Image or pictographic based computer login systems and methods

• US 20060206717A1
• Filed: 03/08/2005
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/08/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Kowalczyk, Matthew E., Holt, Erik L., Humphries, Russell
• Granted Patent: US 7,953,983 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/182
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/36 by graphic or iconic representation

Abstract

Image based login procedures for computer systems include: (a) displaying a first image on a computer screen; (b) receiving user input indicating a portion of the first image; (c) determining if the user input corresponds to a first acceptable user input for user authentication; and (d) proceeding with the authentication procedure when this user input corresponds to the first acceptable user input for user authentication. Additionally or optionally, when proceeding with this authentication procedure, the systems and methods further may include: displaying a second image on the screen; receiving new user input indicating a portion of the second image; and determining if this new input corresponds to a second acceptable user input for user authentication.

Claims

1. A user authentication method, comprising:

displaying a first image on a computer display screen;

receiving a first user input indicating a portion of the first image;

determining if the first user input corresponds to a first acceptable user input for user authentication; and

proceeding with a user authentication procedure when the first user input corresponds to the first acceptable user input for user authentication.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the proceeding includes:

displaying a second image on the computer display screen;

receiving a second user input indicating a portion of the second image;

determining if the second user input corresponds to a second acceptable user input for user authentication.

3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising:

allowing user access to a computer system when the second user input corresponds to the second acceptable user input for user authentication.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the second image is an enlargement of a part of first image.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein the second user input includes electronic ink input.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the portion of the second image is indicated by drawing a predetermined shape at, near, or at least partially around the portion of the second image using electronic ink.

7. A computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing the method of claim 2.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the proceeding includes allowing user access to a computer system.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the first user input includes electronic ink input.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the portion of the first image is indicated by drawing a predetermined shape at, near, or at least partially around the portion of the first image using electronic ink.

11. A computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions stored thereon for performing the method of claim 1.

12. A system, comprising:

a computer display screen;

an input system for receiving user input; and

a processor system programmed and adapted to;

(a) display a first image on a computer display screen, (b) determine if a first user input indicating a portion of the first image corresponds to a first acceptable user input for user authentication, and (c) proceed with a user authentication procedure when the first user input corresponds to the first acceptable user input for user authentication.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein, when the processor system proceeds with the user authentication procedure, the processor system is further programmed and adapted to:

(d) display a second image on the computer display screen, and (e) determine if a second user input indicating a portion of the second image corresponds to a second acceptable user input for user authentication.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein when the second user input is determined to correspond to the second acceptable user input for user authentication, the processor system is further programmed and adapted to allow user access to a computer system.

15. A system according to claim 13, wherein the second image is an enlargement of a part of first image.

16. A system according to claim 13, wherein the second user input includes electronic ink input.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein the portion of the second image is indicated by drawing a predetermined shape at, near, or at least partially around the portion of the second image using electronic ink.

18. A system according to claim 12, wherein the user login procedure proceeds by allowing user access to a computer system.

19. A system according to claim 12, wherein the first user input includes electronic ink input.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the portion of the first image is indicated by drawing a predetermined shape at, near, or at least partially around the portion of the first image using electronic ink.