Wireless Device Authentication via Location Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current user authentication methods for secure computer applications are susceptible to unauthorized access, cumbersome, and inefficient, particularly in environments where physical contact with a keyboard is required or sterility is a concern, and existing location-based authentication systems have limitations.
Innovation Solution
A Wireless Device Based User Authentication system that uses a mobile access point and a wireless device associated with the user, allowing authentication through a single user action by determining the device's location and verifying its association with an authorized user, thereby eliminating the need for repeated login and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional username and password authentication is used, then user identification can be verified, but the system is susceptible to unauthorized access and requires repeated manual login
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual keyboard input (mechanical interaction) with wireless communication between the wireless device and access point. The authentication process automatically transmits device identifiers and location data without requiring physical contact with the system, thereby improving both security (reduced phishing/keylogging risks) and convenience (no repeated manual login required).
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic authentication where the wireless device itself performs the verification process by transmitting its identifier and location data to the access point. The device serves its own authentication purposes without requiring external manual intervention, eliminating repeated login requirements while maintaining security through automated verification protocols.
2Reliability
If physical contact with keyboard is required for authentication, then secure input can be obtained, but it becomes impractical in sterile environments or when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical keyboard interaction with wireless communication protocols. The authentication process uses automatic transmission of device identifiers and location data through wireless channels, eliminating the need for physical contact. This enables authentication in sterile environments (no contamination risk) and when hands are occupied (surgical procedures, manufacturing operations), while maintaining authentication accuracy through automated verification.
3Reliability
If location-based authentication is implemented, then unauthorized access can be prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the wireless device's existing location capabilities (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) that were already designed for other purposes. By repurposing these universal location functions for authentication, the system gains enhanced security through location verification without adding significant complexity. The access point and wireless device use standard wireless communication protocols, avoiding the need for specialized hardware or complex proprietary systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for authenticating a user includes providing an invocation element capable of being activated by a single user action, receiving an indication that the invocation element has been activated, obtaining a location of a wireless device associated with the user, determining whether the wireless device is associated with an authorized user, approving the user to use the application based on a predetermined location criterion, and producing an indication that the user has been authenticated.