Context Sensitive Input Field Concealment on Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The multi-tap method on mobile devices, used for entering sensitive data like passwords, faces inefficiencies due to complete concealment of characters, leading to false entries and mode-related errors, as users struggle to maintain focus and accuracy with inadequate visual feedback and unclear mode indicators.
Innovation Solution
A method where characters remain visible during composition and are obscured only after an inactivity event, allowing users to reveal the string upon reactivity within a set time, enhancing visibility and reducing errors by providing controlled concealment and reveal functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete concealment of characters is implemented during multi-tap entry, then data security is improved, but user accuracy deteriorates due to lack of visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the concealment state changeable rather than fixed. The character display dynamically transitions between concealed and visible states based on user interaction with the soft key, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs during the input process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (soft key activation) that mediates between the need for security and the need for visibility. This intermediary allows users to selectively reveal characters when needed for verification while maintaining default concealment for security
2Reliability
If complete concealment of characters is implemented during multi-tap entry, then data security is improved, but false entries increase due to inability to verify input
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the concealment level based on user needs, transitioning from complete concealment to selective visibility through soft key interaction, thereby maintaining security while enabling verification to prevent false entries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by allowing users to reveal characters and verify their input before final submission. This visual feedback mechanism enables users to detect and correct false entries, improving overall entry accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If mode indicator is positioned away from input field, then layout flexibility is improved, but user awareness of current mode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the mode indicator adjacent to the input field where users are focusing their attention. This localized positioning ensures that mode information is readily available in the user's visual field without compromising overall layout flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method for concealing and revealing sensitive data on an electronic communications device is disclosed. The electronic communications device comprises a plurality of keys, a display upon which a series of characters are adapted to be displayed, the series of characters forming a character string and composed by input operation of a subset of the plurality of Keys, and a processor for implementing at least one module that includes at least one security component. The module i) receives the series of characters during an entry period, the series of characters forming a character string, the entry period comprised of at least one activity period during which the character string is displayed and one inactivity period during which the character string is obscured, ii) detects an inactivity event during the at least one activity period, the activity period ending when the inactivity event has been detected and iii) detects an activity event during the at least one inactivity period, the inactivity period ending when the activity event has been detected. The module may also iv) detect a completion of composition event, the entry period ending when the composition completion event has been detected and v) conceal permanently the character string after the entry period ends.