Role-Based IoT Authentication Using Near-Body Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user authentication methods require manual handling of contactless cards, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in scenarios where quick and reliable access to IoT devices is necessary based on user roles and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device and role-based authentication system utilizing near-body electric-field communications, where a communication transmitter associated with a user generates a near-body electrical-field, allowing for the identification and authentication of users and their associated IoT devices, analyzing activities and resources to grant access based on role and equipment readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of contactless cards is required for authentication, then authentication can be performed, but user convenience and authentication speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service authentication by using the user's body as the communication medium. The transmitter embedded in clothing automatically generates electric field signals that are received by the authentication device without requiring any manual card handling or user intervention, thus improving both convenience and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical card handling system with an electric field-based communication system. Instead of physically handling contactless cards, the user's body conducts electric field signals between the transmitter and receiver, eliminating the need for manual card operations while maintaining authentication functionality
2Reliability
If role-based authentication with IoT device analysis is implemented, then security and access control improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication device performs multiple functions including user identification, role verification, IoT device status checking, and access control decisions within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified solution, managing complexity while enhancing security
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and analyzes the status of IoT devices associated with users and uses this feedback information to make real-time access control decisions. The authentication device receives signals from IoT devices, analyzes their status, and dynamically determines whether to grant access based on current system state and user roles
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
Enables convenient and reliable authentication by eliminating the need for manual card handling, ensuring users are properly equipped and authorized for their roles, enhancing security and efficiency in accessing locations with IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
Near-body electric-field communications utilize a user as means of amplifying a signal between a transmitter associated with the user and a receiver for capturing the signal. The transmitter emits an alternating current (AC), where a weak AC electric field is established around the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for device and role-based authentication includes generating a near-body electrical-field via a communication transmitter associated with a user, where a plurality of IoT devices is further associated with the user attempting authentication for access to a location. The method further includes receiving the near-body electrical-field via a communication receiver on an authentication device for identifying the user attempting the authentication. In response to identifying the user based on the near-body electrical-field, the method further includes analyzing a plurality of activities associated with a role for the user and analyzing plurality of resources associated with the user, wherein the plurality resources include at least the plurality of IoT devices associated with the user. In response to determining the user is authenticated based on the analyzing of the plurality of activities and the analyzing of the resources associated with the user, the method further includes granting access to the location.