Authentication Image Workflow Engine for Secure Messaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication and messaging platforms lack a comprehensive and secure method for data verification and approval, leading to issues such as compromised account actions, phishing risks, and lack of direct authorization mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An authorization system that utilizes a workflow engine to encrypt communication content, visually encode it as an authentication image, and allow decryption and validation by an authentication identifier reader, enabling secure and direct data verification and approval within communication platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authentication methods (manual username/password entry) are used, then users can verify their identity, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-generates authentication images containing encoded verification data before the user needs to authenticate. These images are prepared in advance and can be quickly presented or scanned, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual credential entry while maintaining secure verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical authentication (typing usernames and passwords) with an optical/image-based authentication system. Authentication images are generated, displayed, and scanned automatically, substituting the mechanical typing process with automated image processing and recognition, thereby reducing both time and human error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If encryption techniques are applied to communication content, then data confidentiality is improved, but comprehensive data verification and approval capabilities are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata confidentialityVSAvoiddata verification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges encryption with authentication and verification capabilities into a unified framework. Authentication images are generated that simultaneously provide encrypted data transmission and built-in verification mechanisms, allowing recipients to verify both the authenticity of the sender and the integrity of the content without separate processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite authentication system that combines multiple security functions (encryption, digital signatures, verification codes, approval mechanisms) into a single integrated authentication image structure. This composite approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive data verification and approval capabilities while maintaining confidentiality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If users reply to emails directly, then communication is simple, but security risks increase as compromised accounts can be exploited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces authentication images as an intermediary between sender and recipient. Instead of direct email replies that could be intercepted or forged, the authentication image serves as a secure mediator that verifies the sender's identity and the message's integrity, preventing exploitation of compromised accounts while maintaining simple communication flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hyperlinks are used in emails for actions, then users can access external applications, but phishing attacks and malicious software risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaction capabilityVSAvoidphishing risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication image acts as a secure intermediary that replaces direct hyperlinks. Instead of clicking potentially malicious links that could lead to phishing sites or download malware, users interact with the verified authentication image that contains encoded action instructions, eliminating the phishing risk while preserving the ability to perform actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Loss of information

If read-receipt features are implemented, then senders can track email delivery, but active confirmation of genuine reading is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery trackingVSAvoidreading confirmation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism through authentication images that require active verification by the recipient. When a recipient scans or interacts with the authentication image, it provides confirmed feedback to the sender that the message was genuinely read and verified, not just delivered or accidentally opened, thereby ensuring accurate reading confirmation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250165974A1Systems and methods for authenticated, private, and auditable actions in emails and other messaging apps
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 CYPHLENS LLC
  • US20250165974A1 patent drawing
  • US20250165974A1 patent drawing
  • US20250165974A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An authorization system is disclosed for data verification and approval in communication platforms. The system includes a workflow engine comprising one or more processors and at least one memory element for storing instructions. The workflow engine retains client identifiers associated with communication content. A client device, in communication with the workflow engine. The communication platform receives communication content generated by a computer system and encrypted by the workflow engine. The encrypted communication content is visually encoded as an authentication image and displayed within the communication platform. An electronic device, also in communication with the workflow engine, includes an authentication identifier reader. The reader decrypts the client identifier from the authentication image, and the decrypted client identifier is validated by the workflow engine to authenticate the intended user. Authenticated communication content is displayed on the client device, and authorization for access to the communication content is transmitted to the workflow engine.