Location Verification Token for Spoofing Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in accurately tracking and verifying the location of mobile devices for location-dependent services, particularly in scenarios where GPS is unavailable or location information can be spoofed, leading to compliance issues and restricted access to geographic-specific phone numbers and services.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of location-unique certificates or tokens, communicated via short-range wireless networks like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which are verified by a geographically known verifier device, ensuring that the mobile device is within a specific geographic area, thereby preventing fraudulent use and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS or conventional location services are used to track device location, then location information can be obtained, but the location data can be spoofed or is unavailable in certain areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation verification accuracyVSAvoidlocation data trustworthiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces location verification data as an intermediary element that mediates between the device and the location service. This verification data, received from a verifier device at a known geographic location, acts as a trusted third-party certification that the device is genuinely at the claimed location, preventing spoofing without relying solely on conventional GPS services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary location verification by receiving location verification data from a verifier device before the mobile device attempts to access location-dependent services. This advance verification ensures that the device is authenticated at the claimed location prior to service access, preventing fraudulent use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If location-based services are restricted to prevent fraudulent use, then service security is improved, but access to services is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice securityVSAvoidservice accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the communications service receives location verification data from verifier devices and uses this feedback to dynamically determine whether to grant access to location-dependent services. This feedback loop enables the system to securely verify device location and appropriately authorize service access based on verified location information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If short-range wireless verification is implemented, then location spoofing is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation authenticationVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The verifier device operates autonomously at a known geographic location, automatically providing location verification data to mobile devices without requiring complex centralized verification infrastructure. The mobile device simply receives and forwards this verification data to the communications service, enabling self-service location authentication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The location verification data acts as an intermediary credential that simplifies the verification process. Instead of implementing complex verification protocols, the system uses this intermediate verification token to prove device location, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11350283B2Verification of caller location for use in assigning location-based numbers

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques and systems are disclosed to enable location verification and tracking, for use or access of a geographic-specific phone number or similar location feature of a communications service by a mobile computing device at (or within) a geographic location or defined area. In an example, verification of a use of the device at the location or area is enabled by the receipt and collection of location verification data for a token having location verification and time data, with such location verification data being communicated via a short-range wireless network. The verification is enabled by communication of the token to a communications service for device identification and location registration, and assess to a resource based on registered use of the communications device at the geographic location. In further examples, capabilities for security, verification, and auditing of location information is enabled with use of the token and location information.