Proximity-Based Computer Access Using Passive RFID Key and Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing computer access often require users to actively lock and unlock devices, which can lead to unauthorized access due to forgetfulness or misplacement of security tokens, and existing wireless solutions degrade battery life, leading to inefficiencies and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth Low Energy system comprising a portable wireless transmitter 'key' and a wireless receiver 'lock' that uses proximity-based authentication, allowing access only when the user is near, minimizing user action and conserving battery life through secure, ultra-low power communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connection between cell phone and computing system is used for access, then user convenience is improved, but battery life of the phone is significantly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/battery-powered wireless communication system with a passive RFID system. The key is a passive RFID tag that does not require its own power source, while the lock uses an active RFID reader with its own power supply. This substitution eliminates battery consumption at the key端, resolving the contradiction between convenience and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passive RFID tag as an intermediary between the user and the computing system. This intermediary carries the authentication credentials without requiring power, while the powered RFID reader handles the active communication and authentication process, separating the energy-consuming functions from the portable key.
2Reliability
If physical device such as token generator is used for enhanced security, then security is improved, but user convenience is degraded due to risk of loss or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication credentials with a common everyday object (key, keychain, or personal item) that users already carry. This combines the security function with an existing personal item, eliminating the need to carry a separate security device and reducing the risk of loss or misplacement while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive RFID key can serve multiple functions: it can be attached to existing keys, purses, or other personal items, making it a universal authentication solution that works with various personal belongings. This multi-functionality increases convenience while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If active wireless communication is used for proximity detection, then authentication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive RFID tag responds to periodic interrogation signals from the RFID reader rather than continuously transmitting. This periodic communication pattern allows the system to maintain reliable authentication while minimizing energy consumption, as the passive tag only activates briefly to respond to each reader query.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active wireless communication (requiring continuous power) with passive RFID technology. The passive tag uses electromagnetic induction from the reader's field to power its brief responses, eliminating the need for continuous energy consumption while maintaining authentication reliability through the reader's active monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system and method for wireless proximity-based access to a computing system, which in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention includes a small, portable, person-carried or personal-item-carried (e.g., by attachment to a user's key's, purse, knapsack, etc.) wireless transmitter that serves as a “key,” and a wireless receiver configured for attachment to the computing system that serves as a “lock.” The lock may comprise, for example, a USB device that both wirelessly communicates with the key to detect its physical proximity, and communicates with the computer access software that is native on the computing system (e.g., standard WINDOWS username and password authentication processes) to either allow or disallow such computer access software from allowing access to the computing system based upon the physical proximity of the key to the lock.