Patent · US Active

Computer security using visual authentication

US8176332B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
1References
11Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 15, 2007
Grant dateMay 8, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 4, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F21/36
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A physical token to the user in the form of a unique card having a grid of images thereon. Each column and row of images has a unique text string of text. In addition, each user knows a special image, not necessarily present on the token card, on which one particular point or zone functions as an extra authentication feature. Users may be queried for a username, then shown a random one of the images on their card, and asked for the row text string plus column text string identifying the image. Users are also prompted to select their particular point or zone within their known special image, which is displayed, among a jumble of other images, by the computer system requesting authorization, such display serving to authenticate the computer system to the user. The system may be combined with password protection and methods to identify a user's machine.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.