Mobile Device Data Security Using GPS and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data security mechanisms, such as passwords and encryption, are insufficient to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, and users face challenges in reaccessing secured data without additional burdens.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a mobile device that combines global positioning data, direction relative to magnetic north, and a password to create a secure access mechanism, allowing users to securely store and reaccess data using GPS coordinates, orientation, and additional biometric features like facial recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional password mechanisms are used for data security, then data protection is provided, but security strength is insufficient against unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple security factors (GPS location data, device orientation, and password) into a unified security mechanism. The global positioning data receiver captures location information, the compass module captures orientation information, and both are integrated with the password to create a combined security verification system that is more robust than traditional password-only mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs multiple security functions simultaneously: it verifies user identity through password authentication, determines geographic location through GPS, and captures device orientation through the compass module. These multiple functions work together to provide comprehensive data protection that adapts to various access scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional security mechanisms are added to protect data, then security strength increases, but user burden for reaccessing data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoiddata reaccess

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures and stores security verification data (GPS coordinates and orientation information) when data is initially protected. During reaccess, the system automatically retrieves and verifies this pre-captured data without requiring the user to manually reposition or re-verify location and orientation information, thus reducing user burden while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs security verification actions in advance by capturing and storing GPS location data and device orientation information at the time of data protection. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to perform complex verification procedures again during reaccess, as the system already has the necessary verification data saved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If physical repositioning is required for data access, then security is enhanced, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoiddata accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a digital copy of the security verification state by capturing GPS coordinates and device orientation data at the time of data protection. During reaccess, the system verifies against this digital copy rather than requiring physical repositioning to the exact same location, thus maintaining security while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical repositioning with an electronic verification system. Instead of requiring users to physically return to the exact location where data was protected, the system uses electronic GPS data and device orientation information to verify access, eliminating the need for physical movement while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances data security by utilizing unique user positions and orientations, enabling secure data access without physical repositioning and reducing the burden on users, while maintaining strong protection against unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

determining securing global positioning data values of the mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

measuring a securing direction of the mobile device relative to a magnetic north direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11146547B2Enforce data security based on a mobile device, positioning, augmented reality

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for securing data using a mobile device. The method may include determining securing global positioning data values of the mobile device; measuring a securing direction of the mobile device relative to a magnetic north direction; capturing a securing password by the mobile device; and securing the data against unauthorized access using the determined global positioning data values, the securing password, and the securing direction as a combined password.