Proximity-Based Device Locking via Secondary Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices require manual authentication or physical interaction for user account registration and locking/unlocking, which can be inconvenient and insecure, especially when using multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for dynamic registration of user accounts on computing devices using proximity-based wireless connections, allowing automatic unlocking and locking based on the presence of a secondary device, enabling secure and seamless interaction between primary and secondary computing devices without physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual authentication is required for user account registration and device locking/unlocking, then security is maintained through credential verification, but user convenience and operational speed deteriorate due to repeated manual authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary computing device as an intermediary that stores credential information and transmits it to the primary computing device. This mediator enables automatic authentication without requiring manual credential entry, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining security through the intermediary's verification process
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary computing device performs preliminary actions by storing credential information in advance and automatically transmitting it when the primary device is locked. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual authentication at the time of locking/unlocking, enhancing user convenience while maintaining security through pre-verified credentials
2Productivity
If automatic unlocking based on proximity is implemented, then user convenience and operational speed improve by eliminating manual authentication, but security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary computing device acts as an intermediary that verifies proximity conditions and manages credential transmission. This intermediary layer ensures that automatic unlocking based on proximity maintains security by controlling when and how credentials are transmitted, preventing unauthorized access while enabling fast operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the secondary device monitors proximity conditions and automatically transmits credentials when appropriate conditions are met. This feedback-based automatic transmission improves operational speed while maintaining security through condition-based verification
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for user account registration, then adaptability and versatility improve, but device complexity increases due to synchronization and authentication management across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication management functionality into a single secondary computing device that handles credential storage and transmission for multiple primary devices. This combining approach enables multi-device support while reducing overall system complexity by centralizing authentication management rather than duplicating it across devices
Data Source
Figure 1(I)~1(III)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A first computing device monitors a presence of a second computing device, and determines when the second computing device has moved out of an area proximate to the first computing device. In response to determining that the second computer moved out of the area, the first computing device is automatically configured to limit user interaction with one or more applications currently operating on the first computing device to a predetermined set of commands while preventing user interaction with other applications provided by the first computing device.