Wearable Device Secure Element Distance-Based Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices used to control electronic devices, such as smartphones, often lead to security issues when unauthorized access occurs, potentially compromising secure data due to lack of secure distance-based authentication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a wearable device pairs with an electronic device, using a secure storage device to store a cryptographic key, and transmits an unlock signal only when within a threshold distance, ensuring secure authentication and preventing unauthorized access by using a trusted execution environment and sensors to determine movement patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wearable device is used to control an electronic device for increased convenience, then user convenience is improved, but security risk increases due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure element as an intermediary component between the wearable device and electronic device. This secure element acts as a trusted mediator that verifies cryptographic keys and authentication data, ensuring that only authorized devices can establish control relationships. The secure element mediates the authentication process by validating cryptographic proofs without exposing sensitive keys, thus maintaining security while enabling convenient wearable device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary pairing and authentication actions before the wearable device can control the electronic device. During the pairing process, cryptographic keys are generated and stored in the secure element, and authentication credentials are established in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that when the wearable device attempts to control the electronic device later, the authentication is already validated, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining user convenience.
2Reliability
If cryptographic keys are stored in the wearable device for authentication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into distinct components: the wearable device contains user interface and communication functionality, while the secure element (separate hardware component) contains the cryptographic keys and secure storage. This segmentation allows cryptographic functionality to be added without increasing the complexity of the main wearable device processor or software, as the secure element operates as an independent security coprocessor.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element serves as an intermediary that handles all cryptographic operations and key management. By offloading these complex security functions to a specialized component, the main wearable device can remain relatively simple while still providing strong cryptographic authentication. The secure element mediates between the simple wearable device interface and the complex requirements of cryptographic security.
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
Enhances user convenience while maintaining security by automatically unlocking the electronic device when the wearable device is near and locking it when out of range, thereby preventing unauthorized use.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether to transmit the unlock signal to the electronic device may include determine a movement pattern of the wearable device using a sensor included in the wearable device
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of controlling an electronic device using a wearable device, the electronic device is paired with the wearable device. A cryptographic key, which corresponds to the electronic device, is stored in a secure storage device included in the wearable device. A distance between the wearable device and the electronic device is estimated by the wearable device. An unlock signal including the cryptographic key, which is stored in the secure storage device, is transmitted from the wearable device to the electronic device when the estimated distance is smaller than a threshold distance. The electronic device is unlocked based on the unlock signal.