Wearable-Mediated Host Authentication Session
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often find themselves frequently entering passcodes on their mobile devices due to the devices being locked for security, especially when they are not readily accessible, such as when the device is in a bag or pocket.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device can establish a verified session with a host device, allowing it to bypass the passcode requirement by maintaining a secure communication link, enabling the host device to remain unlocked as long as the wearable device is in close proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a host device is locked with a passcode for security, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent passcode entry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A wearable device acts as an intermediary between the user and the host device. When the wearable device is detected in close proximity to the host device, it mediates the authentication process by providing a verified session that allows the host device to remain unlocked without requiring the user to manually enter a passcode, thus maintaining security while improving convenience
2Ease of operation
If a host device remains unlocked for convenience, then user convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access risks
Solution Approach 1:
The security state of the host device is made dynamic rather than static. The device can transition between locked and unlocked states based on the presence or absence of the wearable device. When the wearable device is detected in close proximity, the host device transitions to an unlocked state for convenience; when the wearable device is removed or moves out of range, the host device transitions to a locked state for security, thus adapting security levels to current usage context
3Ease of operation
If a verified session is established between wearable and host device, then user convenience is improved by bypassing passcode requirements, but device complexity increases due to session management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The verified session is established in advance when the user first pairs the wearable device with the host device. This preliminary authentication creates a trusted relationship that persists across subsequent interactions. The session key and authentication state are stored and reused, eliminating the need to repeatedly perform complex authentication protocols during normal usage, thus improving convenience while managing complexity through one-time setup
Data Source
AI summary
A host device can establish a verified session with a wearable device. The host device can determine whether the verified session is in progress. In accordance with a determination that the verified session is in progress, the host device can provide a user interface to request confirmation that the identifier is to be provided to the wearable device. The host device can receive an input at the user interface and, in accordance with a determination that the input indicates a confirmation that the identifier is to be provided to the wearable device, the host can identify a user identifier to provide to the wearable device, and transmit the user identifier to the wearable device.