Verifying Device Location via Astronomical Reference Object Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) systems face challenges in balancing ease of use and security, particularly when relying on static access credentials that can be compromised by unauthorized users, necessitating a more robust method to verify device locations during secure transactions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses real-time device location verification by presenting a virtual representation of an astronomical reference object within a device display, synchronizing its location with device orientation sensors to generate a Location Verification Value, ensuring the device is in a predetermined verification position and orientation, thus verifying the device's location relative to a user-provided address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static access credentials are used for authentication, then ease of use is improved, but security deteriorates because credentials can be compromised by unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static authentication credentials into dynamic verification by using real-time device location and orientation data. The system continuously monitors device position relative to astronomical reference objects and compares measured orientation against expected orientation for the indicated location, creating a dynamic authentication mechanism that changes based on device state rather than relying on fixed credentials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/password-based authentication systems with an astronomical reference system. Instead of using static credentials stored in databases, the system uses celestial bodies (stars, planets, moon) as reference points and leverages sensor data (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to verify device location and orientation against pre-calculated expected values
2Reliability
If dynamic location verification using astronomical reference objects is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and real-time calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of mobile device sensors, using accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers for their intended navigation and orientation purposes while simultaneously utilizing them for security verification. The same sensor suite that enables features like screen rotation and step counting is also used to calculate device orientation relative to astronomical reference objects, eliminating the need for dedicated security hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own built-in sensors and processing capabilities to perform verification, rather than requiring external verification hardware. The device self-measures its orientation and location using its onboard sensors and compares these measurements against expected values provided by the authentication server, making the verification process self-contained and reducing system complexity
3Measurement precision
If real-time sensor data processing and astronomical calculations are performed, then measurement precision is improved for location verification, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation and computations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous real-time processing, the system performs verification at discrete authentication moments. Sensors are activated on-demand when authentication is required, and calculations are performed periodically rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining verification precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates expected device orientation values for various locations relative to astronomical reference objects and stores these reference values on the server. This eliminates the need for complex real-time astronomical calculations on the device, transferring the computational burden to the server and reducing mobile device energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A computer receives a request to verify a location of a primary device. The computer receives an Indicated Primary Device Location “IPDL”. The computer shows within a display a dynamically located virtual representation of a predetermined Astronomical Reference Object “ARO”. The virtual representation indicates a real-time offset between a Display Reference Indicator “DRI” and the ARO. The computer receives primary device orientation metadata from sensors associated with the primary device and generates a Measured Primary Device Orientation “MPDO” when the device is in a location verification orientation. The computer calculates an Expected Device Orientation “EDO” for a reference device arranged in the PDVP while at the IPDL. The computer generates a Location Verification Value “LVV” based, at least in part, on comparing the MPDO and the EDO. When the computer determines the LVV exceeds a predetermined verification threshold, providing an indication that the indicated primary device location is verified.