Filtered Keyboard Password Entry for Mobile Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with limited keyboards face inefficiencies in password entry due to the need to press multiple keys, especially when entering numeric passwords, which can be cumbersome and annoying, especially when combined with additional security measures like tokens or smart cards.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine a subset of characters for a password and apply a filter to the keyboard, allowing users to enter passwords without needing to press modifier keys, such as the 'number lock' key, by associating key actuation with the subset characters, and optionally displaying an icon to indicate the filter's presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full keyboard is implemented on mobile devices, then character input capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the modifier key functionality from the physical keyboard and implements it as a software layer. The filter mechanism selectively activates or deactivates modifier key requirements based on the password character subset, removing the need for physical modifier keys while maintaining full input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical modifier key system with a software-based filter mechanism. Instead of requiring physical key presses for modifiers, the system uses software filtering to determine whether modifier keys are needed, substituting mechanical interaction with intelligent software control.
2Reliability
If modifier keys are required for password entry, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic filter mechanism that adapts its behavior based on the password requirements. The filter dynamically determines whether modifier keys are needed by analyzing the character subset, making the system flexible and context-aware rather than static and rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines whether modifier keys are required by analyzing the password character subset itself. The filter mechanism self-adjusts based on the input requirements, eliminating the need for user configuration or manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple keys must be pressed for each character, then keyboard versatility is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering to determine the character subset before password entry begins. By pre-determining which characters are needed and configuring the appropriate filter, the system eliminates unnecessary modifier key presses during the actual password entry process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the keyboard by applying different filters based on the character subset. The filter modifies key association parameters dynamically, changing which keys correspond to which characters based on the password requirements, thereby optimizing input efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method is provided for reducing a number of keys that a user is required to depress on a device having a keyboard with a limited number of keys when the user enters a password. The method comprising the following steps. A subset of characters used to define the password is determined. A filter to apply to the keyboard is determined in accordance with the determined subset of characters. The filter is applied when the user depresses the keys. Devices and computer readable medium for implementing the method are also provided.