Accelerometer Tap Pattern Access Control for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking/unlocking systems for wireless handheld mobile devices are cumbersome, often requiring password entry or biometric scanners, which are not user-friendly, especially for devices prone to being lost or stolen.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a tap pattern detected by an accelerometer to lock or unlock the device, where a graphical user interface allows users to configure and enter a tap pattern, and an access management module processes the tap signals to change the device's access state, allowing or prohibiting access to applications based on a match with a preset pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password entry or biometric scanners are used for locking/unlocking, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of password entry with an accelerometer-based motion detection system. The accelerometer sensor automatically detects tap patterns and device movements, eliminating the need for manual keyboard input while maintaining security through recognized motion patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service locking and unlocking by automatically detecting user intent through motion patterns. The accelerometer senses tap sequences and device orientation changes, allowing the device to lock or unlock itself without requiring the user to manually enter passwords or navigate menus.
2Reliability
If traditional password entry is used, then security is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming mechanical process of password entry with rapid accelerometer-based motion detection. Tap patterns can be executed quickly through simple physical gestures, dramatically reducing the time required to lock or unlock the device while maintaining security through pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to skip the lengthy password entry process by using quick tap patterns. The accelerometer rapidly captures motion data during brief tap sequences, enabling security operations to be completed in seconds rather than the time required to manually type passwords.
3Ease of operation
If motion detection is added to the device, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the accelerometer serve multiple functions: it detects tap patterns for locking/unlocking, senses device orientation, and can identify various motion patterns. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sensor by maximizing its utility across different device operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer acts as an intermediary between the user's physical actions and the device's security system. It translates physical tap patterns and movements into digital signals that the processor can interpret, providing a natural bridge between human interaction and machine response.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a simple and efficient means to lock and unlock devices using a tapping interface, eliminating the need for traditional password entry, while ensuring secure access control, allowing users to quickly manage device access with a physically intuitive method.
Implementation Method 1
A tap signal is detected by an accelerometer in the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system and method for unlocking and unlocking access to a device. The system comprises: a graphical user interface (GUI) module providing instructions to a microprocessor operating on the electronic device and an access management module providing instructions to the microprocessor. The GUI module provides instructions to generate on a display of the electronic device an interface for entry and modification of a tap pattern used to change an access state of the electronic device; and process inputs from an input device through the interface that select described levels of movement and described locations for expected tap signals for the tap pattern. The access management module provides instructions to receive signals from a monitoring circuit in the electronic device that processes a tap signal received from an accelerometer in the electronic device; and determine whether the tap signal completes a match for the tap pattern.