Wireless Device Authentication via Location Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current user authentication methods for secure computer applications are susceptible to unauthorized access, cumbersome, and inefficient, particularly in environments where physical contact with a keyboard is required or sterility is a concern, and existing location-based authentication systems have limitations.

Innovation Solution

A Wireless Device Based User Authentication system that uses a mobile access point and a wireless device associated with the user, allowing authentication through a single user action by determining the device's location and associating it with an authorized user, thereby eliminating the need for repeated username and password entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional username and password authentication is used, then user identification can be verified, but the system is susceptible to unauthorized access and identity theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidunauthorized access and identity theft

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the authentication parameters from static knowledge factors (passwords) to dynamic location-based factors. The system determines the user's geographic location using GPS or other location services and compares it against pre-approved location parameters, making authentication more secure against unauthorized access while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces location information as an intermediary element between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly verifying passwords, the system uses location data as a mediator to confirm user identity, adding a layer of security that prevents identity theft while simplifying the authentication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If repeated username and password entry is required, then authentication can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication verificationVSAvoidauthentication convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary authentication by obtaining and verifying the user's location information before requiring password entry. The system pre-establishes location-based authentication criteria, allowing users to be authenticated automatically based on their location without repeatedly entering credentials, thus improving convenience while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the location-based authentication mechanism from the traditional password-only system. By separating location verification from password verification, the system eliminates the need for repeated password entry while maintaining reliable authentication, making the process less cumbersome and more efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If physical contact with keyboard is required for authentication, then user credentials can be entered, but sterility is compromised in sensitive environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecredential entry capabilityVSAvoidcontamination in sterile environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of typing credentials on a keyboard with an automated electronic location-based authentication system. The system uses GPS coordinates and other electronic location data to verify user identity without requiring physical contact with any surface, thereby maintaining sterility in sensitive environments while preserving authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If location-based authentication is implemented, then security and efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal capability of mobile devices to provide location information through integrated GPS and other location services. By using an existing multi-functional component (the mobile device's location capability) for authentication purposes, the system achieves improved efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the location functionality already exists in the user's device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10440572B2Systems and methods for authenticating a user of a computer application, network, or device using a wireless device

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

AI summary

A method and system for authenticating a user includes providing an invocation element capable of being activated by a single user action, receiving an indication that the invocation element has been activated, obtaining a location of a wireless device associated with the user, determining whether the wireless device is associated with an authorized user, approving the user to use the application based on a predetermined location criterion, and producing an indication that the user has been authenticated.