Multi-Provider Biometric Authentication via SMS Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current user authentication methods, such as password-based systems and biometrics, are cumbersome, prone to interception, and limited in scope, introducing friction and vulnerability, especially with the need for remote connectivity and multi-step verification processes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-provider platform that enables biometric authentication via SMS links, allowing users to access a mobile web page for fingerprint or image-based verification, eliminating the need for verification codes and mobile application requirements, while leveraging relationships with other providers for biometric data and risk assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If password-based authentication is used, then authentication can be implemented, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming with high vulnerability to interception attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical password-based authentication with biometric authentication systems that use physical or behavioral characteristics (fingerprints, facial recognition, voice patterns). This substitution eliminates the need for users to remember and type passwords, thereby reducing the time and effort required for authentication while improving security through unique biological identifiers that are difficult to intercept or replicate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy or template of the user's biometric data during enrollment and stores it securely. During authentication, the system compares the live biometric input against the stored template rather than requiring password entry. This copying approach enables frictionless authentication while maintaining high security, as the actual biometric data remains encrypted and inaccessible to interceptors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If biometric authentication is used, then authentication convenience is improved, but the scope and availability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication convenienceVSAvoidauthentication availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication platform that supports multiple biometric modalities (fingerprint, facial recognition, voice, iris scanning) within a single system. This multi-functional approach ensures that users can authenticate using whichever biometric method is most convenient or available, significantly expanding the scope and availability of authentication across different devices and scenarios while maintaining high convenience levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized authentication service or intermediary that coordinates between various biometric collection points and authentication decisions. This intermediary layer enables seamless integration of multiple biometric systems, allowing the platform to adapt to different user preferences and device capabilities without compromising convenience or availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If verification codes are required for authentication, then security is enhanced, but the process requires lengthy conversations with service agents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service authentication where users independently complete the authentication process using their biometric characteristics without requiring assistance from service agents. The system automatically captures biometric data, compares it against stored templates, and makes authentication decisions in real-time. This self-service approach eliminates lengthy conversations with agents while maintaining strong security through automated biometric verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables users to skip intermediate verification steps by using biometric authentication that directly verifies identity without requiring sequential verification codes or multiple conversation steps. The biometric system performs comprehensive verification in a single action, effectively rushing through the authentication process while maintaining or enhancing security through sophisticated biometric analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS11924636B2System and method for authenticating using a multi-provider platform
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 PAYPAL INC
  • US11924636B2 patent drawing
  • US11924636B2 patent drawing
  • US11924636B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, devices, and the like for user authentication. In one embodiment, the user authentication occurs using a multi-provider platform. The multi-provider platform enables the use and retrieval of user information from the given provider for the use and assessment of information associated with the user. User information may also be received over a web link communicated at least in part by a risk checkpoint component to a user device, wherein the user information received and that retrieved may be jointly used for determining user authentication.