Multi-layer Graphical Authentication Point Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical authentication systems are vulnerable to 'shoulder surfing' where observers can determine the cursor location or pattern of points on the overlay image, compromising security during the authentication process.

Innovation Solution

A graphical authentication system where a user must align a point on a modified base image with a corresponding point on a modified overlay image, with the points' positions relative to pre-selected reference points, enhancing security by obscuring the alignment process from observers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional graphical authentication systems are used where users align reference points on overlay and base images, then the authentication process is simple and fast, but the system is vulnerable to shoulder surfing where observers can determine cursor location and authentication patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is segmented into multiple independent layers: base image layer, overlay image layer, and modified image layer. Each layer contains specific reference points that must be aligned, creating a multi-step authentication sequence that obscures the overall authentication pattern from observers while maintaining systematic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the authentication process by requiring sequential alignment of multiple reference points across different layers. This transforms a single static alignment action into a multi-stage dynamic process, making it difficult for observers to predict or replicate the authentication pattern while maintaining user-friendly interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple reference points are used in the authentication system, then security is enhanced by making observation more difficult, but the authentication time and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Reference points are pre-selected and pre-positioned on both the base image and overlay image before the authentication process begins. This preliminary setup allows users to quickly locate and align points during authentication without needing to search or calculate positions, reducing authentication time while maintaining security through multiple pre-arranged alignment targets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses identical visual markers and reference point designs across different layers and authentication stages. This consistency allows users to apply the same alignment technique repeatedly without relearning, reducing cognitive load and authentication time while the multiplication of reference points across layers enhances security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8931083B2Multi-layer multi-point or randomized passwords

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display. At least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response a first point relative to the base image reference point being aligned with a second point relative to the overlay image reference point.