Authentication Input Key Region State Alternation for PIN Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication systems fail to protect PIN numbers from being guessed when a third person can see both the user's hand and the input screen, especially from close distances or using hidden cameras.

Innovation Solution

The system divides input keys into two regions that alternate states, using one state for authentic input and the other for dummy input, making it difficult for observers to identify which keys are authentic, even when the input screen and hand movements are visible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If dummy digits are inserted into the PIN number display, then the PIN number is prevented from being stolen when viewed from a distance, but the system becomes vulnerable when a third person can see both the hand and input screen from close distance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePIN number theft from distant viewingVSAvoidSecurity against close-distance observation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input screen is divided into multiple display regions, with only one region showing the inputted digits at a time. This segmentation prevents observers from seeing both the hand movements and the input screen simultaneously, as the visible region changes based on hand position detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display region dynamically changes based on the detected hand position. As the user's hand moves across the input screen, the system detects this movement and switches the visible display region accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the inputted digits are never visible when the hand is in a position that could be observed by a third person.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the viewing angle of the display screen is narrowed, then the number of visible inputted digits is limited, but the user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePeeping protectionVSAvoidInput convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects hand position and adjusts the display region without requiring user intervention. The user simply inputs their PIN number normally, and the system autonomously determines which region to display based on hand detection, maintaining both security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display region is indicated by changing the color or visual state of the display screen. When the hand is detected in a particular position, the corresponding display region is activated with a distinct visual indicator, allowing the user to understand which digits are being displayed without exposing them to observers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS9367679B2Input information authentication device, server device, input information authentication system, and program of device

Publication Date: 2016.06.14 NEC PERSONAL COMPUTERS LTD

AI summary

At the time of input of authentication information, even when the hand and the input screen are seen from the third person, guess of authentication information is made difficult. A plurality of keys serving as input means are divided into a first region and a second region. Then, the first region and the second region are caused to transit between a first state and a second state distinguished from each other depending on the displayed contents. When a region where a key to be inputted for the input of authentication information is arranged is in the second state, input to the above-mentioned plurality of keys is recognized as dummy.