Contextual User Authentication via Dynamic Confidence Scoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to effectively manage user authentication and privacy in public environments, particularly with voice personal assistants, where unauthorized access can occur if a user does not log out, and confidential information may be inadvertently shared.

Innovation Solution

A system that calculates a confidence score based on device interactions and location to set permissions levels, ensuring secure access and limiting information sharing in public settings by using a contextual services management system that integrates data from various devices to authenticate users and adjust privacy settings dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user interacts with a voice personal assistant without logging out, then the user can conveniently continue using the device, but unauthorized access and fraudulent activities may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of continuous useVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts authentication requirements and session validity based on contextual factors such as location, device type, and time since last interaction. The confidence score continuously updates as new data arrives, allowing the system to adapt security measures in real-time rather than using static authentication rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where device inputs from multiple sources (location services, device identifiers, interaction patterns) are constantly monitored and fed back into the confidence score calculation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect potential unauthorized access attempts and adjust permissions accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If confidential information is shared between user and device, then the user can access personalized services, but information may be inadvertently shared in public environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized service accessVSAvoidprivacy exposure in public settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different privacy protection levels based on the detected environment. When a public setting is identified through location analysis or device context, the system selectively limits which confidential information can be shared, while still allowing personalized services to function with appropriate data restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The confidence score serves as a dynamic parameter that directly influences information sharing permissions. As the confidence score changes based on contextual inputs (location, device type, authentication status), the system adjusts the level of confidential information disclosure accordingly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system uses multiple device inputs to calculate confidence score, then authentication accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The confidence score calculation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it authenticates users, determines privacy settings, controls information sharing, and adjusts session permissions. By using a single unified scoring mechanism rather than separate systems for each function, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high authentication accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The confidence score acts as an intermediary value that synthesizes information from multiple complex inputs (location data, device identifiers, interaction patterns, authentication credentials) into a single manageable metric. This intermediary approach simplifies the decision-making process downstream while preserving the precision benefits of multi-source input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11232187B2Contextual identification and information security

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES CO INC

AI summary

A system may identify a user based on inputs from multiple devices. The system may determine a confidence score based on the probability that the system accurately identifies the user. The system may provide a permissions level based on the confidence score. The permissions level may affect the type of interactions the user may perform with a device. The system may determine a privacy level for an interaction based on determining whether the user is in a public or private setting.