UWB Proximity Authentication for Computing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for computing devices are cumbersome, prone to errors due to multipath interference in indoor settings, and can lead to unauthorized access when using short-range communication protocols like Bluetooth or WiFi for proximity-based authentication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing ultrawideband (UWB) communication protocols that allow devices to broadcast messages, determine accurate distances based on timing information, and communicate authentication information to authenticate users on nearby devices within a threshold radius, using protocols like those promulgated by the FiRa Consortium for precise range measurements and secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If short-range communication protocols like Bluetooth or WiFi are used for proximity-based authentication, then authentication can be performed without manual input, but the risk of unauthorized access increases due to multipath interference and inaccurate distance measurement in indoor settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional radio-based proximity detection (Bluetooth/WiFi) with ultrawideband (UWB) communication technology. UWB uses time-of-flight measurement to calculate distance based on the speed of light, providing centimeter-level accuracy and immunity to multipath interference. This substitution maintains authentication convenience while significantly improving security and reliability in indoor environments.
2Reliability
If manual username and password entry is required for authentication, then security is maintained, but the authentication process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary distance measurement using UWB technology to determine if the computing device is within the threshold radius of the user's mobile device. When the distance condition is satisfied, authentication is automatically granted without requiring manual username and password entry. This preliminary verification action eliminates time-consuming manual input while maintaining security through accurate proximity verification.
3Reliability
If the computing device logs out after a short period of inactivity, then security is maintained, but the user must repeatedly log on, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the distance between the computing device and the user's mobile device using UWB communication. When the user returns to the device after logout, the system detects the proximity through feedback from distance measurements and automatically re-authenticates the user. This feedback mechanism maintains security by requiring proximity verification while eliminating the need for repeated manual login, thereby improving productivity.
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 approach provides accurate and secure remote authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and improving user convenience by determining device proximity with centimeter-level accuracy, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of authentication processes.
Implementation Method 1
determines respective distances to the one or more UWB equipped devices based on timing information associated with the UWB message and the one or more UWB responses
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented authentication method comprises broadcasting, by a first device, an ultrawideband (UWB) message. The first device receives one or more UWB responses to the UWB message from one or more UWB equipped devices and determines respective distances to the one or more UWB equipped devices based on timing information associated with the UWB message and the one or more UWB responses. The method further comprises determining one or more of the UWB equipped devices having a respective distance to the first device that is within a threshold radius of the first device to be authenticatable devices, and communicating, by the first device, authentication information to one or more of the authenticatable devices to authenticate a user of the first device on the one or more authenticatable devices.