Wireless Range-Based Device Unlocking for Multipath Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require repetitive input of codes or passwords for unlocking, which can be inconvenient for authorized users who are within close proximity and pose challenges in environments with multipath signals.
Innovation Solution
A method using wireless communication between devices to determine range measurements based on transit times, employing filters to minimize false positives and negatives, and adjusting decision boundaries dynamically based on device types and environmental factors for secure unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless signals are used for unlocking, then convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to multipath signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the range threshold based on environmental conditions and signal characteristics. The unlock decision boundary is not fixed but adapts to current wireless signal quality, allowing the system to maintain reliability while enabling convenient wireless unlocking. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than rigid in its decision criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of range threshold dynamically based on signal quality, device types, and environmental factors. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system can accommodate varying signal conditions caused by multipath effects while maintaining secure unlocking functionality. This allows the system to operate reliably across different conditions without requiring repetitive user input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic range threshold is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring signal characteristics and determining appropriate range thresholds without requiring external configuration or complex user settings. The device autonomously adapts to environmental conditions by monitoring wireless signal quality and adjusting its unlock decision criteria accordingly, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from wireless signal measurements to dynamically adjust the range threshold. By continuously monitoring signal quality and using this feedback to modify unlocking parameters, the system achieves environmental adaptability through a relatively simple closed-loop control mechanism rather than complex predetermined rules.
3Reliability
If filtering is applied to minimize false positives, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies filtering selectively rather than to all possible data points. By processing only the most relevant wireless signal measurements and applying filtering to a subset of range measurements, the system reduces false positives while minimizing the time penalty associated with extensive processing of all available data.
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
Enables secure and convenient unlocking of devices without repetitive user input, minimizing errors due to multipath signals and adapting to varying environments and device types.
Implementation Method 1
determining, by the first device, transit times of the at least one received wireless signal and the at least one transmitted wireless signal. The method also includes determining, by the first device, one or more range measurements between the first device and the second device based at least in part on the transit times.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and systems for unlocking a first device based on signals transmitted between the first device and a second device are disclosed. A disclosed technique includes receiving, by a first device, at least one wireless signal from a second device; transmitting, by the first device, at least one wireless signal to the second device; determining, by the first device, transit times of the at least one received wireless signal and the at least one transmitted wireless signal; determining, by the first device, one or more range measurements between the first device and the second device based at least in part on the transit times; determining, by the first device, an unlock decision based at least in part on the one or more range measurements; and causing, by at least the first device, the first device to unlock if the unlock decision is positive.