Portable Wireless Device Authentication via Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart card emulation systems lack user authentication and require manual selection of devices, leading to inefficiencies and increased bulk due to the need for multiple smart cards, while existing Bluetooth-based solutions do not allow signal strength adjustment for remote locking/unlocking and lack data transmission for authentication.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a portable wireless device to establish a short-range wireless communication link for user authentication, allowing signal strength selection for authentication and de-authentication, and employing a smart card reader emulation device to intercept communications and use the portable device's processing capabilities for smart card functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smart cards are used to access different computers, then access to multiple computers is enabled, but weight and bulk increase deterring implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple smart card functions into a single portable wireless device (smartphone). The smartphone's processor, memory, and wireless communication capabilities replace multiple physical smart cards, allowing users to access multiple computers without carrying multiple cards. This merging reduces bulk while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable wireless device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a smart card for different computers, provides authentication, and enables wireless communication. This universal device replaces the need for computer-specific smart cards, allowing one device to access multiple systems.
2Ease of operation
If Bluetooth-based automatic locking/unlocking is implemented, then convenience is improved, but security is worsened due to lack of authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication process between the portable device and computer. Before automatic locking/unlocking occurs, the system establishes authenticated wireless communication links and verifies device identities through exchanged authentication data, ensuring security while maintaining convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions before enabling automatic locking/unlocking functionality. Wireless communication links are established and authenticated in advance, and device identities are verified before the automatic operations commence, ensuring security is in place before convenience is activated.
3Reliability
If signal strength selection is added to Bluetooth authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic signal strength selection where the authentication system can adjust signal strength requirements based on operational context. The portable device and computer can negotiate and modify signal strength parameters during runtime, allowing flexible security adjustments without requiring complex pre-configured settings for every scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus provides for user authentication. In an example, the method and apparatus includes establishing a very short range wireless communication link between the first apparatus and the second apparatus and authenticating a user of the first apparatus by the second apparatus directly using a different and short range peer to peer wireless communication link between the first apparatus and the second apparatus in response to establishing the very short range wireless communication link.