Physical Key Image Authentication for Cloud Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user authentication methods in cloud services are insecure, prone to phishing attacks, and often require specialized devices, lacking a secure and intuitive solution that relies on non-digital devices users already possess.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures images of a physical key's features during registration and requires users to present the key for authentication, using image processing techniques to match the features and provide additional authorization vectors as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If username and password authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to phishing attacks and password reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical key blade's visual features through image capture and processing. The optical image of the key blade is converted into digital feature data that can be stored and compared, replacing traditional password-based authentication while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical authentication method (showing the physical key to a human operator) with an automated optical/image processing system. The physical key blade is captured through imaging devices and processed through algorithms to authenticate the user automatically.
2Reliability
If multi-factor authentication with specialized devices is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the physical key serve multiple functions: it acts as both a physical object the user possesses and an authentication credential through its visual features. The same key blade that opens physical locks also provides digital authentication when imaged, eliminating the need for separate specialized authentication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to authenticate themselves using an object (physical key) they already possess and are familiar with, without requiring them to maintain or learn specialized authentication devices. The key itself provides the authentication capability through its inherent visual features.
3Reliability
If physical key image capture is used for authentication, then security is improved by eliminating password vulnerabilities, but ease of operation may deteriorate due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures and stores the key blade image features during the registration phase, before authentication is needed. This preliminary action creates a template for future comparisons, making the actual authentication process faster and easier as it only requires capturing a new image and comparing features rather than performing complex verification steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances security and usability by leveraging a physical key as a non-digital authentication method, reducing the risk of account compromise and eliminating the need for specialized devices, while providing an intuitive and secure authentication process.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a second captured image in response to prompting the user
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the second image to determine if the key feature data is represented in the second image
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for user authentication are disclosed. In one embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method including during registration of a user, receiving a first captured image of a physical key having a blade; identifying from the captured image a plurality of features associated with the blade of the physical key; associating the identified plurality of features with the user as key feature data; in response to a subsequent access request by the user requiring authorization of the user, prompting the user to present the physical key; receiving a second captured image in response to prompting the user; analyzing the second image to determine if the key feature data is represented in the second image; and in response to determining that the key feature data is represented in the second image, authorizing the user's access request.