Multi-Pathway Authentication Using Contextual Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods for devices require users to compromise security or be present to allow access, causing friction and inefficiency, as they rely on knowledge-based or biometric authentication without utilizing the device's full capabilities to determine user identity and security levels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing authentication profiles that use multiple pathways based on device capabilities and user requests, collecting user data from various device components to match specific authentication profiles, allowing seamless access to authorized processes while preventing unauthorized use, with fallback mechanisms for device malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods (PIN, biometric) are used, then security is improved, but device complexity and user friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-authentication by automatically detecting user data (location, time, device usage patterns) and comparing it against stored authentication profiles. The system serves itself by making authentication decisions without requiring external verification inputs from the user, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from static secrets (PIN, biometric templates) to dynamic contextual parameters (current location, time of day, device usage patterns). This allows the system to adapt authentication requirements based on the situation, reducing complexity for trusted contexts while maintaining security when needed.
2Reliability
If presence-based authentication is required, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by storing multiple authentication profiles in advance, each associated with different users and contextual parameters. When a user attempts to access the device, the system proactively matches the current contextual data against pre-stored profiles and automatically determines authentication status without requiring the user to be physically present or provide verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system serves itself by automatically detecting user presence and identity through device sensors and comparing against stored profiles. The system makes authentication decisions autonomously without requiring user action, thereby maintaining security while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple authentication pathways are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication framework that handles multiple authentication pathways (geofencing, time-based, usage-pattern-based) through a single unified system. The authentication module universally processes different types of contextual data and compares them against corresponding profiles, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided systems and methods for authentication through multiple pathways depending on device capabilities and user requests. A user may wish to utilize some device process, such as unlocking and accessing the device to utilize the device's operating system or access and use of a device application or other module (e.g., a camera). The device may be protected by an authentication profile that includes one or more authentication pathways in order to authenticate the user to use those processes. The device may collect user data using device components, such as biometrics, user movements, environmental factors, or other information. The device may attempt to authenticate the user through one of the authentication pathways. If the collected user data is insufficient for one pathway, another pathway may be used. If the user is authenticated under any pathway, the device may provide access to the correspond process.