Secure Keyboard Auto-Locking via Mobile Device RF Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unattended keyboards in information handling systems continue to allow key input, posing security risks regardless of the computer system's lock status.
Innovation Solution
A keyboard with a radio frequency transmitter/receiver determines the range of a paired mobile device and disables key input when the device is out of range, enabling input only when it comes back into range or upon authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the keyboard remains continuously enabled for key input, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to unauthorized input when user is away
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard's operational state is made dynamic by continuously monitoring the mobile device's proximity through RF signal strength. The keyboard automatically transitions between enabled and disabled states based on whether the paired mobile device is within threshold distance, allowing the system to adapt its security level to the current usage context without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the RF transmitter/receiver continuously monitors the mobile device's signal strength and provides range information to the keyboard controller. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of user presence and automatic adjustment of keyboard input acceptance accordingly
2Object-affected harmful factors
If RF range monitoring is added to track mobile device position, then security is improved by detecting user absence, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transmitter/receiver component serves multiple functions: it maintains wireless communication with the mobile device for keyboard control purposes and simultaneously monitors signal strength to determine user proximity. This multi-functionality allows proximity detection without adding dedicated hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving enhanced security
3Object-affected harmful factors
If key input is automatically disabled when mobile device is out of range, then security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to automatic locking
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard system automatically monitors RF signal strength, detects when the mobile device moves out of range, and disables key input without requiring user intervention. When the device returns to range, the keyboard automatically re-enables input. This self-service mechanism handles the entire security adjustment process autonomously, minimizing impact on user convenience while maintaining security
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
Enhances security by preventing unauthorized key input when the user is away from the keyboard, ensuring secure operation of information handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver in the keyboard determines range information for a mobile device paired to the RF transmitter/receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard of an information handling system includes keyboard (RF) transmitter/receiver that provides range information for a mobile device paired to the keyboard RF transmitter/receiver. A keyboard controller is coupled to the keyboard RF transmitter/receiver and is responsive to the range information indicating the mobile device is out of range to disable key input data of the keyboard. After the key input data is disabled, the keyboard controller enables the key input data responsive to the range information indicating the mobile device has come back into range. The keyboard RF transmitter/receiver communicates with a host RF transmitter/receiver over a first RF channel and communicates with the mobile device over a second RF channel. The keyboard controller enables the key input data responsive to a successful override of the keyboard input data being disabled. The override is a predetermined key sequence and/or a valid finger print.