Rotating Block CAPTCHA for Human-Bot Distinction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CAPTCHA systems are challenging for humans to decipher while being difficult for computers, often requiring users to enter distorted letters or numbers, which can be frustrating and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A novel CAPTCHA system uses a grid of rotating building blocks where users must rotate pieces to connect a line from a start to an end point, allowing multiple correct answers and incorporating random rotations and distraction items, making it intuitive and logical for humans while being difficult for automated systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If distorted letters or numbers are used in CAPTCHA, then computers find it difficult to solve, but humans also find it difficult to decipher

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness against botsVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the CAPTCHA difficult for both humans and computers through distortion, the patent inverts the approach by creating a CAPTCHA that is naturally easy for humans to understand (using simple geometric shapes and clear spatial relationships) while being difficult for computers due to the complexity of determining correct rotations and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic rotation elements where building blocks can be rotated to different orientations. This dynamic property allows the same visual elements to present different challenges, making it difficult for automated systems to predict and solve while remaining intuitive for humans who can mentally rotate and visualize the correct configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed correct answer is required, then the test is easier to automate, but it reduces the number of valid solutions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of correct answersVSAvoidtest validation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of solution uniqueness by allowing multiple valid rotation configurations that all lead to correct answers. Instead of a single fixed answer, the system accepts multiple parameter combinations (different rotation angles and block configurations) that satisfy the same goal, thereby increasing adaptability while managing validation complexity through consistent verification rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If random rotations and distraction items are added, then automated systems find it more difficult to solve, but the test becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness against automationVSAvoidCAPTCHA structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the CAPTCHA into distinct building blocks that can be independently rotated and positioned. This segmentation allows random rotations and distraction items to be added to individual segments without overwhelming the entire system, maintaining manageable complexity while increasing difficulty for automated systems that would need to analyze and coordinate all segments simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8789139B2Automated test to tell computers and humans apart

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 VALTRUS INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to an automated test to tell computers and humans apart. Building blocks are assembled to generate an image for a test. When the building blocks are configured in at least one orientation, the image includes a line. One or more of the building blocks can be rotated to generate the at least one orientation. The test can be sent to a device. The test is not oriented in the at least one orientation.