Passive Computational Tag Location Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional location tracking methods, such as GPS, are inadequate for ensuring proof of physical location visits, especially indoors, and can be easily manipulated, leading to inefficiencies and costs due to falsified records.
Innovation Solution
A system using passive computational RFID/NFC tags that receive and countersign timestamped electronic tokens, providing secure location assurance by verifying the presence of a device within a predetermined range of the tag, utilizing cryptographic signing algorithms and private keys to prevent forgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for location tracking, then location information can be obtained, but it cannot provide reliable proof of physical presence and can be easily manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
A passive computational tag is introduced as an intermediary between the location tracker and the verification system. The tag contains a private key and acts as a trusted mediator that cryptographically verifies the presence of the tracking device within its proximity, preventing manipulation by third parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical GPS satellite-based positioning system with a cryptographic verification system using passive computational tags. Instead of relying on satellite signals that can be blocked or spoofed, the system uses cryptographic signatures to prove physical presence.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location tracking, then location coordinates can be obtained, but accuracy is limited and cannot verify time window of visit
Solution Approach 1:
The passive computational tag performs preliminary cryptographic verification before providing location confirmation. The tag verifies the tracking device's presence and timestamp in advance, creating a cryptographically signed proof that can be later verified without requiring real-time GPS accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the verification parameter from continuous GPS coordinates to discrete cryptographic timestamps. Instead of measuring continuous position data that requires high precision, the system uses time-stamped cryptographic signatures that prove presence within a specific time window.
3Reliability
If cryptographic signing is used to prevent manipulation, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive computational tag performs self-service cryptographic verification using its embedded private key. The tag automatically signs the presence verification data without requiring external cryptographic operations, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high security.
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations, a computer-implemented method for location assurance is disclosed. The method can include receiving, by an application executing on a mobile computing device, an electronic token from a server, wherein the electronic token comprises a timestamp signed using a cryptographic signing algorithm; providing, by the application, the electronic token to a passive computational tag, wherein the electronic token is countersigned by the passive computational tag; receiving, by the application, the electronic token that was countersigned by the passive computational tag; and providing, by the application, the electronic token that was countersigned to the server.