Dynamic Color-Symbol Unlocking for Mobile Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device unlocking methods using passwords or pattern matching face challenges in balancing speed and security, as password-based unlocking is slow while pattern matching compromises security due to ease of pattern exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that require users to select at least two elements combining color and symbol to unlock the device, with elements arranged randomly each time, preventing pattern exposure and enhancing security by varying colors and symbols, and allowing drag traces to change dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pattern matching is used for unlocking, then unlocking speed is improved, but security is reduced due to easy pattern exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pattern change every time it is displayed. The pattern is randomly generated anew for each unlock attempt, so that even if observers note the pattern, it will be different on the next attempt. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by maintaining fast unlocking (through pattern matching) while preventing security breaches (through constant pattern variation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the pattern by randomly selecting from multiple possible patterns each time. Instead of using a fixed pattern, the system varies parameters such as line orientation, position, and configuration to generate a new pattern for each unlock attempt. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both fast unlocking and high security.
2Reliability
If a difficult pattern or password is set to raise security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlock process into two distinct phases: pattern setting (where the user can choose a simple pattern) and pattern execution (where a different random pattern is displayed). During setting, users can select easy-to-remember patterns. During execution, the system displays a different random pattern that is harder to guess. This segmentation allows both ease of operation during setup and high security during actual unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to set a simple pattern in advance during device setup. This pre-configured simple pattern serves as the basis for the unlock mechanism, ensuring ease of operation. However, during actual unlocking, the system transforms this preliminary simple pattern into a complex random pattern, thereby maintaining security without requiring users to remember complex patterns.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed pattern is used for unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to pattern predictability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed pattern into a dynamic random pattern that changes with each unlock attempt. The system randomly generates a new pattern from a set of possible patterns for each unlocking action. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation (users still use pattern matching) while eliminating predictability (each pattern is different), thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method thereof for releasing lock using an element combining color and symbol are provided. In the method, at least two groups including at least two elements combining color and symbol are displayed. One element included in each of the at least two groups is allowed to be sequentially selected at least one time. When it is determined that a sequence of the sequentially selected elements is the same as a set sequence, a lock of the electronic device is released.