Companion Device Authentication for Streaming Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices face inefficiencies in coordinating separate login information across devices, particularly when accessing streaming services, as existing systems often require manual re-login or allow unauthorized access by other users.
Innovation Solution
The technology enables sign-in to applications and services on a first device using an authentication operation partially performed on a companion device in proximity, allowing the companion device to provide credentials for the application or user account, thus streamlining access and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual login is required for each device, then security is maintained, but user convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a companion device as an intermediary that holds authentication credentials and enables sign-in to applications on a target device without requiring direct user input on the target device. The companion device acts as a mediator between the user's authentication credentials and the application service, allowing seamless access while maintaining security through verified device-to-device communication.
2Productivity
If login information is stored on each device, then access speed is improved, but coordination complexity and potential unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The companion device serves multiple functions: it stores authentication credentials, verifies user identity, enables sign-in to applications on other devices, and manages the authentication session. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate login coordination mechanisms on each device while maintaining fast access through pre-stored credentials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If other users can log in on the same device, then accessibility is improved, but unauthorized access and coordination inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions on the companion device before allowing access on the target device. The user must authenticate on the companion device first, and the system pre-establishes the authentication session and transfers credentials securely to the target device. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized users can access services, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining accessibility across devices.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure provides systems and methods for companion device authentication. A user of a first device may not have access to a service that can be provided by the first device. The service may be a streaming service, a cloud-based service, or the like. Companion device authentication can allow the user, or another user, to authorize access to the service at the first device, using a companion device to the first device. The first device and the companion device may exchange communications to nominate the companion device prior to notifying a user of the companion device of a companion device authentication request for the first device.