Temporary Key Authentication for Cloud Content Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home networking systems limit content sharing to within a local area, making it difficult for users to access content stored at home from outside locations or share it with devices outside the home.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a temporary key, such as a One-Time Password (OTP), for establishing a network connection between electronic devices, allowing users to register and authenticate with a server to form a cloud network, enabling secure and convenient sharing of content across devices, even when outside the home.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a home networking system is used for content sharing, then content sharing within local area is enabled, but access from outside locations is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the electronic device and external devices. The server stores temporary keys and facilitates authentication, allowing external devices to access content without direct peer-to-peer connection. This mediator enables outside access while managing the complexity of network establishment centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating and storing temporary keys on the server before external access is needed. When an external device needs to connect, the key is already prepared and waiting, eliminating the need for complex real-time key generation and exchange protocols during the actual connection process.
2Ease of operation
If permanent authentication methods are used for external access, then convenient access is enabled, but user information leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary keys that are valid only for a specific time period or single use, replacing permanent authentication credentials. These disposable keys enable convenient external access while minimizing security risks, as they become invalid after use or expiration, preventing long-term unauthorized access even if compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system transitions from static permanent credentials to dynamic temporary keys with defined lifecycles. The keys are generated, used, and then automatically invalidated or expired, creating a dynamic authentication mechanism that balances convenience with security by limiting the window of vulnerability.
3Reliability
If temporary keys with expiration dates are used, then security is improved, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key management complexity from the client devices and centralizes it on the server. The server handles key generation, storage, expiration tracking, and validation, while client devices simply use the provided temporary keys for authentication. This extraction reduces the management burden on users and devices while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device (100) comprises a display (120); a communication interface (130) configured to communicate with an external server; and at least one processor (150). The at least one processor is configured to control the communication interface to transmit a first key received through a GUI displayed on the display to the external server, the first from the electronic device to a server, the first key being for authentication of the at least one other electronic device by the server. Upon other electronic device being authenticated by the server when the other electronic device transmits to the server the authentication key, the communication is further configured to establish a network between the electronic device and the other electronic device. A corresponding method for sharing content is also provided.