Local Database Authentication for OS Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating systems, such as Android, require users to bind a Google account for unlocking after multiple failed pattern lock attempts, leading to data loss when users forget their password and do not have a Google account, as they cannot easily recover access to their device without factory reset.

Innovation Solution

The system displays an unlocking interface for personal information authentication, allowing users to input contact information, call records, or message data for authentication, matching this information with a local database to facilitate successful unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system requires Google account binding for unlocking after multiple failed pattern attempts, then data security is protected, but user accessibility deteriorates when users forget their password and do not have a Google account

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a local database as an intermediary storage mechanism that preserves user information locally on the device. This local database serves as a backup authentication source when Google account binding fails or is unavailable, allowing users to recover access without factory reset while maintaining security through verified local data matching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating and storing a local database backup of user information before the unlocking crisis occurs. This local database is prepared in advance as a safety net, enabling users to authenticate through their own information (name, phone number, ID) without needing external Google account dependency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the system forces Google account unlocking after multiple failed attempts, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user convenience deteriorates when users cannot recall account credentials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidunlocking convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service unlocking by allowing users to authenticate through their own personal information stored in the local database. Users can verify their identity using their name, phone number, or ID without requiring external Google account assistance, making the system serve itself rather than depending on external services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to prove their identity through external Google account credentials (top-down verification), the system inverts the approach by allowing users to prove their identity through personal information they know best (bottom-up verification), making the authentication flow more natural and user-centric

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the system requires factory reset to clear forgotten passwords, then security is maintained, but data loss occurs and user trouble increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity maintenanceVSAvoiduser data loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential user authentication function from the Google account dependency and relocates it to a local database on the device. This extraction allows the core unlocking functionality to operate independently without requiring external services or risking complete data loss through factory reset

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by creating a local database backup that acts as a safety net before the user reaches the factory reset point. This local backup cushions against the harsh consequence of data loss, giving users a safe alternative path to recover access without sacrificing their data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2579141B1Method and device for unlocking operating system
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 HUAWEI DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP2579141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2579141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2579141B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for unlocking an operating system, which are used to unlock the system with personal information data when a user forgets a password, thereby increasing a probability of successful unlocking of the user. The method of the embodiment of the present invention includes: when a user fails in unlocking via a pattern, displaying an unlocking interface for personal information authentication, and matching personal information input by the user with personal information pre-stored in a local database.