QR Code Authentication for Online Offline Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication systems face challenges in maintaining consistent security procedures for accessing computing devices, particularly when the access device is in an online or offline state, due to the complexity of managing different authentication methods.

Innovation Solution

The system uses a QR code or similar visual challenge to authenticate users, allowing access devices to acquire and process authentication information, whether online or offline, by displaying a token or transmitting authentication data to the restricted system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple authentication procedures are maintained for online and offline states, then authentication security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication procedure using QR codes that works for both online and offline states. The same authentication flow (display QR code -> scan QR code -> verify authentication) is used regardless of network connectivity, eliminating the need to maintain separate authentication procedures for different states while preserving security through the use of cryptographic challenges and responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple authentication procedures are maintained for online and offline states, then authentication coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication coverageVSAvoidauthentication procedure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a single, unified authentication interface using QR codes that adapts to both online and offline scenarios. Users experience the same simple process (scan the QR code displayed on the access device) regardless of network state, while the system internally handles the appropriate authentication methodology, thereby maintaining ease of operation across different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional username and password authentication is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication simplicityVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional username and password authentication with QR code-based authentication. The QR code contains cryptographic challenge-response data that provides stronger security through public key infrastructure and challenge-response mechanisms, while maintaining user-friendly operation through visual scanning. This substitution eliminates the security weaknesses of password-based systems while preserving ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11544365B2Authentication system using a visual representation of an authentication challenge

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 BLOOMBERG FINANCE LP

AI summary

Systems and methods for authenticating a user for accessing a restricted system are provided. A code presented by the restricted system is acquired. The code visually represents an authentication challenge. The authentication challenge is extracted from the code. Authentication information associated with the user for use in the authentication challenge is received. The user is authenticated for accessing the restricted system based on the authentication information.