Mobile Device Passcode Authorization for Selective Purchase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in managing passcodes across multiple devices associated with a single account, particularly in controlling which devices can authorize fee-based purchases from online application stores, leading to potential unauthorized charges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing passcodes on mobile devices, where users can select which devices associated with their account are enabled to make purchases by entering a passcode, allowing them to designate specific devices to authorize charges, with the system using a network and servers to authenticate and manage passcodes for each device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passcode management is implemented across multiple mobile devices, then security against unauthorized charges is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments passcode management by device, allowing each mobile device to have independent passcode authorization settings. Users can selectively enable or disable passcode requirements for specific devices associated with their account, rather than applying a uniform passcode policy across all devices. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by allowing granular control over each device's authorization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by applying different passcode authorization levels to different devices based on user preferences. Each device can have customized authorization settings, where the account holder can designate which devices require passcode confirmation for purchases. This allows security measures to be tailored locally to each device's risk profile and usage pattern.
2Reliability
If selective passcode authorization is required for each device, then unauthorized charges are prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by requiring passcode authorization only for specific devices that the user designates, rather than universally requiring passcodes for all devices. Users can choose to enable passcode protection for only those devices that need enhanced security, leaving other devices with simpler authorization processes. This selective application reduces the operational burden while maintaining necessary security controls.
3Ease of operation
If multiple devices are associated with a single account, then user convenience is improved, but risk of unauthorized charges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by requiring passcode authorization before allowing purchases on designated devices. This advance authorization step prevents unauthorized charges by verifying the account holder's identity before transactions occur on devices that may not be currently in the holder's possession. The preliminary passcode check mitigates the risk inherent in having multiple devices associated with a single account.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive information associated with a particular entity and trigger, based on the information, a status for the particular entity. The device may transmit, based on triggering the status, a list of a plurality of mobile devices and may receive an identified set of mobile devices from the list of the plurality of mobile devices. The device may further receive, from a selected mobile device, a request to perform an action and receive a string of characters from the selected mobile device. The device may further transmit, based on receiving the string of characters, an instruction command to the selected mobile device when the string of characters matches a verification string of characters.