Wearable Proximity Access Control via Spatial Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control methods are inconvenient for scenarios where standard authentication techniques, such as password entry, are burdensome or impractical, particularly for situations requiring granular access adjustments based on user-specific scenarios or circumstances, and they fail to account for the presence of multiple users effectively.

Innovation Solution

A proximity-based and user-based access control system using wearable devices with short-range frequency readers that detect and authenticate users, determining access based on user roles, device proximity, and spatial relationships to enable tailored access control without requiring traditional authentication methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard authentication techniques (password entry, fingerprint scanning) are used, then security authorization is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates in scenarios where manual input is burdensome or impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidauthentication convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device automatically performs authentication by transmitting its unique identifier to the reader without requiring user action. The system self-services the authentication process by detecting the device's presence and automatically resolving authorization based on pre-configured user profiles, eliminating the need for manual password entry or fingerprint scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical input methods (keyboard typing, fingerprint pressing) with wireless electromagnetic communication. The wearable device uses a short-range frequency antenna to transmit authentication data wirelessly to the reader, substituting physical interaction with electromagnetic field-based communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If binary access control (grant/deny) is implemented, then authorization decisions are simple, but adaptability to user-specific scenarios and time-based restrictions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control logicVSAvoidscenario-based access flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

User profiles with specific permissions are pre-configured in the system before actual access events occur. The system stores advance authorization rules that define which users can access which resources under specific conditions. When a wearable device approaches the reader, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-configured profile without requiring complex real-time decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If proximity-based access control is implemented, then authentication speed is improved, but measurement precision of device distance and orientation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication timeVSAvoiddistance and orientation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses partial information for authentication - it detects the presence and approximate proximity of the wearable device without requiring precise measurement of distance or orientation. The authentication succeeds with partial data (device detected in general proximity) rather than requiring complete precise measurements, enabling fast authentication while accepting reduced measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables secure, automatic, and context-aware access control to various devices and environments, accommodating user-specific needs and scenarios, ensuring secure access while simplifying authorization processes, especially in situations where traditional methods are impractical.

Implementation Method 1

each wearable device of the plurality of wearable devices being associated with a user and comprising a short-range frequency antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9824248B2Proximity-based and user-based access control using wearable devices

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 FMR CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses are described for proximity-based and user-based access control using wearable devices. A short-range frequency reader coupled to a target device detects a plurality of wearable devices in proximity to the reader, each wearable device comprising a short-range frequency antenna. The reader identifies, for each wearable device, a user wearing the wearable device. The reader determines, for each wearable device, a distance from the reader and an orientation in relation to the target device. The reader determines a level of access available to the target device based upon the identity of each user, the distance of each wearable device from the reader, the orientation of each wearable device in relation to the target device, and the distance of the wearable devices from each other in a three-dimensional space.