Voice Assistant Authentication via Pronounceable Code and Second Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing voice assistant authentication methods are inadequate for real-time authentication in public environments and are not scalable or reliable for cross-vocal assistant and cross-service scenarios, particularly when multiple users interact with different voice assistants.

Innovation Solution

A two-factor authentication method using a user's telephone number and an optional pronounceable password, combined with a pronounceable code, to verify identity and ensure secure access to services across multiple voice assistants and service providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice assistant allows any user to execute commands without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before allowing command execution. The voice assistant verifies user identity through voice biometrics and cross-checks with a second device before permitting sensitive operations, ensuring security is established in advance rather than reacting to threats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A second device (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) acts as an intermediary verification layer. The voice assistant does not directly trust voice commands alone but mediates through a second device that confirms authentication, creating a trusted bridge between the user and the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If voice assistant uses single-factor authentication, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidauthentication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into two independent parts: voice biometric verification performed by the voice assistant, and secondary confirmation performed by a second device. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the combination provides strong authentication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second device serves multiple functions: it receives authentication requests, verifies user identity through additional methods, and confirms authorization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated hardware while improving authentication reliability through existing devices users already carry

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If voice assistant is used in public environments without authentication, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsecurity risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing unauthorized access in public environments. Before allowing any user to execute commands in public settings, the system actively verifies identity through voice biometrics and requires confirmation from a second device, countering potential security risks before they can manifest

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where the voice assistant communicates authentication status and requirements to the user, and the second device provides real-time verification feedback. This continuous feedback ensures that even in public environments, the system maintains security by confirming each authentication step before allowing command execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4085358B1Method for authenticating a user, and artificial intelligence system operating according to said method
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 TELECOM ITALIA SPA
  • EP4085358B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5'
  • EP4085358B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4085358B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method for authenticating a user, the method being carried out by an Artificial Intelligence, Al, system (100), said Al system (100) being configured to provide voice assistant functionalities, said method comprising: receiving from a user (300) a vocal request for using a service, the service being provided by a service provider, the service provider being associated with a service provider platform (200); vocally receiving a telephone number (TN); cooperating with the service provider platform (200) to verify that the telephone number (TN) corresponds to an active subscription to said service; sending to the telephone number (TN) an authentication message (AM) including a pronounceable code (PC1 ); vocally receiving a pronounced code (PC2) by the user; verifying that the pronounced code (PC2) corresponds to the pronounceable code ( PC1 ); sending a confirmation message (CM) to the service provider platform (200).