Per-Device Passcode Authorization for Mobile Account Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile devices face challenges in managing passcodes for 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, allowing users to selectively enable or disable passcode authorization for specific devices associated with their account, ensuring that only designated devices can charge fees to the account, by using a passcode management interface that authenticates and manages passcodes for each device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passcode authorization is enabled for all devices associated with an account, then purchase authorization is simplified and convenient, but unauthorized charges may occur from lost or stolen devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authorization permission by device, allowing the account holder to selectively enable or disable passcode authorization for each individual device associated with the account. This is achieved through a user interface that lists devices and allows per-device authorization control, thereby preventing unauthorized charges from lost or stolen devices while maintaining convenient authorization for trusted devices.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passcode authorization is disabled for security, then unauthorized charges are prevented, but legitimate purchases from trusted devices are also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different authorization qualities to different devices. Trusted devices have passcode authorization enabled (allowing convenient purchases), while untrusted or potentially compromised devices have it disabled (preventing unauthorized charges). This localized quality control resolves the contradiction by tailoring security measures to each device's trust level.
3Reliability
If per-device passcode management is implemented, then account security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the account holder can independently manage passcode authorization for each device through a user-friendly interface. The system automatically handles the authorization status and communicates it to relevant components, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration or technical intervention while maintaining enhanced security.
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.