Mobile Device Beacon Signal Control for Secure Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication techniques, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), face security risks due to constant signal transmission for authentication purposes, which can compromise user privacy and security, especially in areas requiring access control.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device and method that allow flexible control over the sending of beacon signals and their content based on authentication triggers, using a network system comprising an authentication apparatus and server to manage signal transmission, enabling secure and context-aware communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beacon signals are constantly transmitted for authentication purposes, then authentication reliability is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon signal transmission is changed from constant to periodic/pulsed operation. The mobile device transmits beacon signals only at specific intervals or under certain conditions rather than continuously, reducing exposure to security risks while maintaining authentication functionality. This is achieved through the control unit that manages transmission timing based on authentication requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

An authentication server acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the authentication system. The server receives authentication information from the mobile device and manages the authentication process, allowing the beacon signals to carry encrypted or processed data rather than raw authentication credentials, thereby reducing security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If beacon signals are transmitted with detailed device information, then service provision capability is improved, but information security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice provision capabilityVSAvoidinformation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The content and parameters of beacon signals are dynamically changed based on authentication status and service requirements. The control unit adjusts what information is included in transmitted signals, using encryption or anonymization techniques to protect sensitive device information while still providing necessary service provisioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The beacon signal transmission is made dynamic rather than static. The mobile device adapts its signal transmission behavior based on authentication results, location, and service context. The control unit modifies transmission parameters, content, and timing dynamically to balance service capability with information security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3001715B1Mobile device and method for remote control thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 CANON KK
  • EP3001715B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3001715B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3001715B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to authentication by an external authentication system, a mobile device according to the present invention appropriately controls a start or a stop of a function of automatically sending a signal using wireless communication and a content of the signal.