Mobile Device Wireless Proximity Unlock System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile computing devices lack an effective mechanism to securely unlock and access sensitive data without manual input, especially when the device is lost or stolen, as existing methods do not provide additional security beyond password protection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless detection system using Bluetooth communication to require the presence of an external device, such as a fob, to unlock the mobile device, ensuring that only authorized users with access to the external device can access sensitive information, even if they know the password.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual password input is required to unlock the device, then security is provided, but user convenience deteriorates and access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by detecting the presence of the external device before requiring manual password input. The mobile device continuously monitors for the external device's wireless signal, and when detected, automatically unlocks or provides enhanced access without requiring the user to manually enter the password, thus resolving the contradiction between security and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service unlocking by automatically detecting the authorized external device and granting access without human intervention. The mobile device autonomously determines whether to unlock based on the presence of the paired external device, eliminating the need for manual password entry while maintaining security through the external device requirement
2Device complexity
If only password protection is used, then simplicity is maintained, but security against lost or stolen devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges two authentication factors: the external device presence detection and the password protection. Both the external device and the mobile device must be present and properly paired for full access, creating a dual-factor authentication system that enhances security against loss and theft while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic detection
Solution Approach 2:
The external device serves as an intermediary authentication element between the user and the mobile device. It acts as a physical key that must be present to enable access, adding a layer of security that prevents unauthorized access even if the mobile device is lost or stolen, while keeping the system simple through wireless automatic detection
3Reliability
If wireless detection of external device is required, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual authentication mechanisms with wireless detection technology. Instead of requiring physical connection or complex verification procedures, the mobile device uses wireless signals to automatically detect the presence of the external device, enhancing security while keeping the system architecture relatively simple through non-contact detection
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 security by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data on a lost or stolen mobile device, as the device remains locked unless the external device is in proximity and the user enters the correct password, significantly reducing data breach risks.
Implementation Method 1
The small device and mobile computing device may communicate wirelessly, such as via the Bluetooth® communication protocol
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for unlocking certain functionality of a mobile computing device upon wirelessly detecting that an external device is in relatively close proximity to the mobile computing device. One example method comprises: providing a phone application and a second, different application; initiating a first mode of operation when the mobile computing device becomes locked; prohibiting user access to the second application during the first mode of operation when the mobile computing device fails to wirelessly detect a presence of an external device; and initiating a second mode of operation when the mobile computing device wirelessly detects the presence of the external device and when the mobile computing device has received user input specifying an access password, wherein the mobile computing device allows complete user access to both the phone application and the second application during the second mode of operation.