Icon Sequence Password Input with Dynamic Shuffling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional password authentication methods are insecure, especially in devices lacking dedicated keyboards, as onlookers can easily observe and memorize password inputs on virtual keyboards, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a sequence of icons on a touch screen display for user authentication, where the user selects a predetermined sequence of icons to access a secured item, with the system verifying the input and switching to a second screen display upon correct entry, while shuffling icons each time to obscure the password input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual keyboard is used for password input on devices without dedicated keyboards, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates because onlookers can easily observe and memorize password inputs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of displaying a traditional virtual keyboard with visible keys that can be observed by onlookers, the system inverts the approach by presenting a grid of application icons where the password is entered by selecting icons in a predetermined sequence. This inversion transforms the password input interface into something that appears as regular device operation, making it difficult for onlookers to recognize that authentication is occurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs visual differentiation through color changes to indicate the current selection state of icons during password input. When an icon is selected, it changes color or visual appearance to provide feedback to the user, while the overall interface maintains its appearance as a standard home screen to observers.
2Ease of operation
If the password input screen is made recognizable to facilitate user operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates because any person within line of sight can see the keys being actuated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a copy of the regular home screen interface for password input purposes. The same application icons that appear on the normal home screen are used as the password input mechanism, creating a visual copy that serves dual purposes: maintaining familiar appearance for security and providing functional interface for authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The home screen with application icons serves multiple functions: it acts as both the regular device interface for normal operation and as the password input screen for authentication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate recognizable password screen, thereby preventing shoulder surfing while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If icons are shuffled each time to obscure password input, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic icon shuffling where the arrangement of application icons on the home screen changes with each authentication attempt. This dynamic repositioning automatically obscures the password input sequence from onlookers while the system manages the icon positions through software control, keeping the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary shuffling of icon positions before each password input session begins. This preliminary action ensures that the icon arrangement is already randomized when the user needs to input their password, providing security without requiring complex real-time manipulation during the authentication process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus is provided for switching from a regular desktop screen to a password input screen for a user to input a password. An apparatus may comprise a first screen display as the password input screen, a second screen display as the regular desktop screen, and a switching system. The switching system may be configured to switch a screen item position between the first screen display and the second screen display. The switching system may receive a user selection of a sequence of screen items as a password input and may switch operation of the apparatus between the first screen display to the second screen display.