Media Player Authentication via Device Co-location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media streaming systems face security issues due to the insecurity of traditional username and password authentication methods, leading to unauthorized access and revenue loss for content providers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a media player device authentication technique that monitors device locations to determine co-location patterns with a primary device, selectively designating confirmed devices for media streaming, and disabling unauthorized devices, even if they have correct login credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If username and password authentication is used, then user access control is implemented, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates due to password interception and sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location information as an intermediary factor between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly relying on passwords, the system uses geographic location data (GPS coordinates, IP addresses, Wi-Fi triangulation) as a mediator to verify whether the device is physically present at an authorized location, thereby blocking unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from static credentials (username/password) to dynamic location-based parameters. The system continuously monitors device location and compares it against authorized household locations, making the authentication criterion changeable and context-dependent rather than fixed and predictable
2Reliability
If location monitoring is implemented to verify device co-location, then unauthorized access is reduced, but system complexity increases due to continuous monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing authorized device relationships and location parameters in advance. During authentication, it only needs to check whether current location matches pre-authorized locations, rather than continuously analyzing complex patterns in real-time, thereby reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses location data copies (GPS coordinates, IP addresses, Wi-Fi signal characteristics) as proxies for physical device presence. Instead of directly verifying physical co-location, the system monitors these informational copies which are easier to track and compare, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and processes are provided to facilitate the authentication of media player devices for media streaming. Specifically, the various embodiments provide a media player device authentication technique that monitors the locations of media player devices to determine a pattern of device co-location with a primary device. The media player devices can then be selectively designated as confirmed devices based on their determined pattern of device co-location with a primary media player device. Those media player devices that are designated as confirmed devices can then be selectively enabled for media streaming. Conversely, media player devices that are not designated as confirmed devices based on a pattern of co-location can be prevented from receiving media streams even when they have the correct login information and password.