Secure Element Indoor Location Determination via Beacon Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in securely determining location information, particularly in indoor environments where GPS accuracy is limited and security and inaccuracy of indoor positioning systems remain unresolved.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a radio communication module and a secure element, which receives beacon messages from beacon devices, determines location information using transmission properties, and stores it securely in the memory, enabling real-time location determination and secure transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS is used for outdoor location determination, then location information can be obtained, but accuracy is limited and indoor positioning is not feasible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidindoor/outdoor positioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal positioning system that works across both indoor and outdoor environments by integrating multiple positioning methods (GPS for outdoor, beacon-based for indoor) into a single electronic device. The system automatically selects or switches between positioning methods based on environmental context, providing consistent location determination functionality regardless of whether the device is indoors or outdoors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If indoor beacon devices are installed for positioning, then indoor location can be determined, but security of the positioning system is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor positioning capabilityVSAvoidsecurity of positioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The secure element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the beacon message reception system and the location determination process. It securely stores cryptographic keys and authentication credentials, verifies the authenticity of beacon devices, and protects the positioning system from unauthorized access or manipulation while enabling continuous indoor location tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the positioning system into distinct functional components: beacon message reception, secure element for key storage and authentication, and location determination. This segmentation isolates security-critical functions in the secure element from the general positioning logic, allowing the system to maintain high security standards while providing versatile indoor positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If location information is stored in general memory, then location data can be accessed, but security of location data is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation data accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity of location data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The secure element serves as an intermediary storage component that holds cryptographic keys and sensitive location data. It provides controlled access to location information, allowing the system to maintain security while enabling authorized access when needed for applications such as location-based services or emergency responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11902856B2Electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.02.13 LEGIC IDENTSYSTEMS AG
  • US11902856B2 patent drawing
  • US11902856B2 patent drawing
  • US11902856B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device for securely determining current location information regarding the electronic device, the electronic device comprising a radio communication module and a secure element including a processor and a memory, the secure element being connected to the radio communication module and the processor being configured to obtain one or more beacon messages from one or more beacon devices; determine in real-time the current location information, the current location information comprising one or more distances between the electronic device and the beacon devices; and store the current location information in the memory of the secure element.