Auxiliary Key Visual Authentication via Camera Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing second factor password authentication methods require additional user effort and may be perceived as difficult and annoying, despite providing enhanced security over knowledge-based verification.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate an auxiliary key based on a secret key stored in a first electronic device, display its representation, capture it with a camera on a second device, and restore it for authentication, using cryptographic algorithms like TOTP or HMAC-based one-time password algorithms, and optionally encode it as a QR code or invisible watermark.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional second factor authentication methods (SMS codes, software applications, fingerprint sensors) are used, then security is enhanced compared to knowledge-based verification, but user convenience deteriorates due to additional required efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (typing SMS codes, pressing fingerprint sensors, installing software) with an optical system. The auxiliary key is displayed visually on the first device and captured optically by the camera of the second device, eliminating the need for manual input or additional hardware sensors. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic algorithms while dramatically improving user convenience by reducing the authentication process to a simple visual capture action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software applications are installed on mobile phones for second factor authentication, then authentication capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the second device to run complex authentication software, the patent uses the first device to generate and display a visual representation (copy) of the auxiliary key. The second device simply needs camera functionality to capture this visual copy, which is then processed to restore the auxiliary key. This approach transfers the computational complexity to the first device while keeping the second device's requirements minimal, eliminating the need for additional software installations.
3Reliability
If fingerprint sensors or retinal pattern recognition are used for second factor authentication, then security is improved through inherence factors, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal camera functionality that is already present in virtually all modern electronic devices. Instead of requiring specialized hardware like fingerprint sensors or retinal scanners, the system uses the existing camera for its primary imaging function to capture the auxiliary key representation. This multi-uses the camera's capability, eliminating the need for additional specialized hardware while maintaining strong security through cryptographic methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising generating an auxiliary key based on a secret key which is stored in an electronic device, generating a representation of the auxiliary key, displaying the representation of the auxiliary key on a display of the first electronic device, capturing the representation of the auxiliary key with a camera of a second electronic device, and restoring the auxiliary key from the captured representation of the auxiliary key.