Graphical Key Validation Interface for Secure Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pairing processes between user equipment, such as mobile devices, are cumbersome for users and vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, particularly when relying on shared PIN codes or visual key comparisons.

Innovation Solution

A method using a graphical user interface (GUI) where a processor associates graphical sub-elements with editable parameters, such as position, color, or form, to generate and validate a key, enhancing security and user interaction by making the validation process more intuitive and resistant to deception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shared PIN code or visual key comparison method is used for pairing validation, then security against unauthorized pairing is improved, but user operation complexity increases and the process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of reading and typing PIN codes with an optical/visual recognition system. The graphical element with editable parameters allows users to visually verify the key through graphical comparison rather than manual entry, substituting the mechanical typing process with visual verification and automatic comparison by the processor.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the pairing key through graphical elements. Instead of displaying raw text keys that require manual transcription, the system generates graphical representations that users can visually compare, making the verification process more intuitive and less error-prone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If traditional visual key comparison is used, then user validation is obtained, but users may validate without attention due to the cumbersome process, reducing security effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation processVSAvoidvalidation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes visual differentiation through graphical elements that can change appearance based on their state. The editable parameters of graphical sub-elements create distinct visual patterns that require active observation to match, making it harder for users to validate automatically without paying attention. The graphical nature allows for more distinctive visual cues than traditional text comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If manual key entry or verification is required, then security validation is achieved, but the pairing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey validationVSAvoidpairing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic comparison of the graphical elements between the two user equipments. Once the user visually verifies that the graphical representations match, the processor automatically validates the key without requiring manual entry or further user intervention. This self-service approach reduces the time-consuming manual operations while maintaining security through visual verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3238116B1Method for getting a user validation of a key
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 ORANGE SA
  • EP3238116B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3238116B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Present system relates to a method for getting a user validation of a key stored on a user equipment using a graphical user interface (GUI), the method being carried out by a processor of the user equipment controlling the GUI and comprising the acts of associating to one or more graphical sub-elements to be rendered in a first graphical element of the GUI a parameter set at an initial value function of the key, generating the first graphical element comprising the one or more graphical sub-elements, each one of the graphical sub-elements being displayed with a parameter set to an altered value different from its initial value, the parameter being editable through one or more user inputs on said graphical sub-element, receiving user inputs on the one or more graphical sub-elements to edit its parameter, so as to generate a second graphical elements on the GUI and wherein the validation of the key corresponds to the matching of the first and second graphical elements.