QR Code Authentication for Electrical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for network-based equipment are costly and require extensive training and support, limiting their availability to commercial users who need a more cost-efficient solution without compromising system security.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using encoded two-dimensional symbols, such as QR codes, on portable media for user identification and device operation, where a mobile device captures and compares images of identification and composite symbols to authenticate users, eliminating the need for hardware and software tokens and sophisticated support processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-factor authentication credentials are implemented, then system security is improved, but operational costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware tokens with digital copies encoded in two-dimensional symbols (QR codes, Data Matrix codes). These symbolic representations contain all necessary authentication data that can be captured and verified electronically, eliminating the need for physical token management while maintaining security equivalence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/physical authentication systems (hardware tokens, smart cards) with an optical-digital system. The authentication process transitions from physical object verification to optical capture and digital verification of encoded symbols, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving security functionality
2Reliability
If hardware and software tokens are deployed, then authentication capability is improved, but system costs and support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive two-dimensional symbols that can be printed on standard media (paper, plastic cards) instead of expensive hardware tokens. These symbols can be easily reproduced and distributed at minimal cost, with no need for specialized manufacturing or inventory management of expensive physical authentication devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication system where a single type of encoded symbol can serve multiple authentication purposes across different devices and contexts. The same two-dimensional symbol format can encode various authentication data types, eliminating the need for device-specific or application-specific hardware tokens
3Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used, then security is maintained, but ease of operation and user training requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently perform authentication operations using their own mobile devices to capture and verify symbols. The system provides self-contained authentication capability where users can authenticate themselves and even generate or verify their own authentication symbols without requiring specialized training or support personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional authentication (passwords, simple tokens) to two-dimensional encoded symbols that can pack significantly more information in a compact visual format. This dimensional expansion allows complex authentication data to be represented in a visually simple, easily captureable format that users can interact with intuitively
Data Source
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AI summary
A user is authenticated to operate an electrical device in a network, by encoding an identification symbol with identification data that identifies the user, and by encoding a composite symbol with the identification data and with operating data that enables the electrical device to be operated. The composite symbol is associated with the electrical device to be operated. An image of the identification symbol, and an image of the composite symbol, are captured and compared. The user is enabled to operate the electrical device when the identification data in the composite symbol matches the identification data in the identification symbol.