Device Authentication via Social Network Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network-enabled devices lack secure and efficient methods for user authentication and device interconnectivity, particularly in scenarios involving new devices and varying user permissions, which complicates seamless integration and control within a user's device cloud.

Innovation Solution

A network-enabled device is securely associated with a user through a process involving authentication with a personal device, cloud retrieval of user interface, and direct connection to a local access point, allowing for intelligent operation using cloud computing and machine learning. This enables remote control and authorization based on social-networking information, allowing authorized users to connect and control devices within the user's cloud.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If new devices are integrated into the device cloud without established authentication methods, then device connectivity and integration speed improve, but security and authorization control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration speedVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication actions by establishing trust relationships between devices before they can communicate. The authentication mechanism pre-verifies device identities and user permissions, creating security credentials in advance that enable both fast integration and secure access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between new devices and the device cloud. This intermediary layer verifies credentials and establishes secure connections without requiring manual configuration, thereby maintaining security while enabling rapid device onboarding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex authentication and authorization processes are implemented for device control, then security and permission management improve, but system complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization controlVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service authentication where devices automatically perform credential verification and authorization establishment without user intervention. The system autonomously manages authentication tokens and permission grants, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining robust security controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal authentication framework that handles multiple device types, user roles, and permission scenarios through a single standardized mechanism. This multi-functional authentication system simplifies the interface while providing granular authorization control across diverse device cloud environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used for device association, then security control improves, but integration time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure associationVSAvoiddevice integration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the authentication system continuously verifies device identities and updates authorization states based on observed behavior and credentials. This automated feedback loop maintains secure associations while eliminating manual configuration steps, thereby improving integration productivity without sacrificing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9930079B2Device-driven social network
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 META PLATFORMS INC
  • US9930079B2 patent drawing
  • US9930079B2 patent drawing
  • US9930079B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information from a network-enabled device, the network-enabled device being associated with a first user of a social-networking system. The information indicates that the physical presence of an item has been detected by one or more sensors of the network-enabled device. The method further includes identifying the item based on the received information and providing information about the identified item to one or more second users of the social-networking system.