Dynamic Touchscreen Keypad for Secure Data Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual data entry in mobile enterprise devices is labor-intensive and prone to errors, and existing touch screen keypads can be compromised by unauthorized users due to predictable key patterns, which may reveal security codes through fingerprint analysis.

Innovation Solution

A touch screen data entry device with a processor that rearranges the keypad layout randomly at predetermined times, combining alphanumeric and multi-functional keys, ensuring secure and efficient data entry while preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed keypad layout is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to fingerprint analysis vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the keypad layout changeable over time. The keyboard configuration is dynamically rearranged at predetermined intervals, transforming from a static to a dynamic system. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through familiar interaction patterns while eliminating security vulnerabilities associated with fixed layouts that can be analyzed via fingerprint patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by automatically rearranging the keypad layout at predetermined time intervals. This periodic transformation ensures that even if an unauthorized user captures fingerprint data at one moment, the key positions change before analysis can be completed, thereby maintaining both operational convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual data entry is used, then device functionality is improved, but productivity is worsened due to labor-intensive entry and errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing automatic verification mechanisms that compare entered data against expected patterns or previously stored information. This feedback loop reduces manual errors and accelerates the validation process, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the versatility of manual data entry for various device functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-service features such as automatic error detection, suggested corrections, and intelligent data completion that reduce the cognitive load and time required for manual data entry. These self-service mechanisms enhance productivity without limiting device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9778841B2Apparatus having random ordered keypad
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 HAND HELD PRODS INC
  • US9778841B2 patent drawing
  • US9778841B2 patent drawing
  • US9778841B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus including: a touch screen display for displaying information, including displaying a keypad comprising an array of touch keys; a processor for controlling software and firmware operation; and a housing for supporting the touch screen display and configured to facilitate an operator keypad data entry, wherein the processor changes the displayed key configuration at a predetermined time.