Vehicle-Based Authentication Using Geolocation Similarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-factor authentication protocols are cumbersome and inefficient, especially for users driving vehicles, as they require manual input of alphanumeric codes, which can be inconvenient and dangerous.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle-based authentication method that uses geolocation data from both the user's device and associated vehicle to authenticate the user, minimizing physical interactions by determining similarity scores to verify the user's location and motion, thereby allowing secure access without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-factor authentication protocols require manual input of alphanumeric codes, then authentication security is improved, but user convenience and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication automatically by comparing geolocation data streams without requiring manual user input. The mobile device and vehicle dashboard system self-generate and transmit geolocation data, and the authentication server automatically compares these streams to verify identity, eliminating the need for users to manually enter codes while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually typing alphanumeric codes with an automated electronic comparison system. Instead of physical keyboard input, the system uses electronic geolocation data streams from GPS receivers and automated server-side comparison algorithms to perform authentication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multi-factor authentication protocols require manual input of alphanumeric codes, then authentication security is improved, but authentication efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously streams geolocation data from both the mobile device and vehicle dashboard system in real-time, allowing for continuous authentication verification. This eliminates the discontinuous nature of manual code entry and provides ongoing location-based authentication that maintains security while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes the authentication mechanism by continuously monitoring geolocation data streams before authentication is needed. When authentication is required, the comparison can occur immediately using already-captured location data, eliminating the time delay associated with manual code generation and entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If graphical user interface inputs are deactivated while driving, then driver safety is improved, but authentication capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver safetyVSAvoidauthentication capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces geolocation data streams as an intermediary authentication mechanism. Instead of requiring direct user interaction with deactivated graphical interfaces, the system uses automated GPS location data from the mobile device and vehicle dashboard as a mediator to verify identity without requiring driver attention or manual input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12041446B1Systems and methods of multi-factor authentication utilizing a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein describe vehicle-based authentication protocols. An illustrative authentication server may receive a request to authenticate a user connected from a mobile device. The authentication server may transmit a request to the mobile device to transmit geolocation data of the mobile device. In response, the mobile device may transmit a stream of its geolocation data. Based upon the received geolocation data stream, the authentication server may determine that the mobile device in a motion and select a vehicle-based authentication protocol to request geolocation data of a trusted vehicle. The authentication server may compare the mobile device geolocation data stream and the vehicle geolocation data stream to determine a similarity score. If the similarity score is above a threshold, the authentications server may authenticate the user. In some cases, the authentication server may authenticate the user if the mobile device is connected to the trusted vehicle.