Game Controller CAPTCHA Using Spatial Input for Secure Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CAPTCHAs are cumbersome for users, especially when using devices with limited input options like game controllers, making it difficult to distinguish between human and automated bot requests effectively.

Innovation Solution

A high-assurance CAPTCHA system that presents images on a display, allowing users to respond without an alpha-numeric keyboard, using hand-held game controllers with manipulable keys to determine if the response correctly interacts with the image, thereby granting or denying access to computerized features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional CAPTCHA is used, then security against automated bots is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome input requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional keyboard-based mechanical input system with a game controller interface that uses directional pads, buttons, and analog sticks. This substitution maintains security verification while dramatically improving ease of operation for users with limited mobility or dexterity, as game controllers provide more ergonomic and accessible input methods compared to typing on keyboards.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the input parameters from alphanumeric keyboard characters to game controller signals (directional inputs, button presses, analog stick positions). By transforming the CAPTCHA interaction from text-based to controller-based, the system maintains its security function while adapting to different user capabilities and device interfaces, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional CAPTCHA is used, then security against automated bots is improved, but device adaptability deteriorates for controllers with limited inputs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal CAPTCHA system that can be operated across multiple device types including keyboards, game controllers, touch screens, and speech recognition systems. The game controller implementation specifically demonstrates adaptability by utilizing various controller elements (directional pads, buttons, analog sticks) to interact with CAPTCHA challenges, making the security system accessible regardless of the input device used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mediator layer that translates various input device signals into standardized CAPTCHA responses. For game controllers specifically, this mediator interprets directional pad movements, button presses, and analog stick positions as valid CAPTCHA inputs, enabling seamless adaptation between different device types while maintaining consistent security verification standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If game controller input is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but input precision deteriorates due to limited controller inputs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinput precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses input precision limitations by transitioning from two-dimensional keyboard typing to three-dimensional spatial interactions using game controllers. Users can manipulate objects, navigate menus, and provide responses through spatial movements of analog sticks and directional pads, adding a dimensional aspect to input that compensates for the limited number of physical buttons while maintaining or even enhancing precision through motion-based input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10235514B2Game controller-based captcha
Publication Date: 2019.03.19 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US10235514B2 patent drawing
  • US10235514B2 patent drawing
  • US10235514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A CAPTCHA is presented on a display and a user of a hand-held controller such as a computer game controller is prompted to respond to the image. A correct response entails manipulation of a key on the controller and does not require input from an alpha-numeric keyboard.