Wi-Fi Authentication via Machine-Readable Code Scanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless security methods, such as PIN and push-button entries, are prone to errors and brute-force attacks, necessitating a more secure and efficient authentication process for establishing connections between devices.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the generation of a machine-readable code by a wireless access point, which is scanned by a mobile device to convert into a unique identification number for authentication, establishing a secure connection through transmission and verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PIN entry method is used for authentication, then security is provided, but errors due to mistypes occur and brute-force attacks remain vulnerable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual PIN entry mechanism with an automated optical scanning mechanism. The mobile device's camera captures an image of the machine-readable code displayed on the access point, and software automatically decodes the unique identification number, eliminating manual typing and associated errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a machine-readable code (visual copy) that contains the unique identification number. Instead of manually entering the ID, the system creates a visual representation that can be captured by the camera and automatically processed, reducing human error while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If push-button entry method is used for authentication, then connection establishment is achieved, but the process requires completion within a limited time window of two minutes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment speedVSAvoidauthentication time window

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access point generates and displays the machine-readable code containing the unique identification number before the authentication process begins. This preliminary preparation allows the mobile device to capture and process the code at its own pace without being constrained by a strict time window, eliminating the rush associated with push-button methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional authentication methods are used, then security is provided, but the process is prone to brute-force attacks and mistypes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidsecurity threats

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a machine-readable code as an intermediary carrier of the unique identification number. This code serves as a secure medium that can be optically captured and decoded, providing a more secure transmission method that resists brute-force attacks compared to traditional PIN or push-button methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10033531B2Method of wireless fidelity secure authentication

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A method for setting up a secure connection between a mobile communication device and a wireless access point is disclosed. The method comprises generating a machine-readable code corresponding to the wireless access point. The generated machine-readable code is scanned through an image-capturing unit. Further, the scanned machine-readable code is converted into a unique identification number that corresponds to the wireless access point. The unique identification number is transmitted to the wireless access point. The mobile communication device is authenticated based on the transmitted unique identification number by sending an authentication message to the mobile communication device.