Location-Based User Authentication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing reliance on online services has highlighted the need for enhanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access and electronic fraud, as traditional methods are inadequate against evolving hacker tools and physical theft.
Innovation Solution
A user authentication system that utilizes location data to verify a user's identity by comparing their location to the location of a computing terminal, employing a multi-step process involving a communication device, processing device, and location tracking device to determine if the user is within a predetermined threshold distance, thereby preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but security reliability deteriorates due to inadequate protection against hacker tools and physical theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location data as an intermediary factor between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly authenticating credentials, the system mediates authentication by verifying that the user's location (obtained via GPS or other location services) matches the terminal's location within a predetermined threshold, thereby enhancing security without significantly complicating the user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from solely credential-based to location-based verification. By computing the distance between user location and terminal location and comparing it against a threshold parameter, the system dynamically adjusts security verification based on spatial parameters rather than relying only on static credentials
2Reliability
If location-based authentication is implemented, then security reliability improves by preventing unauthorized access, but device complexity increases due to additional location tracking and comparison components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing multi-functionality of mobile devices, which already possess GPS receivers, communication capabilities, and processing power. By making the authentication system universal and compatible with standard mobile device functions, the patent avoids adding specialized hardware complexity while achieving enhanced security through software-based location verification
3Loss of information
If location data verification is performed, then loss of information is reduced by preventing fraud, but loss of time increases due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous location tracking and verification, where the device continuously obtains location data and the system continuously verifies authentication status. This continuous action allows for real-time fraud prevention without requiring repeated manual authentication steps, thereby reducing the perceived time loss while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is automated through self-service mechanisms where the system automatically obtains location data, computes distances, compares thresholds, and makes authentication decisions without requiring user intervention for each verification step. This self-service approach minimizes the time users perceive as lost during authentication
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of authenticating a user based on location data. The method includes receiving, using a communication device, a user location from a location tracking device associated with the user. Further, the method includes receiving, using the communication device, a terminal location from a computing terminal. Yet further, the method includes computing, using a processing device, a distance between the user location and the terminal location. Further, the method includes performing, using the processing device, a first comparison of the distance with a first predetermined threshold value. Moreover, the method includes authenticating, using the processing device, the user based on a first result of the first comparison.