Restricted-Use Authentication Code Generation via Mobile Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting up computing systems like gaming consoles can be cumbersome due to the lack of alphanumeric input controls on devices such as video game controllers, making it time-consuming to enter authentication information like user names and passwords.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a second computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, receives authentication information, generates a restricted-use authentication code, and presents it to a sensor system of the first device, which can be visual, audio, or a combination, for authentication purposes, with the code expiring after use to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a video game controller without alphanumeric controls is used for authentication, then the device can be operated with game-oriented controls, but the authentication process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device serves as an intermediary between the user and the gaming console authentication system. The mobile device receives authentication information from the user, generates a restricted-use authentication code, and presents it to the console's sensor system, eliminating the need for direct character input on the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical character input system (keyboard or on-screen keyboard requiring individual character selection) with an optical/electronic system where authentication information is transmitted digitally and converted into a machine-readable code format that can be scanned by the console's sensor system.
2Reliability
If authentication information is entered manually on devices without alphanumeric controls, then the device can authenticate users, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as a mediator that handles the complex task of authentication information input and code generation, allowing the user to simply provide authentication details on their smartphone while the system automatically manages the rest of the authentication process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring direct input of authentication characters, the system creates a machine-readable copy (authentication code) of the authentication information that can be easily transmitted and verified, simplifying the user's interaction while maintaining security.
3Productivity
If authentication codes are reusable, then the authentication process can be performed multiple times, but security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication code's validity state is made dynamic rather than static. The code transitions from valid to expired automatically after a single use or after a time period, managed by the server that generated the code. This dynamic state ensures both security (one-time use) and efficiency (automatic expiration without manual intervention).
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides feedback to the mobile device about the authentication code's usage status. After a code is used or expires, the server communicates this state back to the system, preventing further use of expired codes and maintaining security while allowing efficient tracking of authentication attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments related to a restricted-use authentication code are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment provides a method of generating a representation of a restricted-use authentication code for detection by another computing device to authenticate the other computing device to a remote service. The method includes receiving authentication information, the authentication information comprising a restricted-use authentication code and generating a representation of the authentication information. The method further includes presenting the representation of the authentication information to a sensor system of the other computing device for authentication.