Optical Retrieval Device for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication methods, such as PINs and flicker codes, are cumbersome, insecure, and prone to errors, especially in environments where manual input is difficult or impractical, and can be vulnerable to unauthorized observation.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval device with a housing that contains light from a second device's light source, equipped with an attaching means for secure attachment and a light receiver to transfer optical information, allowing for secure authentication without manual input, using a system where the second device controls light emission for encoding an authentication code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual input methods (PIN, password) are used for authentication, then security can be provided, but the authentication process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input (typing PINs or passwords) with an optical reading system. The retrieval device automatically captures and decodes optical signals (flicker codes) displayed on the second device's screen, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing errors while maintaining security through complex code generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the retrieval device automatically performs code capture, decoding, and transmission without requiring user intervention for manual input. The optical code is automatically generated by the second device and automatically read by the retrieval device, streamlining the authentication process.
2Ease of operation
If flicker codes are displayed on a screen for authentication, then manual input is eliminated, but the code can be observed by attackers and environmental conditions affect detection
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device acts as an intermediary between the second device (displaying the code) and the first device (requiring authentication). It captures the optical signal in a controlled manner, decodes it, and transmits it securely, shielding the authentication process from direct observation by attackers and environmental interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light-tight housing structure that creates an optically isolated environment for code capture. This physical barrier prevents external light sources from interfering with the optical detection and prevents attackers from observing the code through the housing, enhancing security while maintaining ease of use.
3Measurement precision
If receiving device must be held at a specific angle against the screen, then code detection accuracy improves, but user attention is required and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device automatically performs code detection without requiring the user to manually position it at a specific angle. The device's optical sensor and processing system autonomously capture and decode the flicker code from the screen, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and continuous user attention.
4Reliability
If longer PINs are used, then security level increases, but the risk of wrong input increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual typing of long PINs with automatic optical code capture and decoding. The retrieval device automatically reads and transmits complex authentication codes without user input, eliminating typing errors while enabling the use of longer, more secure codes that would be impractical to type manually.
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 solution simplifies, secures, and streamlines the authentication process by eliminating the need for manual input, reducing errors, and protecting against unauthorized access, enabling the use of more complex authentication information without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver (100c) arranged to receive optical information from the light source (102a, 102b)
Data Source
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AI summary
A retrieval device for secure retrieval of optical information for a first device from a light source of a second device , comprising: - a housing made from at least one material which is opaque for the light emitted from the light source , wherein the housing is arranged to contain the light from at least a part of the light source, - an attaching means adapted to detachably attach the housing to the second device, - a light receiver arranged to receive optical information from the light source, said light receiver located inside the housing, - a connection means arranged to transfer an optical and/or electrical signal from the light receiver to the first device.