Visual image authentication and transaction authorization using non-determinism

Abstract

Methods and systems described herein perform a secure transaction. A display presents images that are difficult for malware to recognize but a person can recognize. In at least one embodiment, a person communicates transaction information using visual images received from the service provider system. In at least one embodiment, a universal identifier is represented by images recognizable by a person, but difficult for malware to recognize. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for determining whether to grant access, by generating and displaying visual images on a screen that the user can recognize. In an embodiment, a person presses one's finger(s) on the screen to select images as a method for authenticating and protecting communication from malware. In at least one embodiment, quantum randomness helps unpredictably vary the image location, generate noise in the image, or change the shape or texture of the image.

1 . A method of securing a transaction comprising:
 transaction information is entered into a user system, the user system having a processor system having at least one processor, a communications interface, and a memory system;   the user selects or enters transaction information using images received from the service provider system.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein some of said images represent letters or numbers. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said images is an image of an animal. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said images has color or texture. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein one-time information is communicated with said images. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said images is at least part of a logo. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said service provider encrypts one or more said images before transmitting them to said user system. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a user looks at one or more images to check that service provider is valid. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least some of said images are used as a universal identifier for said user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said service provider is a bank or financial exchange. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said visual image is of at least part of a human face that expresses a smile. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein noise is combined with said images and the noise is generated using quantum randomness. 
     
     
         13 . A method for determining whether to grant access to a secure entity comprising:
 generating visual images and displaying said images on a screen;   and a user selecting said visual images from said display screen;   wherein said determining uses a processor system having a least one processor, a communications interface, and a memory system.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said screen is a touch sensitive screen and the user selects said images with his or her fingers. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  where the order of said visual images is randomly permuted based on a non-deterministic process generated by hardware. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said hardware is part of the web server. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said visual images are randomly generated by a web server and transmitted to a mobile phone or PC. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13  wherein noise is combined with the visual images and said noise is generated using quantum randomness. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13  wherein at least one of said images is an image of an animal. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13  wherein at least one of said images has texture. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 13  wherein at least one of said images has color.