Visual Authentication System for High Entropy Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional authentication methods relying on textual passwords face challenges in providing high entropy for security, are difficult to remember, and require frequent changes, making them impractical for human users.

Innovation Solution

The method employs a visual authentication system where users create and prove knowledge by interacting with an image using clicks, strokes, and drag paths, which can provide high entropy and are more memorable, reducing the hassle of logging in while enhancing security assurance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong textual passphrases are used to increase entropy, then security is improved, but memorability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmemorability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional textual passwords to two-dimensional spatial interactions with images. Users select multiple points on an image in a specific sequence and pattern, creating authentication credentials in spatial and temporal dimensions rather than just textual sequences. This dimensional change enables higher entropy through combinatorial possibilities of position, sequence, and pattern while maintaining memorability through visual anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image as an intermediary between the user and the authentication system. Instead of directly memorizing abstract password strings, users interact with a meaningful image that serves as a mnemonic device. The image acts as a mediator that translates complex high-entropy credentials into visually memorable patterns, allowing users to recall authentication information through visual cues rather than pure memorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If frequent passphrase changes are required to maintain security, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime for password changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the parameter space of authentication credentials from limited textual characters to extensive spatial coordinates and temporal sequences. By using multiple points on an image with varying positions, sequences, and patterns, the system achieves high entropy without requiring frequent changes. The increased credential complexity provides long-term security stability, reducing the need for frequent rotations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple passphrases are required for different accounts to maintain security, then security is improved, but complexity of management deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomplexity of credential management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal authentication framework where a single type of image-based interaction can serve multiple accounts and purposes. The same technical mechanism (selecting points on an image in sequence) can be applied across different systems and accounts, providing a multi-functional solution that reduces the need for users to manage fundamentally different authentication methods for different services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2534577B1Method and system for processor or web logon
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 ANTIQUE BOOKS INC
  • EP2534577B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2534577B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2534577B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A system is for a proof of knowledge enrollment or authentication. The system includes a processor having an input, an output and a routine; and a display having an image from the output of the processor. The routine is structured to input from the input of the processor a plurality of different position selections and/or a plurality of different path selections on the image. The routine is further structured to authenticate the proof of knowledge as a function of the plurality of different position selections and/or the plurality of different path selections on the image.