3D Authentication Interface Using Gaze-Locked UI Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user authentication and device management methods in augmented and virtual reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and complex, leading to a significant cognitive burden on users and energy wastage in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computer system with improved user authentication and device management methods that utilize viewpoint-locked and environment-locked user interface objects in a three-dimensional environment, transitioning between authentication states based on user verification success, and providing intuitive interfaces for biometric authentication and device management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional user authentication and device management methods are used in augmented and virtual reality environments, then user verification can be performed, but the interaction becomes cumbersome and creates significant cognitive burden on users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authentication efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication automatically by detecting the user's gaze direction and head position through sensors, eliminating the need for manual input. The device serves itself by autonomously verifying user identity and managing device states based on environmental cues, thereby reducing cognitive burden while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (buttons, switches, manual inputs) with optical and sensor-based detection systems. Eye-tracking cameras and position sensors substitute for physical interfaces, enabling authentication through natural human behaviors rather than mechanical operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional authentication interfaces require multiple input steps, then security can be maintained, but the authentication process takes longer and wastes energy in battery-operated devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the user's gaze direction and head position in advance, so when authentication is needed, the verification can be performed immediately using pre-captured data. This preliminary tracking eliminates the need for time-consuming input sequences while maintaining security through multiple verification parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If traditional authentication methods are used, then user verification can be completed, but multiple input requirements increase cognitive burden and reduce interaction efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction efficiencyVSAvoidinput requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single gaze-tracking mechanism to perform multiple functions: detecting user identity, determining authentication intent, and verifying credentials. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate input actions for each authentication step, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260023835A1Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for user authentication and device management

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic devices, including user interfaces for user authentication and device management.