Voice Assistant App Binding via Cloud-Validated One-Time Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for associating accounts and devices require password/username authentication, which are often cumbersome and complex, particularly when trying to link devices like universal voice assistants without using passwords.
Innovation Solution
A method where a smart device retrieves a one-time use code from a cloud-server, which is then provided to a controllable device, allowing authentication and binding without the need for passwords, using information like app name, device ID, and certificates to validate the app and device legitimacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password/username authentication is used to associate accounts and devices, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and complex authentication processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password/username authentication step from the device association process entirely. Instead of requiring users to enter credentials, the system uses a one-time code transmitted via SMS or email that automatically authenticates the user's identity and binds the device to their account, eliminating the need for manual password entry while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary one-time code as a mediator between the user and the authentication system. This code serves as a temporary credential that proves the user's identity without exposing their actual password, allowing secure device association while simplifying the user experience.
2Ease of operation
If one-time password or code is used for device association, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the one-time code mechanism universal across multiple devices and services. The same code generation and verification system works for associating any device with any account, eliminating the need for device-specific or service-specific authentication implementations, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added authentication step.
3Reliability
If cloud-server validation with certificates is implemented, then reliability is improved through secure validation, but device complexity increases due to additional validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs certificate validation and identity verification in advance during the device association setup process. Once validated, the system establishes a trusted relationship that persists without requiring repeated validation steps during normal operation, thereby maintaining high reliability while reducing the perceived complexity for users during everyday use.
Data Source
AI summary
A password less login using a smart device is caused to retrieve from a cloud-server a one-time use code. The smart device is associated with a virtual user account to control a plurality of controllable devices with a device app installed on a smart device. The one-time use code is provided to a controllable device and the controllable device is caused to provide the one-time use code back to the smart device. The app causes the one-time use code provided back to the smart device by the controllable device to be authenticated. In response to the one-time use code being authenticated, the controllable device is bound to the app whereupon the controllable device is controllable through use of the app.