Time Synchronization via Trust Aggregation for Secure Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for networked communication devices are energy inefficient, costly, and vulnerable to security risks, particularly due to the reliance on global positioning technology and battery-powered devices, which can lead to inaccurate clock synchronization and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing local authentication using trusted validation devices that are part of the networked infrastructure, where validation devices become trusted by operable devices based on their relationship with an access granting device, allowing for proximity verification and secure access authorization without the need for remote authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If global positioning technology or short-range communication technology (e.g., Bluetooth) is used to verify proximity for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time synchronization function from the expensive global positioning and Bluetooth technologies, achieving proximity verification through clock time comparison alone. This removes the need for energy-intensive hardware while maintaining authentication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic systems (global positioning receivers, Bluetooth radio modules) with a software-based time comparison mechanism. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while preserving the core authentication function.
2Reliability
If global positioning technology or multiple communication capabilities are included in operable devices, then authentication capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential authentication function from complex hardware systems and implements it through simple clock time comparison. This eliminates the need for expensive global positioning and multiple communication modules, significantly reducing device manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the clock function serve multiple purposes: timekeeping, proximity verification, and authentication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate expensive hardware components while maintaining comprehensive authentication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If battery-powered clocks are used in operable devices, then device functionality is improved, but clock accuracy deteriorates due to battery weakening from excessive power draw
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a head-end device as an intermediary that maintains accurate time and provides time information to operable devices. This allows battery-powered clocks to maintain accuracy by periodically synchronizing with the head-end device rather than relying solely on their own weakening batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The operable device uses its own battery-powered clock for basic timekeeping and proximity verification, reducing power consumption compared to continuous use of expensive positioning hardware. The device supplements this with periodic time updates from the head-end when needed for higher precision.
4Ease of operation
If traditional authentication methods are used, then access control is achieved, but security vulnerabilities increase due to inaccurate clocks and man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the head-end device provides time synchronization information to operable devices based on their clock accuracy needs. This continuous feedback loop maintains security by ensuring clocks remain synchronized without requiring complex authentication protocols that are vulnerable to attacks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing time may include receiving initial time information including an initial timestamp from a first device, adjusting a clock of the device with the initial time information, storing the initial time information as an earliest possible time, receiving additional time information, including a second timestamp, from a second device, and evaluating the additional time information. When the evaluated additional time information includes information that is unacceptable, the method may further include adjusting the clock with the second timestamp, and replacing the earliest possible time with the second timestamp. When the evaluated additional time information includes information that is acceptable, the method may further include adjusting the clock with the additional time information, and replacing the earliest possible time with the additional time information. The initial time information and additional time information may be respectively determined based on reconciled time data received from two or more proximate devices.