Physical Locking Mechanism for Computing Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices used in mobile settings are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to the limitations of existing software-based security approaches, which can be bypassed by malicious users.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a locking mechanism that engages physically, displaying an unlock code on a display device, which can only be disengaged by inputting the correct code on a remote computing device, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software-based security approaches (facial recognition, fingerprint readers, PIN, password) are used to secure computing devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened because these can be bypassed by malicious users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based security mechanisms with a hardware-based locking device that physically prevents access to the computing device. The locking device engages with the housing to block physical access, and can only be disengaged through a hardware key or authorized credential, making it impossible for software-based attacks to bypass the security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security system is segmented into two independent components: a hardware locking device that provides physical security, and a software-based authentication system that verifies credentials. This segmentation ensures that software vulnerabilities cannot compromise the hardware-level physical barrier.
2Reliability
If a locking device is engaged to physically lock the computing device, then reliability is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is merged with the computing device housing, integrating the security mechanism into the existing device structure. The locking device engages with features already present in the housing, eliminating the need for separate, complex locking mechanisms while providing robust physical security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be self-actuating through a simple key insertion or credential verification mechanism. The device automatically engages the lock when the computing device is closed or when authentication fails, without requiring complex user intervention or additional security management infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to computing device unlock codes. In some examples, a computing device can include a locking device, a sensor, a display device including a display area, and a processor to detect an input to the computing device, activate the display device to display an unlock code via the display area, and cause the locking device to disengage in response to an unlock signal being received by the computing device from a remote computing device.