Image-Based Authentication Using Physical Object Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information terminal devices, such as cellular phones and PDAs, lack effective personal authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access and improper usage, especially when the user's unique features are not readily machine-readable.
Innovation Solution
An information terminal device equipped with an acquisition unit for capturing and registering reference image data from a user's object, a collation unit for comparing new image data with stored reference data, and a judgment unit to validate user identity based on the similarity of features, using image processing and encryption for secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used, then device security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to complex authentication procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures an image of the user's possession (a physical object they carry) and creates a digital copy stored in the authentication system. This digital image copy serves as the authentication credential, eliminating the need for complex traditional authentication methods while maintaining security through unique physical object characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical authentication systems (keys, passwords, physical tokens) with an optical/image-based authentication system. The camera captures visual information from the possession, and image processing algorithms verify authenticity, substituting physical mechanical authentication with optical and computational methods.
2Reliability
If unique physical features are used for authentication, then authentication reliability improves, but measurement difficulty increases due to non-machine-readable features
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital image copy of the physical possession that preserves its unique visual features. This digital copy can be processed by computer algorithms while maintaining the unique characteristics of the physical object, bridging the gap between physical uniqueness and digital measurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms physical visual features into digital image parameters (pixel values, color information, texture patterns) that can be measured and processed by machines. By changing the representation from physical to digital domain, the system enables automated measurement while preserving unique identifying characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
An information terminal device includes an acquisition unit that acquires reference information representing a machine-readable feature distributed on a surface of a thing associated with a first user, and collation information representing a machine-readable feature distributed on a surface of a thing associated with a second user, a registration unit that registers the reference information acquired by the acquisition unit from the thing associated with the first user in a storage unit, a collation unit that uses the collation information acquired by the acquisition unit from the thing associated with the second user, and collates the collation information with the reference information, and a judgment unit that judge validity of whether the second user is the first user, based on a result of collation by the collation unit.