Wireless Authentication Terminal for Seamless Login

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems require users to perform explicit operations such as inserting or removing media like IC cards or USB memories to log into or out of a system, or holding them up for NFC/RFID readers, which is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that allows users to log in or out by entering or leaving the communication range of an information processing terminal with a reader/writer device carrying an IC card, eliminating the need for explicit operations by using wireless communication to manage authentication information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication (NFC/RFID) is used to transmit authentication information, then the convenience of login/logout is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and information leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of login/logoutVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information processing terminal as an intermediary between the reader/writer and the authentication system. The terminal receives wireless authentication information, processes it through encryption and verification protocols, and communicates with the server. This intermediary layer adds security validation while maintaining the wireless convenience, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical media insertion/removal (mechanical system) with wireless communication (electromagnetic field system). By using NFC/RFID technology, authentication information is transmitted through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical insertion while maintaining security through digital verification protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automatic connection is implemented based on proximity detection, then the user burden is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser burden reductionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic connection based on proximity detection, where the reader/writer autonomously determines when to establish communication with the information processing terminal. The terminal automatically detects the reader/writer's presence, initiates connection protocols, and manages authentication without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism reduces user burden while the automated protocols manage the underlying system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements connection request standby states where the information processing terminal preliminarily prepares for connection by monitoring for reader/writer presence and pre-establishing communication parameters. This preliminary action allows automatic connection to occur smoothly when the reader/writer enters the communication range, reducing user burden while managing system complexity through pre-configured protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the reader/writer remains in communication range continuously, then system availability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic connection request transmission instead of continuous communication. The reader/writer transmits connection requests at predetermined intervals while remaining in communication range, allowing the information processing terminal to maintain system availability by detecting these periodic signals while both devices can enter low-power states between transmissions. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between maintaining availability and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts communication states based on presence detection. When the reader/writer is detected in communication range, the terminal transitions to a connection request standby state, preparing for potential connection. When not detected, the terminal returns to a lower-power state. This dynamic state management maintains system availability when needed while minimizing power consumption during extended periods without presence, resolving the availability-power consumption contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3047436B1Information processing device, information processing system, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3047436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3047436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3047436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an apparatus including a circuitry configured to initiate a reception of an information request that has been wirelessly transmitted from an information processing terminal, initiate, based on the information request, an obtaining of an information wirelessly from an external communication device, and initiate a wireless transmission of the obtained information to the information processing terminal.