Privacy Manager for Acoustic Eavesdropping via Signal Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unauthorized resources can exploit mechanically excitable sensors in electronic devices to acquire sensitive data, such as sound or keystroke information, without proper authorization.
Innovation Solution
A privacy manager system that analyzes signals from mechanically excitable sensors and generates a modified electrical signal based on calibration data from a mechanical transducer, effectively reducing the transmission of unauthorized data by excluding specific signal elements associated with mechanical excitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical transducers (microphones, speakers) are used to communicate data wirelessly through sound waves, then wireless communication capability is improved, but unauthorized eavesdropping and data security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic channel as an intermediary communication path between devices. Instead of direct electromagnetic communication, data is transmitted through sound waves in the acoustic channel, which requires physical proximity and creates a more secure communication medium that is harder to intercept remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of acoustic sensors being used for eavesdropping into a benefit by using the same acoustic channel for intentional data transmission. The mechanical transducers that could be exploited for unauthorized listening are instead utilized for secure, proximity-based wireless communication.
2Measurement precision
If inertial measurement units are made sensitive to mechanical excitations for detection purposes, then detection capability is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized data acquisition is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by having the sending device generate a compensation signal that counteracts the mechanical excitations before they can be exploited. The compensation signal is designed to cancel out the vibrations and sounds that would otherwise be detectable by inertial measurement units, preventing unauthorized data acquisition while maintaining legitimate detection capabilities.
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
Prevents eavesdropping resources from acquiring unauthorized data by reducing the information transmitted from inertial measurement units and other sensors, enhancing the security of electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first electrical signal from an inertial measurement unit, the first electrical signal including first signal elements representing one or more mechanical excitations sensed by the inertial measurement unit
Implementation Method 2
receiving a second electrical signal associated with a mechanical transducer, the second electrical signal including second signal elements associated with at least one of the one or more mechanical excitations sensed by the inertial measurement unit
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and apparatuses directed at preventing eavesdropping resources from acquiring unauthorized data via mechanically excitable sensors. In aspects, an electronic device includes a privacy manager configured to analyze one or more signals generated by a mechanically excitable sensor. Responsive to the analysis, the privacy manager may extract unauthorized data from the one or more signals based on a signal received at a mechanical transducer, and further based on calibration data collected during an interaction between the mechanically excitable sensor and the mechanical transducer during a prior calibration sequence.