Graphical Passwords via User-Selected Image Overlay Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alphanumeric and graphical passwords are difficult for users to remember, leading to weak password choices and security vulnerabilities due to high entropy requirements and the burden of managing multiple passwords.
Innovation Solution
The use of user-selected image overlay effects to generate graphical passwords, where an image is modified with selectable overlay effects, creating a memorable and secure authentication method that is easier for users to recall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alphanumeric passwords are used to provide high theoretical entropy, then security is improved, but user memory burden increases and weak password choices are made
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of alphanumeric character entry with a graphical interaction system. Users interact with visual elements (images, shapes, colors) instead of typing characters, substituting the mechanical keyboard input system with a graphical user interface-based authentication system that is more intuitive and memorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space of passwords from alphanumeric characters to graphical parameters including image selection, shape selection, color selection, and size selection. This transformation expands the entropy space while making passwords more visually memorable and easier to recall without writing them down.
2Reliability
If multiple distinct passwords are required for different applications and accounts, then access control is improved, but password management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal graphical password system that can be applied across multiple applications and accounts. The same graphical password construction methodology (selecting images, shapes, colors, sizes) can be used consistently across different services, allowing users to manage their passwords more efficiently while maintaining strong access control.
3Ease of operation
If users write down passwords to remember them, then ease of recall is improved, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the practice of writing down alphanumeric passwords with a visual memory system. Users create memorable graphical combinations that can be recalled through visual association rather than textual memorization, eliminating the need to write passwords down while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing device comprises a processor coupled to a memory and is configured to implement an overlay effects selection interface for use in conjunction with generation of a graphical password. An image is obtained and presented in the overlay effects selection interface with a plurality of user-selectable overlay effects. User input is received identifying at least one overlay effect selected from the plurality of user-selectable overlay effects, and a modified version of the image is presented incorporating the selected at least one overlay effect. Information characterizing the image and the selected at least one overlay effect is utilized to control access to a protected resource. For example, the information characterizing the image and the selected at least one overlay effect may be obtained as part of a graphical password enrollment process and stored as at least a portion of the graphical password for controlling access to the protected resource.