Image Authenticated Data Transfers in Distributed Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional authentication systems fail to ensure that the intended user is verified during peer-to-peer device interactions and data transfers, lacking a mechanism to confirm the identity of the second user in authenticated sessions.

Innovation Solution

The system implements image authentication by determining a verifiable image object associated with the second user, which includes a digital representation, and authenticates the data transfer between user devices based on user verification of this image object, either by capturing an image or accessing a database of user images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional authentication systems are used for peer-to-peer device interactions, then device connectivity and data transfer capability are enabled, but user identity verification reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identity verification reliabilityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between peer devices. This intermediary service provides image-based verification, allowing users to visually confirm identities without complex cryptographic protocols directly between devices. The intermediary handles the verification logic centrally, reducing the complexity burden on individual peer devices while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/password-based authentication systems with image-based visual verification. Instead of relying on users to remember and input complex passwords or cryptographic keys, the system uses visual recognition of user images or biometric features, substituting mechanical interaction with optical recognition to improve verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If image authentication is implemented to verify user identity, then authentication security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image copies or representations of users as authentication credentials. Instead of requiring users to provide complex cryptographic proofs, the system captures or retrieves visual copies of user images and uses these as the basis for verification. This copying approach simplifies the authentication process while maintaining security through visual identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from cryptographic keys or passwords to visual image characteristics. By transforming the authentication basis from abstract numerical data to visual parameters that humans can naturally recognize, the system improves security while keeping the user interface simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If visual verification of user identity is required, then data transfer security is enhanced, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer securityVSAvoidauthentication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary image capture and verification setup before the actual data transfer begins. User images are captured or retrieved in advance, and verification protocols are pre-established, so that when data transfer is initiated, the visual verification can proceed quickly without delaying the main operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial verification by focusing on key visual features rather than complete biometric analysis. Instead of performing exhaustive verification of all image parameters, the system checks sufficient visual characteristics to confirm identity, reducing verification time while maintaining adequate security levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250023730A1Systems and methods for image authenticated data transfers between electronic devices in a distributed network

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided herein for image authenticated data transfers between electronic devices in a distributed network. An example method includes receiving a request for data transfer from a first user device associated with a first user that defines one or more data transfer parameters and determining a second user associated with the data transfer request based upon the one or more data transfer parameters. The method also includes determining a verifiable image object associated with the second user that includes at least a digital representation of the second user. The method further includes authenticating the data transfer between the first user device and a second user device associated with the second user in response to an authentication operation by the first user based upon the verifiable image object.