Dynamic Visual Authentication Signal for Computing Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods on computing devices are vulnerable to bypassing through smudge marks and observation, as they rely on static touch patterns and locations, which can be easily replicated by others, making them insecure.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic visual signal is presented on the computing device's display, which modifies images, such as rotating, resizing, or repositioning a keyboard, to suggest an authentication token, requiring users to perform specific sequences of touches with time delays, making it difficult for observers to replicate the authentication process accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static authentication methods (passwords, swipe patterns) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to smudge marks and observation vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static authentication patterns into dynamic visual signals that change over time. The system displays a sequence of images where each image shows a modified version of the authentication pattern (rotated, scaled, translated) rather than the actual pattern itself. This dynamic presentation prevents smudge marks from revealing the authentication token and makes observation-based attacks ineffective since the visual signal changes with each authentication attempt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter transformations to the authentication visual signal, including rotation, scaling, translation, and color modifications. These parameter changes are applied to images that suggest the authentication token without directly showing it. The authentication token itself remains constant, but its visual representation undergoes multiple parameter transformations across a sequence of images, preventing replication attacks.
2Reliability
If dynamic visual signals with image modifications are used, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication visual signal into a sequence of discrete images rather than displaying a single static image or continuous animation. Each image in the sequence represents a different transformation of the authentication pattern. This segmentation allows the system to present multiple transformed versions of the token without requiring complex real-time transformation capabilities, as each transformed image can be pre-computed and displayed sequentially.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple image transformations are applied to the visual signal, then resistance to observation attacks is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through a sequence of images that guide the user through the authentication process. Each image in the sequence shows a transformed version of the authentication pattern, and the sequence itself provides feedback about the correct authentication token without directly revealing it. The user can observe the transformations and use them to determine the authentication token, maintaining ease of operation while resisting observation attacks.
Data Source
AI summary
For visually authenticating to a computing device, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an authentication request at a computing device, displaying a dynamic visual signal in response to the authentication request, wherein the visual signal suggests an authentication token. The method also includes receiving the authentication token in response to displaying the dynamic visual signal, and determining if the authentication token satisfies authentication requirements at the computing device.