Limited-Scope Access Token Generation for API Security

The patent segments a single master access token into multiple child access tokens, each with specific scope limitations for different resources. The authorization service generates child tokens that inherit permissions from the parent token but are restricted to specific resource sets, allowing operational simplicity while enhancing security through granular access control.

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating multiple child access tokens with different scope limitations before they are needed. These tokens are stored and ready for use, eliminating the need for frequent real-time token exchanges while maintaining security. The system proactively prepares secured access credentials in advance.

The patent implements self-service by enabling the authorization service to automatically generate, manage, and revoke child access tokens without requiring external intermediary components. The system autonomously handles token lifecycle management, including generating tokens with appropriate scopes, storing them securely, and revoking them when no longer needed, thereby reducing system complexity.

The patent implements universality by creating a parent-child token relationship where a single parent access token can generate multiple child tokens for different resources. The authorization service provides a universal interface that automatically manages the creation and distribution of scope-specific child tokens, maintaining ease of operation while enabling fine-grained security control across multiple resources.