Light-Signal Handshake for Distance-Based Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handshaking processes for online concierge systems and ride-sharing systems require physical proximity for exchanging PINs or machine-readable labels, which can be inconvenient or unsafe for users who want to maintain social distance.
Innovation Solution
Devices use a light signal to transmit an encoded handshake identifier, allowing out-of-band communication sessions by encoding the identifier using a light emitter and decoding it from captured video data to verify device identity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical proximity is required for exchanging PINs or machine-readable labels, then authentication reliability is improved, but user safety and convenience deteriorate due to inability to maintain social distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical proximity (requiring users to be close together to exchange PINs or scan labels) with an optical system using light signals. The light emitter transmits encoded authentication data through light, and the camera captures these light signals from a distance, eliminating the need for physical contact or close proximity while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light signals as an intermediary medium to transfer authentication data between devices. Instead of direct physical interaction between users, the light signal acts as a mediator that carries the handshake identifier from one device to another, enabling authentication while maintaining social distance.
2Measurement precision
If physical proximity is required for handshaking, then device verification accuracy is improved, but communication flexibility deteriorates due to distance constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the authentication process from a spatial dimension (requiring physical closeness) to an optical dimension (using light signals). By encoding data in light frequencies and intensities that can be detected by cameras, the system maintains verification accuracy while operating in a different dimensional space that allows for greater distance and flexibility.
3Length of stationary object
If light signals are used for transmitting handshake identifiers, then communication distance capability is improved, but signal detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of light signals to encode the handshake identifier. By varying the light intensity or frequency in periodic patterns (such as blinking or color changes), the system creates detectable signal patterns that can be captured by the camera and decoded, making distant signal detection feasible despite the challenges of light attenuation over distance.
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
Enables secure and distant handshaking processes, ensuring communication sessions are established with the correct device while maintaining social distance, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A device uses a light emitter to generate a light signal that contains an encoded handshake identifier
Implementation Method 2
Another device captures video data depicting the light signal and extracts the encoded handshake identifier from the depicted light signal
Data Source
AI summary
An online concierge system for establishing a communication session between devices using a light signal. A first client device captures video data depicting a light emitter of another client device. The first client device detects a light signal transmitted by the light emitter in the video data. The first client device extracts a handshake identifier from the light signal by decoding the light signal. A machine learning model may be used to translate the light signal into a numerical or an alphanumerical identifier. The first client device established a communication session with the other client device by transmitting a request to establish the communication session via an online concierge system. The request contains the extracted handshake identifier.