Handheld Device Input Validation via Sensor-Based Human Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user authentication methods on handheld devices, such as CAPTCHA challenges, are inadequate in distinguishing human inputs from automated scripts, as they often require users to perform tasks that can be difficult for humans but also pose challenges for users, and may not effectively validate human presence without explicit user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes sensor data from handheld devices, including accelerometers and cameras, to determine if an individual is interacting with the device by collecting and analyzing data on device movement, orientation, and environmental interactions, allowing for both explicit and transparent validation tests to confirm human input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CAPTCHA challenges with distorted text are used to validate human input, then automated scripts are blocked, but user experience deteriorates due to difficulty in reading and entering distorted text
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual-CAPTCHA mechanism with a sensor-based detection mechanism. Instead of requiring users to read and interpret distorted text images, the system uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors to detect physical device handling patterns that are characteristic of human interaction, thereby substituting optical recognition with mechanical/physical sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The validation system performs automatic detection of human presence through sensor data analysis without requiring explicit user actions. The device itself generates the validation data through its sensors detecting natural handling patterns, eliminating the need for users to deliberately complete CAPTCHA challenges
2Reliability
If explicit user interaction is required for validation, then human presence can be confirmed, but productivity decreases due to additional user tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor data collection occurs continuously or near-continuously during normal device usage, rather than requiring discrete validation pauses. The system accumulates sensor data over time during natural device handling, allowing validation to occur seamlessly alongside normal user interactions without interrupting the workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs validation checks proactively by continuously monitoring sensor data before submission is attempted. By detecting human presence through sensor patterns in advance, the system can pre-validate inputs and only block submission when automation is detected, rather than requiring post-submission verification
3Ease of operation
If sensor data collection is performed transparently without user notification, then user experience is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by lack of user cooperation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple different sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, etc.) that serve dual purposes: they collect data for human presence detection while simultaneously performing their primary functions for device operation. This multi-functionality ensures that validation data collection does not interfere with normal device usage and maintains measurement precision through redundant sensing modalities
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for validating input on a handheld device. In response to receiving an input and a request to access a computing resource, an application running on the handheld device may collect data from one or more sensors of the handheld device. The application may then determine, based on the collected sensor data, if an individual is interacting with the device and recognize the input as valid if such is the case. In one embodiment, the application may present a challenge to a user which is difficult for computer programs to perform, and determine whether an individual is interacting with the device based on successful completion of the challenge. In an alternative embodiment, the application may collect data and determine whether an individual is interacting with the device without presenting an explicit challenge to the user.