IoT Physical Possession Verification Using Multi-Signal Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for proving physical possession of IoT devices are inadequate, particularly in scenarios requiring different levels of ownership and possession verification, and often involve insecure or cumbersome processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining physical possession of IoT devices using various verification methods, including RF packets, NFC, audio, visible light, infrared, laser signals, acceleration force measurement, and location matching, along with a physical possession determining system that includes a transceiver and magnetic detector to securely establish ownership.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical button press-and-hold method is used to prove physical possession, then the verification process is simple to implement, but it cannot distinguish between different levels of ownership and possession
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the verification process into multiple distinct methods (physical button press, RFID tag reading, NFC communication) that can be applied at different stages. Each method corresponds to a different level of possession verification, allowing the system to differentiate between temporary possession, authorized use, and ownership without complicating any single verification step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which verification method to apply based on the current possession state and required authorization level. The verification requirements are not static but adapt according to the device's operational mode and the user's established possession history, enabling flexible differentiation of possession levels while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple verification methods are implemented to distinguish different possession levels, then adaptability to different ownership states is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal verification framework where a single control circuit handles multiple verification methods (button press detection, RFID reading, NFC communication). This multi-functional approach allows the system to support different possession verification levels without requiring separate hardware systems for each method, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple verification methods. It receives inputs from different sources (physical button, RFID tag, NFC device), processes them according to the current possession state, and determines authorization outcomes. This intermediary layer shields the rest of the system from complexity while enabling flexible possession verification.
3Reliability
If physical possession determination is required for secure configuration, then security is improved, but the configuration process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes physical possession verification before the configuration process begins. By determining possession status in advance through methods like button press or RFID authentication, the system ensures security is maintained while allowing the actual configuration to proceed without repeated verification interruptions, thus reducing overall configuration time while preserving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback about the possession verification status to guide the configuration process. Once physical possession is confirmed, the system maintains this state and allows configuration operations to proceed smoothly. The feedback mechanism ensures security requirements are met while minimizing the time impact by avoiding redundant verification steps during the configuration process.
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
Enhances security and efficiency in proving physical possession by adapting verification methods to different possession states, ensuring secure configuration and control of IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, using the first IoT device, a first radio frequency (RF) packet to a user device, receiving, using the first IoT device, a second RF packet from the user device
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, using the first IoT device, a first near-field communication (NFC) packet to a user device, receiving, using the first IoT device, a second NFC packet from the user device
Implementation Method 3
a physical possession determining system that includes a transceiver and magnetic detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for determining physical possession of one or more IoT devices. According to some embodiments, a method for determining physical possession of a plurality of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices includes determining physical possession of a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices. The method further includes determining whether the first IoT device with the determined physical possession satisfies a condition. In response to determining that the first IoT device with the determined physical possession does not satisfy the condition, determining physical possession of a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices. In response to determining that the first IoT device with the determined physical possession satisfies the condition, determining the physical possession of the plurality of IoT devices based on the determined physical possession of the first IoT device.