Asymmetric Computational Challenge for Batch Request Restriction

The patent applies asymmetry by designing calculation questions that require asymmetric computational effort between the server and terminal. The terminal must perform complex calculations (e.g., cryptographic operations, large number factorization, or resource-intensive algorithms) that are computationally feasible for individual users but prohibitively expensive for automated batch programs. This creates an asymmetric barrier that legitimate users can overcome with minimal effort while batch requests are effectively blocked.

The patent substitutes mechanical authentication systems (verification codes, SMS) with a computational challenge system. Instead of relying on message-based authentication that requires user interaction and incurs communication costs, the system uses computational questions that leverage the terminal's processing capabilities. This replacement eliminates the need for additional user steps and communication infrastructure while maintaining security.

The patent introduces a computational challenge as an intermediary between the request and the service. Instead of directly blocking requests at the network layer based on IP or frequency, the system inserts a verification step where the terminal must solve a calculation question. This intermediary layer filters out batch requests while allowing legitimate traffic to pass through, eliminating false blocking and bypass issues inherent in network-layer approaches.

The patent changes the parameter of restriction from network-layer parameters (IP address, request frequency, HTTP headers) to computational parameters (calculation question complexity, resource consumption). This parameter transformation makes the restriction system more reliable because computational challenges cannot be easily spoofed or bypassed like network parameters, while still being solvable by legitimate users with normal hardware capabilities.

The patent creates asymmetric computational requirements where legitimate single-user operations consume minimal resources while batch operations are blocked. The calculation question is designed to be computationally intensive enough to prevent parallel batch processing but light enough for individual users to complete quickly. This asymmetry allows the system to maintain high productivity for legitimate services while effectively limiting the impact of batch attacks.

The patent converts the potential harm of computational resource consumption into a benefit for security. By designing the calculation question to require significant computational effort, the system creates a natural barrier that protects against batch requests. The computational challenge itself becomes the security mechanism, transforming what could be seen as a resource burden into an effective defense that automatically adapts to the capabilities of requesting systems.