Image-Based Passphrase Authentication Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional alphanumeric password systems are difficult for users to manage, leading to vulnerabilities due to the need for complex and unique passwords, resulting in insecure authentication practices.
Innovation Solution
An image-based user authentication method where a passphrase is converted into a series of images, allowing users to securely access systems by recognizing and selecting images associated with the passphrase, rather than typing the password.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users create lengthy, random, and unique alphanumeric passwords for each service, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of typing alphanumeric passwords with an optical/visual system where users select images from a grid. The passphrase is converted into visual representations (images) that users can recognize and select, substituting the manual typing and memorization process with visual recognition and selection, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of authentication from textual/alphanumeric form to visual/image form. By converting the passphrase into a grid of images where each image represents a word or concept from the passphrase, the system transforms the authentication interaction from typing characters to selecting visual elements, making it easier for users to remember and input while preserving the security of the original passphrase
2Ease of operation
If users use easier and less secure passwords, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable practice of using simple, easily-typed passwords with a visual selection system. Users interact with image grids rather than typing simple passwords, and the system converts their image selections back into the secure original passphrase, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and security simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary process that converts user-friendly image selections into the secure original passphrase. The system acts as a mediator between the user's simple image-based interaction and the secure authentication requirement, translating the visual selections back into the complex passphrase without exposing it to the user, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
Example techniques are described for image-based user authentication. An example method includes receiving, by a host system, a passphrase comprising a plurality of words, the passphrase being provided for authentication of a user. The method further includes generating, by the host system, an image selection grid comprising a plurality of images, each word from the passphrase corresponding to one or more images from the image selection grid. The method further includes receiving, by the host system, a plurality of selected images from the image selection grid. The method further includes storing, by the host system, the selected images as a login challenge for the user.