Proximity-Based Mobile Device Lockout via Wireless Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience in manually logging into and out of computers, and existing automatic logoff features are vulnerable to unauthorized access due to the need for manual intervention and timing-based timeouts.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a wireless communication interface automatically logs a user into and out of a computer by using proximity detection via short-range wireless links, such as Bluetooth or NFC, to transmit credentials and maintain secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual password entry or pattern tracing is required to unlock the mobile device, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a computer as an intermediary device to verify user identity and authorize mobile device access. Instead of directly requiring password entry on the mobile device, the system mediates authentication through the computer, which has already verified the user's credentials. This allows the mobile device to be unlocked without direct manual authentication while maintaining security through the intermediary verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions on the computer before the mobile device needs to be accessed. User credentials are verified in advance when logging into the computer, and this authentication state is then used to automatically authorize subsequent mobile device access. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated manual authentication while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If automatic logoff features are implemented based on timing timeouts, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerability to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through proximity detection between the mobile device and computer. Instead of relying on fixed timing timeouts, the system constantly monitors whether the mobile device remains in proximity to the authorized computer. This feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts access rights based on real-time spatial relationships, preventing unauthorized access even when the device is left unattended for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical timing-based logoff system with a wireless proximity detection system. Instead of using timers and timeout thresholds, the system uses wireless communication signals to detect the physical presence or absence of the mobile device near the computer. This substitution eliminates the security vulnerabilities of timing-based systems while maintaining automatic logoff functionality.
3Reliability
If continuous proximity monitoring is performed to maintain secure access, then security is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs proximity monitoring at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The mobile device and computer exchange authentication signals at defined time intervals, allowing the system to maintain security verification without constant active communication. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining adequate security through regular verification.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing secure access to a mobile device is disclosed according to one aspect of the subject technology. The method comprises detecting a presence of a computer at the mobile device, disabling a lockout mode of the mobile device upon detecting the presence of the computer, detecting when the mobile device has moved away from the computer, and enabling the lockout mode of the mobile device upon detecting that the mobile device has moved away from the computer.