Mobile Device Sensor Virtualization via Trusted Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device technologies inefficiently utilize computing resources as they require exclusive use of onboard sensors, leading to suboptimal performance due to varying hardware capabilities and resource limitations among devices.
Innovation Solution
Virtualization of mobile device sensors allows a first mobile device to share sensors with a second device, establishing a trusted temporary connection to access and utilize sensors remotely, thereby optimizing resource usage and enhancing application functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications exclusively use onboard sensors for security, then security is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor resource management by introducing a sensor manager component that separates sensor control from application execution. The sensor manager authenticates applications and manages sensor access rights, allowing secure remote sensor access while maintaining local security boundaries. This segmentation enables resource sharing across devices without compromising the security model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary trust layer consisting of sensor managers and authentication mechanisms that mediate between local applications and remote sensors. This intermediary system verifies application credentials, establishes trusted connections, and manages sensor data flow, enabling secure cross-device sensor access while maintaining the exclusive security model.
2Reliability
If all peer devices are treated as foreign for security, then security is improved, but application functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic security relationships where devices transition from a default foreign state to a trusted state through authentication. The trust relationship is not static but dynamically established when applications require remote sensor access, allowing the system to adapt between security modes based on actual needs. This enables applications to access peer device sensors when necessary while maintaining security by default.
3Ease of operation
If onboard sensors are used for data transfer between peer devices, then data transfer capability is improved, but sensor resource availability for primary functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sensors to serve multiple functions: their primary measurement function and a secondary data transfer function. By allowing authenticated applications to access remote sensors for data collection and transfer, the system makes sensor resources universal resources that can be shared across devices. This multi-functionality allows sensors to contribute to both their original purpose and inter-device data transfer without requiring dedicated transfer hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for virtualizing mobile device sensors includes requesting from a first mobile device a virtual connection with a mobile device having a specific type of sensor, configuring an operating system of the first mobile device to allow an application program to accept data by proxy from the available sensor of the second mobile device; receiving a response from a second mobile device having the sensor, establishing a trusted temporary communication connection between the first and second mobile devices, sending a control signal from an application program on the first mobile device to the second mobile for operating the sensor on the second mobile device and receiving device sensor data from the sensor on the second mobile device.