Wireless Presence Detection for Automatic Session Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems are vulnerable to tailgating, where unauthorized individuals can access restricted computer 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 and method 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 maintaining a configurable signal strength threshold and time frame for authentication signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional username and password security measures are used, then basic authentication is provided, but the system remains vulnerable to tailgating attacks where unauthorized users can access the terminal after the authorized user logs in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices between the authorized user and the computer system. The transmitter worn by the user continuously communicates their presence to the receiver at the terminal, creating an intermediary verification layer that distinguishes the authorized user from any unauthorized person who might physically occupy the terminal. This resolves the contradiction by adding security through intermediaries rather than increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical presence verification methods (visual confirmation, physical proximity requirements) with wireless electromagnetic field-based detection. Instead of relying on mechanical or manual verification of user presence, the system uses wireless transmitters and receivers to automatically detect and verify the authorized user's presence through electromagnetic signals, thereby enhancing security without requiring complex mechanical verification systems.
2Reliability
If the system continuously monitors for user presence to prevent tailgating, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but system resource consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of wireless signals rather than continuous monitoring. The receiver checks for the presence of the authorized user's transmitter at intervals, and the transmitter can enter low-power states between transmissions. This periodic action maintains security by detecting user absence when it occurs, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring of both parties.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorized user's wireless transmitter continuously or periodically broadcasts their presence information, effectively monitoring themselves rather than requiring the system to actively query them. The transmitter serves its own monitoring function by maintaining an active wireless signal that the receiver detects, reducing the energy burden on the central system while maintaining continuous presence verification.
3Reliability
If automatic session termination is implemented when users leave, then protection against unauthorized access is enhanced, but user convenience and ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor wireless signal presence and automatically terminate sessions when the user's transmitter signal drops below a threshold or disappears for a configured duration. This feedback loop provides automatic session management that enhances security by ensuring sessions are terminated when users leave, while the configurable thresholds allow flexibility to accommodate legitimate brief absences, balancing security with user convenience.
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 the authorized user's session is terminated if they step away or become inactive, thereby enhancing security and reducing the risk of data breaches and identity theft.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless transmitter to transmit an authentication signal and a wireless receiver to detect the authentication signal transmitted by the wireless transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically terminating access or initiating 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. In one embodiment the signal strength from the authorization signal at the time of logon is used as a baseline signal strength for future calculations that determine when to initiate an automatic termination of access to the restricted access system.