Mobile Device Proximity Authentication via Wireless Identity Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing authentication methods for mobile devices are cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in wireless environments, as they require frequent entry of usernames and passwords, and existing location-based solutions are costly and not feasible on standard mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that authenticates a mobile device based on the proximity of other devices using wireless communication, comparing their identities with reference identities to determine if the device is within an acceptable range, allowing for automatic authentication when the comparison meets a threshold, without requiring expensive location-determining systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional username and password authentication is used, then security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent manual entry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic authentication by having the mobile device autonomously identify nearby devices and verify their identities against reference identities, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in the authentication process while maintaining security through cryptographic verification
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where the mobile device acts as a mediator between the user and the authentication server, using proximity-based device identification to facilitate automatic authentication without requiring direct user input of credentials
2Measurement precision
If location-based authentication with GPS and adaptive antenna arrays is implemented, then authentication accuracy improves, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the location determination function from complex hardware systems (GPS, adaptive antenna arrays) and implements it using simple wireless communication between mobile devices, keeping only the essential functionality while removing unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's wireless communication capability, originally designed for general communication purposes, is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both communication and location determination tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated location-finding hardware
3Reliability
If multiple authentication credentials are required, then security is enhanced, but authentication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions by pre-storing reference identities of nearby devices and using them for rapid verification, allowing authentication to proceed quickly without requiring multiple sequential credential checks from the user
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 method simplifies the authentication process by using existing mobile device hardware, reducing the need for frequent password entry and providing secure access to resources by leveraging the device's history of proximity to known devices, thus enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
identifying other devices as being within the proximity of the user device using wireless communication between the user device and the other devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to authenticating a mobile device using logical location information associated with the device which provides an indication of the proximity of the device to other devices. The present invention provides a mechanism for authenticating a mobile device based on location related information or a “logical location”, but without requiring an actual location. The mobile user device identifies or discovers other devices, using direct wireless communication, within its vicinity and forwards this information to the authenticating authority. If this information matches previous or otherwise predetermined information, then the device is authenticated.