Wireless Signal Strength Proximity Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing device locking solutions are unreliable due to continuous Bluetooth signal requirements, which drain battery life and pose security risks, and lack customizable range settings and automatic unlocking features, leading to unnecessary locks and potential data vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically locks a computing device when a mobile device is out of range and unlocks it when back in range, using wireless signal strength measurements to determine proximity, with customizable threshold distances and optional reauthentication for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bluetooth signals are used continuously to detect mobile device presence, then access control functionality is achieved, but battery life is drained and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from continuous Bluetooth signal transmission to periodic Wi-Fi signal strength measurements. The mobile device periodically transmits Wi-Fi signals and the computing device periodically measures signal strength, achieving access control functionality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces Bluetooth technology with Wi-Fi technology for proximity detection. Wi-Fi signals provide stronger transmission power and better range, enabling more reliable access control while allowing the mobile device to use lower power transmission modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If Bluetooth signals are used for access control, then device locking is achieved, but false locks occur due to signal unreliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameter from Bluetooth signal presence/absence to Wi-Fi signal strength measurement. By measuring the actual signal strength and comparing it against a threshold, the system achieves more accurate proximity detection, reducing false locks while maintaining user convenience through automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where signal strength measurements are continuously monitored and compared against a predefined threshold. When the signal strength exceeds the threshold, the device remains unlocked; when it falls below, the device locks automatically, providing reliable and convenient access control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed Bluetooth range is used, then simple implementation is achieved, but customizable distance control is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic configurability where the distance threshold is not fixed but can be adjusted by users according to their needs. The threshold parameter can be modified to accommodate different usage scenarios, such as desk work, mobile use, or secure environments, making the system adaptable while maintaining simple operation through automated threshold application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If manual unlocking is required, then security is maintained, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic unlocking functionality where the computing device autonomously detects when the authorized mobile device is within range and automatically unlocks itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining security through the use of authorized devices, significantly improving user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Improves privacy protection by automating locking and unlocking processes, reducing battery drain and security risks, and providing customizable access control, ensuring sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access.

Implementation Method 1

wireless signal strength measurements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11246029B1Controlling access to a computing device with a wireless device using wireless signal strength measurements

Publication Date: 2022.02.08

AI summary

A method for controlling access to a computing device includes detecting one or more wireless devices configured as wireless access points. A handshake operation involving the computing device and a key device may then be performed. The method further includes receiving, at the computing device and during a calibration phase, wireless signals transmitted by the key device wherein during the calibration phase the computing device determines an approximate signal strength corresponding to a desired distance between the computing device and the key device. Subsequent to the calibration phase, other wireless signals transmitted by the key device are received at the computing device. The method further includes detecting, based upon a received signal strength of the other wireless signals, that the computing device and the key device are separated by at least the desired distance and, in response, electronically locking or otherwise inhibiting user access to the computing device.