Proximity Discovery Using Temporary Identifiers for Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity discovery solutions for communication devices lack privacy protection, are not selective, and have high network load and computing power requirements, making them unsuitable for controlled radio networks and device-to-device communication scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method for proximity discovery between devices that uses temporary and derivable identifiers, allowing only specified devices to recognize each other, with a network-assisted or standalone approach, incorporating mathematical functions and ticketing for security and obscurity, enabling selective discoverability and privacy preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices broadcast their identifiers for proximity discovery, then discoverability is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary identifiers (TIDs) as copies of device identities for broadcast purposes. Instead of broadcasting real device identifiers, the system creates and uses TIDs that can be derived by authorized devices through mathematical functions, thereby protecting privacy while enabling discovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network server as an intermediary that distributes TIDs to authorized devices. The server acts as a mediator between devices wanting to discover each other, providing the necessary identification information without exposing real device identities directly
2Reliability
If network assists in proximity discovery by determining device proximity, then discovery reliability is improved, but network load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables devices to perform self-service proximity discovery by broadcasting TIDs and having receiving devices derive identifiers through mathematical functions. This shifts part of the discovery workload from network-centric determination to device-centric execution, reducing network load while maintaining reliability through the structured TID distribution mechanism
3Ease of operation
If devices use static identifiers for discovery, then identification simplicity is improved, but traceability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temporary identifiers (TIDs) that change over time and are distributed by the network server. Instead of static identifiers, devices use time-varying TIDs that provide simplicity in identification while preventing traceability, as the identifiers are temporary and can be revoked or changed by the network
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive device information is exchanged for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential identification information needed for authentication by using TIDs and their derivations. Instead of exchanging comprehensive device information, the system extracts and uses only the necessary identifier components that can be verified through mathematical functions, reducing computing requirements while maintaining authentication accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention enables a device to discover one or more other devices within range for a device-to-device mode of communication. This proximity discovery may trigger a target device, e.g. to start listening to signals from a source device or perform any other action based on the proximity discovery like e.g. charging at a toll gate. A source device that wants to be discovered broadcasts a message including an identifier or a representation of the identifier. This identifier may be an identifier of the target device to be contacted or of the source device or a derivation thereof or a common security association used by a set of peers. The target device compares the broadcast identifier with a known identifier to establish proximity discovery.