Image Pattern Unlock for Touch Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch screen devices lack a secure and intuitive unlocking mechanism that personalizes user experience, relying primarily on traditional password-based methods which may not be user-friendly or secure.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an image pattern unlock mode that allows users to create a customizable unlocking pattern using personalized images and colors, which can include a combination of images, colors, and written text, gathered from their photo collection and social media profiles, to unlock the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional password-based unlocking methods are used, then device security is maintained, but user experience and intuitiveness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoiddevice security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by allowing users to select and arrange colored blocks in a grid pattern to create a unique unlock sequence. Each block has a distinct color, and the user must tap blocks in the correct color sequence to unlock the device. This transforms the traditional monochromatic password interface into a colorful, visually intuitive system that enhances user experience while maintaining security through a complex multi-step verification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the unlock interface into a grid of multiple colored blocks, where each block represents a discrete element of the password sequence. Instead of a single password field, the system divides the authentication process into multiple visual segments (blocks) that users must interact with in a specific order. This segmentation creates a more intuitive and memorable unlocking mechanism while preserving security through the complexity of the sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If image pattern unlock mode with personalized images is implemented, then user experience is enhanced through personalization, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepersonalizationVSAvoidunlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by allowing users to select images from their existing photo collection or social media profiles and use them as unlock patterns. Instead of creating entirely new visual elements, the system copies and repurposes existing personal images into the unlock interface. Users can arrange these copied images in a grid pattern to form their unique unlock sequence, enhancing personalization while leveraging existing digital assets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by enabling the same unlock mechanism to work with multiple types of visual elements - colored blocks, user-selected images, or combinations thereof. The system provides a universal grid-based interface that can accommodate different visual patterns and personalization preferences, allowing users to choose their preferred level of customization without requiring separate systems for each approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If combination of images, colors, and text is used for unlocking, then security is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidunlocking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple authentication elements - images, colors, and text - into a unified grid-based unlock interface. Users create their password by combining these different visual elements in a specific arrangement and sequence within the grid. This merging approach enhances security through multi-factor visual verification while maintaining ease of operation by providing a consistent, intuitive tapping interaction model regardless of which visual elements are used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8966617B2Image pattern unlocking techniques for touch sensitive devices
Publication Date: 2015.02.24 BARNES & NOBLE COLLEGE BOOKSELLERS
  • US8966617B2 patent drawing
  • US8966617B2 patent drawing
  • US8966617B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for providing an image pattern unlock mode in electronic touch sensitive devices. The image pattern unlock mode can display an unlock screen to the user, prompting the user to arrange or create or otherwise select a specific image pattern in order to unlock the device. The customizable image pattern may include any uniquely identifiable unlocking pattern including a combination of images, or even a single image selected from an image group. The unlocking mechanism may include images gathered from the user's photo collection and/or one or more online profiles, and the unlock pattern could be a selection of such images. In other embodiments, a combination of color and images can also be used, such as matching colors to images. When the user has arranged the proper image pattern, the device unlocks and may be used. If the correct image pattern is not arranged, the device remains locked.