Motion-Based Transaction Authentication Using Device Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for verifying that transactions are performed under human control, such as CAPTCHA, are vulnerable to attacks by character recognition software, necessitating an improved technique to ensure user authentication and transaction validation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a sensor to measure movement and output stimuli on a user interface, where a signature is determined based on the measured movement and transmitted to a server for validation, ensuring that transactions are performed under human control by using a secure element to authenticate and authorize transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CAPTCHA is used to verify human control, then transaction security is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to character recognition software attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidvulnerability to character recognition software
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual/text-based CAPTCHA system with a motion-sensing system that detects physical movements (tilt, rotation, vibration) of the device. Instead of relying on character recognition, the system uses sensors to capture and verify motion patterns, making it immune to automated text recognition attacks while maintaining human verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the verification parameter from static visual elements (characters in an image) to dynamic motion parameters (acceleration, orientation, vibration). This transformation from static to dynamic parameters makes the system resistant to automated recognition while requiring physical human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If motion sensing is used for human verification, then resistance to automated recognition is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to automated recognitionVSAvoidsensor integration and processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, vibration sensors) that are already present in mobile devices for purposes such as screen orientation detection, step counting, and vibration alerts. By repurposing these sensors for motion-based CAPTCHA verification, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware complexity while achieving the desired security function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the device's own inherent motion characteristics and existing sensors to perform verification. The device itself provides the verification capability through its built-in sensors and processing units, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment or complex additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10528943B2Method and secure device for performing a transaction
Publication Date: 2020.01.07 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • US10528943B2 patent drawing
  • US10528943B2 patent drawing
  • US10528943B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining the presence of a human being, comprising:measuring (S6) a movement (MOV) of a first device (4) by a sensor (44) of said first device (4),determining the presence of a human being on the basis of the measured movement (MOV).