Location Proof Generation via Wireless Access Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices lack a mechanism to verify the authenticity of location data transmitted, as it can be tampered with by the device owner or malicious software, making it difficult for applications to trust the geographic location information.
Innovation Solution
A location proof is generated by a wireless access point, including data that identifies the access point and the device, encrypted with public keys, which can be transmitted to a recipient device to ensure the location data's integrity and authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS coordinates are stored in mobile device memory for location tracking, then location information can be accessed and used by applications, but the location data can be tampered with by users or malicious software
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless access point as an intermediary between the mobile device and the application. The access point generates and provides location proofs that serve as third-party verification of the device's location, mediating the trust relationship and preventing tampering by either party.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the wireless access point generate location proofs in advance and store them in a data repository. These pre-generated proofs are ready for verification when applications need to confirm the device's location, preventing future disputes about location authenticity.
2Productivity
If location data is transmitted without verification mechanisms, then communication between devices is simple and fast, but applications cannot verify the authenticity of the location information
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point acts as a trusted intermediary that generates location proofs containing verification data. These proofs are transmitted along with location information, enabling applications to verify authenticity without significantly impacting communication speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of verification data (digital signatures, access point identifiers) and embeds them in location proofs. These copies allow applications to verify location authenticity independently without requiring direct communication with the original location source.
3Reliability
If a location proof system with encryption and digital signatures is implemented, then location data authenticity is verified, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point performs self-service by generating its own digital signatures and embedding its identifier in location proofs. This eliminates the need for external certificate authorities or complex key management infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The location proof structure is designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving as both a verification mechanism and a data transmission format. The same proof structure can verify location authenticity while also providing timing information and device identification, reducing the need for separate verification protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless computing device includes an antenna that is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless computing device comprises a transmitter component that causes a first wireless signal to be transmitted to a wireless access point via the antenna, wherein the first wireless signal comprises a request for a location proof, wherein the request for the location proof comprises data that identifies the wireless computing device, and wherein the location proof comprises data that is indicative of a geographic location of the wireless access point. The system also includes a receiver component that receives, via the antenna, a second wireless signal from the wireless access point, wherein the second wireless signal is received by the receiver component subsequent to the transmitter component causing the first wireless signal to be transmitted to the wireless access point.