Method and apparatus for transmitting data using encoded patterns of changing colors

Abstract

A system and method for encoding, transmitting and decoding data is described which defines a plurality of bit patterns into a predetermined color combination of RGB values. A message is formed from the plurality of bit patterns and the message is then arranged into a recognizable format with a message protocol. The message is transmitted to a decoder, which decodes the message and displays the message on a display. A use is provided to establish a two factor authentication mechanism to authenticate a user by a requester.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for transmitting encoded data, said method comprising:
 encoding a challenge response within a code series composed of a bit pattern sequence of color images, each of said images constructed from a combination of red, green, and blue color values ranging from a minimum value corresponding to black to a maximum value corresponding to white;   arranging said challenge response into a recognizable format with a message protocol;   transmitting said challenge response to a physical decoder adapted to decode said message into a challenge response; and   applying said challenge response to a challenge query.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said minimum value is greater than or equal to 0. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said maximum value is less than or equal to 255. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said transmitting step includes decrypting said challenge response. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said encoding step further includes encrypting said challenge response within said code series. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said defining step comprises a calibration sequence of at least one image adapted to normalize said color values. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said challenge response includes a challenge message comprising alphanumerics. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said decoder displays said alphanumerics. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein a user manually inputs said alphanumerics as said challenge response. 
     
     
         10 . A method for transmitting encoded data, said method comprising:
 defining a code series composed of a bit pattern sequence of color images, each of said images constructed from a combination of red, green, and blue color values consisting of a value corresponding to white;   encoding a message within said code series;   arranging said message within into a recognizable format with a message protocol;   transmitting said message to a physical decoder, with a sensor adapted to detect characteristics of said images, including intensity, adapted to decode said message into a unique challenge response; and   applying said challenge response to a challenge query.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said transmitting step includes transmitting said message to multiple physical decoders adapted to decode said message into a challenge response. 
     
     
         12 . A system for providing a light based token response, said system comprising:
 an electronic visual display adapted to, and with a frame rate sufficient to, transmit a series of sequential color flashes corresponding to information in a recognizable format with an information protocol, said color flashes constructed from red, green, and blue color values ranging from a minimum value corresponding to black to a maximum value corresponding to white; and   a physical decoder, with a sensor adapted to detect a characteristic of said color flashes, configured to decode said information based on said series of sequential color flashes and convey said information as decoded.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said information includes a challenge response token component. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  further comprising a secured device bearing a challenge query. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said secured device includes said electronic visual display. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein said decoder is adapted to convey and apply said challenge response to said challenge query. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said decoder is adapted to convey and apply said challenge response to said challenge query. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said sequential color flashes include a calibration sequence of at least one flash adapted to normalize color values of said color flashes.