Analytical Chemistry Access via Mobile Token and Kiosk Audit Trail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laboratory analytical instruments require robust authorization, authentication, and auditing protocols to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices, but existing methods are cumbersome and prone to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A user authentication system using a mobile device and kiosk that employs security tokens transmitted via short-range communication (NFC or visual codes) to securely log users into analytical chemistry systems, generating audit records for compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authorization and authentication methods are used for analytical chemistry systems, then security protocols are established, but the access process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by generating and storing authorization tokens on the user's mobile device before actual system access is needed. This pre-authentication process includes verifying user credentials, generating encrypted tokens, and storing them securely on the device, so that subsequent system access requires only token presentation rather than full re-authentication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary authentication token that mediates between the user and the analytical chemistry system. The token serves as a digital credential that carries authorization information, allowing the user to access the system without directly presenting full authentication credentials each time. The token acts as a secure intermediary that the system can verify without requiring the user's password or other sensitive information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If robust authorization and auditing protocols are implemented, then compliance with regulations is ensured, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplianceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the complex authentication and authorization logic from the analytical chemistry system itself and relocates it to a separate credentialing application on the user's mobile device. This extraction allows the analytical chemistry system to receive simple, verified tokens rather than implementing complex authentication protocols, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining compliance through the device-based credentialing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The credentialing application on the user's mobile device performs self-service authentication functions by automatically verifying credentials, generating authorization tokens, and managing security credentials without requiring manual intervention from system administrators. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring compliance through automated, consistent authentication processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual authentication methods are used, then security control is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidaccess convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual, mechanical authentication processes (such as typing passwords, presenting physical ID cards, or manual verification procedures) with an automated electronic token-based system. The mobile device automatically presents encrypted authorization tokens to the analytical chemistry system through wireless communication or visual code scanning, eliminating the need for manual authentication actions while maintaining security control through cryptographic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12483885B2Methods, mediums, and systems for accessing analytical chemistry systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 WATERS TECH IRELAND LIMITED IE

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments provides computer-implemented methods, mediums, and apparatuses configured to perform a secure log in and log out of an analytical chemistry system. In one embodiment, a kiosk associated with the analytical chemistry system may receive a request for access on behalf of a user. The analytical chemistry system may be associated with an audit record storing information about an analytical workflow for processing a sample. The user may obtain a security token by logging into a credentialing application. Upon successfully logging in the user's device may be provided with the security token, which may then be exchanged between the kiosk and a mobile device associated with the user. The security token may be validated, and the user may be permitted access to the analytical chemistry system. The audit record may be updated to include a login action that includes an identity of the user.