Apple Applies For Image-Based Authentication Patent

iPhone maker, Apple, has applied for an image-based patent that would authenticate a Mac or iDevice user.

The patent application is entitled "Image-Based Authentication" and describes a method by which an image would be displayed on a Mac or iDevice screen. Options will be showcased asking users to correctly identify what it is. Should they correctly answer, access to a given device will be granted, while an incorrect answer keeps it locked.

Apple's filing depicts an image showing a person's face, with a list of names situated under said image. The user would then have to correctly identify which person's face it is to unlock the device. As for security, the application mentions "multiple rounds," which would require more than one image to be correctly identified.

The company's primary authentication method for iOS devices has been a user-generated password. The patent for its slide-to-unlock feature, meanwhile, was recently granted.

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  • twelve25
    Microsoft's image password is a much better idea, in my opinion.
    Reply
  • rantoc
    So its basically what many anti bot measures use to thwart auto registrations and the like, how original of apple to abuse other peoples ideas over and over without giving credits where its due. Heck with apples wicked morale i bet they will patent it and then even try to sue the original inventor for stealing "their" idea!
    Reply
  • neon neophyte
    ugh, this already exists for internet authentication... and apple is going to patent it?
    Reply
  • becherovka
    Is this face unlock? So new!! Never seen anything so original.
    Reply
  • becherovka
    Sorry the most original thing I have seen was in 2007 when a company made a rectangle phone and they rounded the corners. I was like WOW this company is amazing!!
    Reply
  • COLGeek
    Seems odd to patent a capability already in wide use. This tech is used extensively with on-line banking.
    Reply
  • alchemy69
    This is a backdoor patent. Apple will now sue everyone on the internet who has posted a picture of their face with their name underneath it.
    Reply
  • MIDI Has been open to the public for 30 years I am surprised they have yet to do any PATENTS on it scince any musical device can just link and go with it
    Reply
  • house70
    Apple HQ must look like that cave in "Trollhunter".

    Trolls everywhere.
    Reply
  • Chairman Ray
    Didn't Yahoo already patent this, or something similar? Also, different types of image authentication has already been used for a long time.
    Reply