Wireless Proximity Session Termination for Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures for computer systems are vulnerable to tailgating, where unauthorized individuals can access secured systems by exploiting the absence of the authorized user, as most systems lack the ability to differentiate between the authorized user and an unauthorized user who takes their place after they have logged in.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing wireless transmitters and receivers to identify when an authorized user has left the vicinity of an access terminal, automatically terminating their session to prevent unauthorized access, by ensuring the authentication signal strength drops below a configurable threshold for a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional login credentials (usernames, passwords, biometrics) are used for access control, then user authentication is enabled, but the system cannot differentiate between an authorized user and an unauthorized user who takes their place after login
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the physical presence of the user through wireless transmitter signals and provides feedback to the access control system. When the signal is detected, the session remains active; when the signal is lost (indicating user absence), the system automatically terminates the session. This continuous feedback loop ensures that unauthorized access is prevented while maintaining simple credential-based authentication.
2Reliability
If the system automatically terminates sessions when users step away, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user convenience is reduced due to frequent re-logins
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own wireless transmitter (such as a mobile device or badge) to automatically prove their presence. The access control system passively receives signals from the transmitter without requiring active user interaction. The user simply needs to have the transmitter on their person, and the system automatically maintains or terminates the session based on signal detection, eliminating the need for manual login/logout actions.
3Measurement precision
If wireless transmitters are required for all users, then proximity detection is enabled, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages universally possessed devices such as mobile phones, tablets, or standard access badges that already contain wireless communication capabilities. Instead of requiring specialized transmitters, the system uses these existing multi-functional devices for proximity detection. The same device users employ for communication or standard access control purposes also serves the additional function of session presence verification, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware.
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
Effectively prevents unauthorized access by ensuring that only authorized users with valid credentials and proximity can access the system, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing security measures beyond traditional login credentials.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system is described that uses wireless transmitters and receivers to allow a computer system to identify when an authorized user has left the vicinity of an access terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically terminating a logout session for a restricted access system by determining that an authorized user has left the vicinity of the restricted access system. The authorized user preferably carries a wireless transmitter which transmits an authorization signal. When the authorized user leaves the vicinity of the restricted access system after logging in, the signal is no longer received by a wireless receiver or too weak of a signal, such that an access control system in communication with the wireless receiver automatically causes the restricted access system to initiate a logout action in order to prevent or reduce the chance of an unauthorized user gaining access to the restricted access system.