Proximity Verification via Decentralized Token Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location-verification systems rely on GPS or mobile phone towers, which are unreliable and invasive, and often require external key management, making them unsuitable for proving proximity or location without geographic coordinates and compromising user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A token-based system using digital signatures and proximity-detecting technologies like Bluetooth or NFC, where mobile devices and location entities exchange tokens for verifiable proof of proximity, eliminating the need for external geopositioning and key management, and ensuring user privacy through anonymization and timestamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS or mobile phone tower systems are used for location verification, then location tracking capability is provided, but user privacy is compromised and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the location verification function from centralized systems (GPS satellites, mobile towers) and relocates it to decentralized peer-to-peer devices. Each device generates its own proof of presence using local sensors and cryptographic keys, eliminating dependency on external infrastructure that compromises privacy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryptographic proof mechanism as an intermediary between the user and the verification system. Instead of directly transmitting location data to a central authority, devices exchange encrypted proofs containing only the necessary verification information, with the actual location data remaining localized and inaccessible to third parties.
2Reliability
If public/private key pairs with certificate authorities are used for identification and verification, then security and verifiability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service key management where each device autonomously generates and stores its own cryptographic key pair without requiring external certificate authorities. The devices independently perform verification operations using these keys, eliminating the complex hierarchical trust model of traditional PKI while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the key management function from centralized certificate authorities and distributes it to individual devices. Each device holds its own private key and can verify others' keys using public key cryptography, removing the need for complex CA infrastructure and simplifying operation.
3Extent of automation
If top-down command systems with central authorities are used for tracking, then centralized control is achieved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional top-down tracking model by implementing a bottom-up verification system. Instead of central authorities actively tracking and monitoring devices, the system allows devices to independently generate and present proofs of their own presence and interactions, with verification happening locally rather than centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to perform verification operations autonomously without requiring active participation or commands from central authorities. Each device independently manages its own verification credentials and can prove proximity or presence without external intervention, significantly increasing system adaptability.
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
Enables secure and privacy-preserving verification of proximity without relying on GPS or cell towers, allowing users to prove location or proximity without compromising their identity or location data, while maintaining the integrity and timestamping of interactions.
Implementation Method 1
proximity-detecting technologies like Bluetooth or NFC
Data Source
AI summary
When a mobile device such as a smart phone comes within range of a location device, the mobile device inputs a location token from the location device and a travel token is created from a mobile device token and the location token. The mobile and location tokens may include data elements indicating not only identity, but also such other characteristics as an authorization or infection risk level. Tokens may be digitally signed, preferably with an independently verifiable signature that also encodes time. Mobile and location devices may be created and issued by a tracking service provider, which may also store tokens, analyze travel tokens with respect to a location's risk level, and update mobile device and location tokens to change a status of the mobile or location device.