Proximity-Based Wireless Security for Accessible Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for electronic devices rely on manual input of passwords and credentials, which are inefficient and lack enhanced security measures.
Innovation Solution
A security system that uses an external device, such as a mobile device or RFID, to unlock accessible devices via wireless communication, requiring proximity for access, providing an additional layer of security and convenience by allowing authorized users to restrict device usage remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual password and credential input is used for security, then security is provided, but efficiency and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual input system (typing passwords, entering credentials) with an automated wireless communication system. The external device automatically establishes wireless communication with the accessible device and transmits authentication data, eliminating the need for manual credential entry while maintaining security through encrypted wireless protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The external device performs self-service authentication by automatically generating and transmitting cryptographic keys and authentication data without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously manages security credentials and establishes secure connections, freeing the user from manual security operations while maintaining robust authentication
2Ease of operation
If proximity-based wireless authentication is implemented, then security is enhanced and convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The external device serves multiple functions: it acts as a security credential repository, a wireless communication transceiver, and an authentication processor. By consolidating these functions into a single device that users already carry (such as a smartphone or RFID device), the system avoids adding separate dedicated security hardware, thereby managing complexity while providing enhanced security and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary external device that mediates between the user and the accessible device. This intermediary handles the complex cryptographic operations and wireless communication protocols, shielding the user from complexity while enabling secure proximity-based authentication. The intermediary device manages key exchange and authentication sequences automatically
Data Source
AI summary
A functionality of an accessible device such as a set-top box, computer, mobile device, media device, is unlocked or otherwise made available to a user by a security system dependent on an external paired device, such as a mobile device, a key fob or radio frequency identification (RFID) device paired to the accessible device being in a particular wireless communication range of the accessible device. When an authorized user carries the external paired device, this provides the authorized user of the accessible device the ability to conveniently restrict the use of the accessible device and access to various functionalities of the accessible device, such as access to particular television programming or streaming media at times when the authorized user is not in close proximity or in the same general area of the accessible device.