User-Defined Enablement Protocol

Abstract

A user interface method is disclosed. For a particular interface, such as a touch input device, the method involves defining an enablement protocol for a function and recording and retaining the enablement protocol of said function, such that a user enables the function by substantially reproducing the enablement protocol in the absence of spatial or temporal indication of at least a portion of the enablement protocol.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under the Paris Convention to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007902519 filed on May 11, 2007, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007902517 filed on May 11, 2007, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to user-defined enablement protocols for electronic devices. The disclosure has been developed primarily for providing an enhanced security means for enabling or executing functions of electronic devices through an interface such as a touch-sensitive display, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to this particular field of use.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present patent provides a user interface method for enabling functions through an interface by recording and retaining user-defined touches or movements on the interface. The user interface can be a touch screen or other type of interface. The method allows users to define and record the steps needed to enable a function, without needing to know where the function will be used. The user interface can also be a touch-sensitive area of a device without any spatial or temporal indication of where the function will be executed. The method can also involve assigning a function to the recorded enablement protocol, and prompting the user to perform the protocol when the function is requested. Overall, the method provides a convenient and intuitive way for users to enable functions through an interface."

Problems solved by technology

A known drawback here is that if an unauthorised person learns the alphanumeric code, it is simple for them to activate the mobile phone or log in to the computer system.

If the device is equipped with a touch screen so that the alphanumeric keys can be shown on a display, an additional level of security is available in that the locations of the keys can be scrambled either before or during entry of the code, making it more difficult for another person to learn the code by observation.

However once the code is known, it is once again simple for an unauthorised person to enter it.

Once again, there is no security once the unlock code (i.e. the path) is known, and the restriction to using direction keys limits the range and complexity of possible enablement protocols.

However in all these cases the user is either guided by displayed material or the gesture is predetermined, so there is limited opportunity for altering the functionality provided by the device or the mechanisms by which those functions are enabled.

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