Secure Remote Access via Time-Expiring Claim Codes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Unauthorized users can access and control printers and other devices remotely, leading to resource wastage and device wear due to unauthorized communications, such as spam, which is a nuisance and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates a unique claim code for each device, which is only accessible when physically present, combined with a device ID, and expires after a predetermined time, ensuring secure remote access while preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a network address is assigned to the printer for remote access, then the user can access the printer from any network, but unauthorized users can also access and control the printer leading to resource wastage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access and spam

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access control mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a claim code stored in the printer, a unique user identification, and a verification process. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized access attempts, enabling remote access while preventing spam and unauthorized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If device ID is used for identification, then remote access is enabled, but the device becomes vulnerable to hackers determining device addresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote accessVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The claim code acts as an intermediary element between the printer and the user. Instead of directly exposing the device ID to network traffic, the system uses the claim code as a mediator that must be physically accessed from the printer. This intermediary mechanism maintains ease of operation for authorized users while providing security against unauthorized access by hackers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the claim code is made unique and time-expiring, then security is enhanced, but the complexity of the access control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The claim code is designed as a short-lived, disposable security element that expires after a predetermined time. This approach enhances security by limiting the window of opportunity for unauthorized access, while the simplicity of the code structure (compared to complex authentication systems) keeps the overall system complexity manageable. The claim code is generated once and used for a limited period, then discarded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8966588B1Systems and methods of establishing a secure connection between a remote platform and a base station device

Publication Date: 2015.02.24 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Systems and methods of establishing a secure connection between a remote platform and a base station device are disclosed. An example of a method includes registering a base station device with a cloud service. The method also includes requesting from the cloud service, a claim code for the base station device. The method also includes providing access from a remote platform to the base station device by the cloud service based on the registration of the base station device and the claim code.