Secure Wireless Charging Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems lack secure authentication and policy enforcement mechanisms, leading to unauthorized access and unaccounted energy transfer, especially as wireless charging becomes more prevalent over longer distances and with increased power levels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Enhanced Privacy ID (EPID) digital signature scheme for authorization, which allows mobile computing nodes to authenticate with wireless charging stations using a communication channel, enabling fine-grained control and pay-per-use scenarios, without requiring network connectivity on the transmitter side, by utilizing EPID group membership and OCSP responders for policy implementation and enforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging stations transmit power over longer distances and with increased power levels, then charging capability and versatility are improved, but security risks and unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements authentication and policy enforcement before power transmission begins. The power receiver node must present valid credentials and receive authorization tokens from the power transmitter node before charging starts, preventing unauthorized access while enabling long-distance high-power charging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces policy enforcement mechanisms and authentication protocols as intermediaries between the power transmitter and receiver. These intermediaries verify device identities, enforce charging policies, and manage authorization without interfering with the actual power transfer, thus securing long-distance high-power charging operations
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are implemented in wireless charging systems, then security and accountability are improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the power receiver node to autonomously present credentials and obtain authorization tokens without requiring complex external authentication infrastructure. The authentication system uses self-contained credential verification mechanisms that reduce dependency on external servers and complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs authentication and policy enforcement mechanisms that can be integrated into existing wireless charging standards and protocols. The system uses multi-functional components that handle both power management and security authentication, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining high security standards
3Productivity
If fine-grained control and policy enforcement are implemented, then accountability and revenue models are improved, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments policy enforcement into discrete, manageable components including credential verification, authorization token generation, and charging parameter control. Each component handles a specific aspect of policy enforcement, making the system easier to manage and operate while providing fine-grained control for accountability and revenue models
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
This solution ensures secure and accountable wireless charging by authenticating only authorized devices, enabling differentiated services and revenue models, while maintaining user privacy and not requiring significant additional infrastructure on existing mobile computing nodes.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter node (102) having a primary coil (109) configured to cooperate with a secondary coil (110) of the power receiver node (103) to wirelessly transmit power to charge the power receiver node (103)
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment includes a method executed by at least one processor of a member computing node comprising: establishing a communication channel with a verifier computing node, the member computing node and the verifier computing node each coupled to a respective charging coil; determining a group of devices approved for charging with the verifier computing node; determining the member computing node is a member of the group of devices; authenticating the member computing node to the verifier computing node; in response to authenticating the member computing node to the verifier computing node, inductively charging the member computing node based on a magnetic field produced by the verifier computing node. Other embodiments are described herein.