Unified Login Manager for Networked Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users are inconveniently required to re-enter login information for multiple services and local programs during a browsing session, even if the same credentials are valid for all services, leading to repetitive login processes.

Innovation Solution

A login manager captures and transmits login information from a Web browser to local programs and registered networked services, allowing automatic access without user intervention, using an online desktop to manage and coordinate access to multiple services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually enter login information for each service, then each service can be accessed, but the login process becomes repetitive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogin convenienceVSAvoidtime spent on repeated login

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing login credentials when the user first logs in to a service. The login manager stores this information in a credential store, so that subsequent logins to the same or related services can be performed automatically without requiring the user to re-enter credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The login manager acts as an intermediary component between the browser and multiple services. It captures login information from the browser, stores it securely, and automatically transmits relevant credentials to local programs and networked services, eliminating the need for users to manually log in to each service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If login information is captured and stored for automatic transmission, then login efficiency improves, but security risks may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogin efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary login information from the browser and stores it in a dedicated credential store managed by the login manager. By separating credential storage from the browser environment and using secure storage mechanisms, the system reduces security risks while maintaining login efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The login manager provides self-service functionality by automatically managing credential storage, retrieval, and transmission. The system autonomously handles the login process for multiple services without requiring user intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining security through automated credential management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8561162B2Systems and methods for unified login to multiple networked services

Publication Date: 2013.10.15 RED HAT INC

AI summary

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for unified login to multiple networked services. A user operates a browser to access a Web site, such as an email portal. The user is presented with a query box to input login information such as a user name and password to view email from an email account. Upon entry of login information to the email or other site, a login manager captures the login information to automatically transmit that information to a local program and associated networked sites or services, such as messenger or media services, that accept the same login information. The login manager logs the user into that program and additional services without the user having to re-enter the same login information. The additional services can be accessed via an online desktop, and the user can configure the additional local programs or registered services via that desktop or other interface.