Mobile Device Authentication via Charging Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately allocate the cost of recharging mobile devices to the device owner rather than the premises where the outlet is located, leading to incorrect billing and lack of control over charging permissions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device authentication system that communicates with an authenticator at the recharging facility to recognize a unique charging pattern, allowing only authorized devices to recharge and metering electricity usage for billing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile device is connected to an external power source for recharging, then the device battery is recharged, but the cost allocation becomes ambiguous between the device owner and the premises owner
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device communicates with the authenticator at the charging facility. The authenticator receives identification information from the device, verifies it against authorized devices, and provides feedback by either permitting or denying charging access. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate cost allocation by confirming device ownership before allowing charging to proceed.
2Ease of operation
If any device is allowed to recharge at an outlet, then charging accessibility is improved, but unauthorized charging and incorrect billing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication before allowing charging to commence. The mobile device must first communicate with the authenticator, present identification information, and receive verification that it is an authorized device. Only after this preliminary authentication step is successfully completed is the device permitted to recharge, ensuring both accessibility for legitimate users and reliability in preventing unauthorized charging.
3Measurement precision
If device authentication is implemented, then accurate billing is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an authenticator as an intermediary component that handles the complex authentication logic. Rather than embedding complex authentication mechanisms directly in the mobile device or the power source, the authenticator serves as a dedicated mediator that receives device identification, verifies authorization, and controls charging permissions. This intermediary approach achieves accurate billing while distributing system complexity to a specialized component.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device communicates with an authenticator affiliated with a recharging facility, to identify itself. To confirm that the mobile device is connected to the correct facility, the authenticator instructs the mobile device to draw electrical charge according to an identifiable pattern. Upon detecting a charge being drawn according to that pattern, the authenticator has confirmation that the identified device is connected to the facility, and permits the charging to proceed. The amount of electricity drawn during the charging procedure can be metered, and then billed to a party associated with the identified mobile device.