Color Wheel Authentication Interface for Mobile Device Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication methods for computing devices, such as PINs, are often based on publicly known information, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access, as users frequently choose numbers related to birthdays, anniversaries, or addresses, which can be easily guessed or compromised.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a series of concentric color wheels displayed on a device, where users input a specific color sequence, order, direction, and speed of rotation, which is converted into a string and verified against a challenge set by an authentication server, providing a unique and visually distinguishable authentication mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PIN based on publicly known information is used for authentication, then the authentication process is simple and easy to implement, but the security is compromised because users choose numbers related to birthdays, anniversaries, or addresses that can be easily guessed
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication code is segmented into multiple color wheels, each representing a digit or portion of the code. Users interact with multiple separate wheels rather than entering a single numeric PIN, dividing the authentication process into distinct visual segments that are harder to guess but still straightforward to input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional numeric PINs with color-based authentication wheels. Each wheel contains multiple colored segments, and users authenticate by selecting specific color combinations. This visual approach leverages color recognition rather than numeric memory, maintaining ease of use while significantly improving security against guessing attacks.
2Device complexity
If traditional numeric PINs are used, then the authentication mechanism is simple and widely understood, but it is vulnerable to unauthorized access through public information testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of authentication from numeric values to color selections. Instead of users remembering and entering numeric PINs, they select color combinations from visual wheels. This parameter transformation maintains the simplicity of the interaction model while changing the data space from 10 possible digits to numerous color combinations, thereby increasing security without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If color wheels with multiple segments are used for authentication, then security is enhanced through unique color sequences, but the device complexity and interface design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses circular wheel interfaces with segmented color sections arranged in a radial pattern. This spherical/circular geometry allows users to rotate or select from multiple color options in a natural, intuitive motion. The curved interface simplifies the interaction compared to linear alternatives while providing multiple distinguishable color choices, enhancing security without excessive interface complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for authentication is provided. The method includes displaying, on a display device and while in a locked state, a set of color wheels, each color wheel having a plurality of segments with each segment being a different color. User input is received via an input device on the set of color wheels. The user input is converted to a string. The string is communicated to an authentication server. In response to communicating the string, a response is received from the authentication server and the response is processed.