Magnetic Token Authentication Using Magnetometer Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for mobile device users lack a highly reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution that combines multiple authentication factors while ensuring security and usability.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes a magnetometer in mobile devices to measure electromagnetic field modifications induced by a specific magnetic token, providing unique authentication factors based on the token, its interaction, and the user's location, without requiring additional hardware and with minimal energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple authentication factors are combined to improve security, then authentication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three authentication factors (magnetic token ownership, electromagnetic field measurement, and location data) into a unified authentication system. The magnetometer measures electromagnetic fields to detect the token's presence and characteristics, while GPS provides location verification, creating a multi-factor authentication mechanism that enhances security without requiring separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic token serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical credential that generates detectable electromagnetic fields, provides ownership verification, and works in conjunction with location data. This multi-functional approach consolidates authentication capabilities into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each factor
2Reliability
If advanced authentication mechanisms are implemented to improve security, then authentication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic token passively generates electromagnetic fields that the magnetometer detects without requiring the token to consume energy. The authentication mechanism leverages the token's inherent magnetic properties rather than requiring active power consumption from the token side, while the mobile device's existing magnetometer handles the detection and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active authentication mechanisms with a passive electromagnetic field detection approach. Instead of requiring the token to transmit signals or consume power for authentication, the system uses the magnetometer to detect the token's electromagnetic signature, significantly reducing energy requirements while maintaining security
3Reliability
If additional hardware is added to enable new authentication features, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the magnetometer's existing capability to detect magnetic fields for authentication purposes, rather than requiring a dedicated sensor solely for this function. The same magnetometer used for other purposes (such as compass functionality) is utilized for token detection, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's existing magnetometer and location services are utilized for authentication without requiring new hardware components. The system repurposes already-present sensors and capabilities to provide enhanced authentication functionality, avoiding additional hardware complexity and cost
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
This approach offers a highly reliable authentication system with three distinct factors (something the user has, owns, and is), easy implementation, low cost, and minimal energy use, enhancing security and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetometer is based on a specific hardware measuring the variation of the electromagnetic flow
Implementation Method 2
measure the electromagnetic field modifications induced by a specific magnetic object (called magnetic token or only token) associated to the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Present invention provides a method, system and application for providing authentication of a mobile device user, based on the measurement of electromagnetic fields modified by a pre-established movement of a specific magnetic token associated to the user. This univocal process will be able to obtain new authentication factors, including something that the user owns (i.e., the token), something that the user knows (i.e., the interaction between the token and the device), and somewhere that the user is (i.e., where the interaction takes place).