Microsoft files patent application for digital pen-based authentication technology

Microsoft has filed a patent application relating to a ‘system and method for authentication with a computer stylus.’ In other words, authenticating a user by what and how they draw on the screen, according to a report by BGR.

According to patent application #2010/0155153, Microsoft is looking to use the pen-based authentication technology for its Windows 10 feature, Windows Hello, which allows users to log in using facial recognition, iris, or fingerprint.

The technology uses a combination of a unique marker embedded in a digital pen or stylus that provides a kind of two-factor authentication to go along with a gesture written on the screen.

Microsoft’s technology would use a combination of pen proximity, gestures, and touch input, with options of mixing up hardware, software, and even application files to create a highly customized authentication method.

Microsoft is hoping to use the digital pen or stylus as an authentication method for mobile devices as well as to authenticate applications and payments.

The specialized pen would also integrate Microsoft’s own N-Trig technology, which currently powers the Surface Pen.

This could mean that the futuristic stylus would be offered as an upgrade to the Surface Pen to be used as an alternate authentication method for Surface devices.

Article Topics

gesture recognition  |  Microsoft  |  patents  |  two-factor authentication