Dynamic Virtual Keyboard Layout for Secure Data Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securely entering personal information via input devices are vulnerable to hacking, as keyloggers and mouse loggers can intercept and record keystrokes and mouse movements, making it difficult to enter information quickly and securely, especially for novice users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that translates directional movements of input devices, such as mice or touchpads, into textual or non-textual information using a mapping format, allowing users to create and store custom mapping formats to convert these movements into symbols or characters, enhancing security by making it difficult for loggers to intercept the information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual keyboard with random layout is used to prevent mouse logging, then security is improved, but the speed of entering information decreases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the virtual keyboard layout dynamically changeable between fixed and random modes. The system can switch between a standard fixed layout for fast data entry and a random layout for secure data entry, allowing the keyboard characteristics to adapt based on the operational requirement. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both high speed (fixed layout) and high security (random layout) as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data entry process into different modes: a first mode for entering sensitive information using random layout, and a second mode for entering non-sensitive information using fixed layout. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for security when needed and for speed when security is not a concern, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Productivity
If a fixed virtual keyboard layout is used for fast data entry, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates as information can be easily intercepted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between fixed and random keyboard layouts based on the type of information being entered. For sensitive information, it activates random layout to prevent interception; for non-sensitive information, it uses fixed layout to maintain typing speed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between productivity and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides data entry operations into segmented modes: a first mode for sensitive data entry with random layout and a second mode for non-sensitive data entry with fixed layout. This segmentation allows the system to prioritize security when entering sensitive information and prioritize speed when entering non-sensitive information, thereby resolving the contradiction.
3Reliability
If directional movements are translated into information using a mapping format, then security is improved by preventing information interception, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping format as an intermediary component that translates directional movements into information. This mapping format acts as a mediator between the input device and the data being entered, providing a systematic way to handle the complexity. By using this intermediary structure, the system manages the increased complexity in an organized manner while maintaining security benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing information fed by a user via an inputting means is provided. The method enables, firstly, receiving a set of directional elements via a user interface. The set of directional elements represent textual or non-textual information fed by the user. Secondly, the method enables interpreting the set of directional elements. The set of directional elements are identified as a combination of motion of the inputting means on the user interface and one or more inputs from the inputting means. Further, the method enables converting the directional elements into a sequence and translating the sequence into the textual or non-textual information using a mapping format. The mapping format corresponds to a predetermined mapping format or a new mapping format. Finally, the method enables rendering the textual or non-textual information on the user interface in the form of one or more symbols.