Third-Party Resource Usage Map in Group Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In group-based communication systems, users face inefficiencies as they need to manage multiple third-party resources by creating and authenticating separate user accounts for each, which increases authentication steps and risks due to the need to securely maintain multiple credentials.
Innovation Solution
A computing entity generates and maintains a third-party resource usage map by creating and managing third-party user accounts on behalf of client devices, using third-party resource access tokens to enable access to resources and suggest access to available resources based on group or organizational affiliations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users create and manage separate user accounts for each third-party resource, then access to multiple third-party resources is enabled, but authentication complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple third-party resource accounts into a single unified account structure. The computing entity creates and manages multiple third-party user accounts on behalf of a single user, consolidating what would otherwise be separate authentication processes into one centralized system. This allows the user to access multiple third-party resources through a single authentication event while the backend maintains distinct account relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing entity acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple third-party resource providers. It receives a single authentication credential from the user, then uses that credential to obtain access tokens from various third-party resources on the user's behalf. This intermediary role eliminates the need for the user to directly manage multiple accounts while still enabling access to all required resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users maintain multiple credentials securely, then access to third-party resources is enabled, but security risks and credential management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential management burden from the user and transfers it to the computing entity. Instead of the user storing and managing multiple passwords or credentials, the system extracts this function and performs automated account creation and token management on the user's behalf. The user only needs to provide initial authentication information, after which the system handles all subsequent credential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing entity provides self-service functionality by automatically creating and managing third-party user accounts without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously handles account creation requests to third-party resources, stores access tokens, and manages credential lifecycle operations, freeing the user from the security burden of managing multiple credentials while maintaining reliable access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate user accounts are created for each third-party resource, then resource access is enabled, but time and effort for account management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computing entity performs preliminary actions by proactively creating and storing third-party user accounts before they are needed for resource access. When a user first authenticates with the system, the computing entity automatically creates accounts with all relevant third-party resources in advance, storing access tokens for future use. This eliminates the need for time-consuming account creation processes each time the user needs to access a third-party resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous useful action by maintaining persistent third-party user accounts and access tokens in the background. Once accounts are created and tokens are obtained, the system continuously maintains these credentials ready for use, eliminating repeated authentication cycles. The useful action of account management becomes a one-time operation rather than a recurring time burden.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for generating a third-party resource usage map in a group based communication system, where the third-party resource usage map comprises a plurality of third party resource usage records and each third-party resource usage record comprises a user identifier, a third-party resource provider identifier, and a third-party resource access token.