Avatar Credential Encoding for Secure Virtual World Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current virtual world authentication systems, based on simple user/password models, are inadequate for secure access control and validation in restricted areas, failing to provide real-time verification of user credentials and access rights.

Innovation Solution

A method for securely encoding and validating an avatar's credentials within a visual image or audio transmission, using cryptographically encoded pixel data that can be embedded and extracted to verify identity and access permissions in virtual environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If simple user/password authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is segmented into multiple components: visual credentials displayed on avatar, cryptographic encoding layers, and automated verification systems. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity for users while incorporating robust security mechanisms in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Automated verification systems act as intermediaries between users and restricted areas. These systems handle the complex cryptographic verification processes, allowing users to simply present their visual credentials without understanding the underlying security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If real-time credential validation is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Credentials are pre-encoded with cryptographic information and attached to avatars before they enter restricted areas. This preliminary encoding allows for rapid verification without requiring complex real-time processing during access control decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical authentication systems (physical badges, keys) with visual-cryptographic credentials embedded in avatar displays. This substitution enables automated optical verification, reducing the need for complex mechanical verification infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cryptographic encoding is embedded in visual elements, then security is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The cryptographic credentials are embedded within visual elements such as avatar appearance, clothing, or accessories. These visual representations can be detected and verified through image processing while maintaining security through cryptographic encoding of the underlying data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9032509B2Identity verification in virtual worlds using encoded data

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

An avatar in a virtual world is provided with credentials for access to various parts of the virtual world by embedding information derived from avatar identification and authorized credential information in the form of a graphic image associated with the avatar. The embedded information is preferably encrypted.