage separate authentication codes while maintaining security through the established authentication protocol.
3Reliability
If the authentication code is stored only on the removable smart-card, then security is improved, but accessibility deteriorates when the card is not physically available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by copying the authentication code from the smart-card to the handheld device's memory in advance. This allows the authentication code to be readily available when needed, eliminating delays associated with physical smart-card insertion and retrieval, while maintaining security through controlled access to the stored code.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication code is copied from the secure smart-card storage to the handheld device's memory, creating a local backup that provides accessibility when the physical smart-card is not available. This copying mechanism balances security (the code remains protected) with accessibility (the code can be retrieved from memory without physical card insertion).
Data Source
AI summary
Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to a method and device for authenticating a user of a computer and a corresponding system using the method and device. The device is a handheld electronic device having accessible thereto a first authentication code of the user. The handheld electronic device requires a second authentication code for enabling use thereof. In order to authenticate the user to the computer, the handheld electronic device is configured to transmit the first authentication code to the computer over a communication link between the computer and the handheld electronic device.