Location-Based Access Tokens for Privacy-Preserving Resource Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems restrict access to controlled resources based on recognized locations, such as IP addresses or physical locations, preventing access outside these areas without personally identifiable information or login procedures, which can compromise user privacy and increase processing cycles.
Innovation Solution
Generate state data for client devices when accessing resources from recognized locations, including timestamps and device identifiers, and create encrypted tokens for seamless access outside these locations, eliminating the need for login procedures and protecting user privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control is based on recognized locations (IP addresses, physical locations), then resource security is improved, but user privacy deteriorates due to requirement of personally identifiable information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location-based state data as an intermediary between the user and the resource access system. Instead of directly using personally identifiable information for access control, the system uses device identifiers combined with location information to create state data records that mediate access requests, thereby protecting user privacy while maintaining resource security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates state data records that copy essential access control information (device identifier, location, timestamp, resource identifier) without copying personally identifiable information. This allows the system to verify access rights based on location and device state rather than personal identity, resolving the contradiction between security and privacy
2Reliability
If login procedures are required for access control, then resource security is improved, but processing cycles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating state data records when users are at recognized locations, storing device identifiers, location information, and resource access rights in advance. When access is needed, the system simply verifies the existing state data rather than performing full login procedures, reducing processing cycles while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses device identifiers (such as cookies or device tokens) that automatically identify users without requiring manual login. The state data records self-verify access rights based on location and device state, eliminating the need for repeated authentication procedures and reducing processing overhead
3Reliability
If access is restricted to recognized locations only, then resource security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the access control system dynamic by allowing state data to be created and updated based on current location. Users can access resources from recognized locations and the system dynamically creates state data records that enable subsequent access from different locations, providing both security and operational flexibility
4Ease of operation
If state data is stored for location-based access, then access convenience outside recognized locations is improved, but risk of misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates timestamps and expiration parameters in state data records to dynamically change the validity parameters of access tokens. State data automatically expires after a predetermined time, and the system verifies timestamp freshness to prevent replay attacks, thereby reducing misuse risk while maintaining access convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring state data usage and verifying each access request against the stored state information. The system tracks whether state data has been used and validates timestamps to provide real-time feedback on access validity, preventing misuse while enabling convenient access
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide access to location-restricted resources outside of recognized locations. An example, a method includes receiving a request for a controlled access resource from a client device and determining that the request is not associated with a recognized location but that state data exists for the client device identifier. In response to identifying the state data, the method includes generating a link for accessing the controlled access resource at a server, generating an encrypted token including a timestamp, a random number, and licensed resource information from the state data, including the encrypted token in the link, and providing the link to the client device. The client device uses the link to request the controlled access resource from the server, which determines that the request includes the token, determines that the token is not expired, and provides the controlled access resource to the client device.