Multi-Display Authentication Using Dynamic Element Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication methods for devices with multiple display portions do not effectively enhance security against unauthorized access, particularly when secondary and tertiary displays are used in conjunction with primary displays.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the display of images and elements on multiple display portions, where users must align designated elements with targets on secondary and tertiary displays to authenticate access, utilizing a processor and computer-readable medium to facilitate this process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authentication methods are used on devices with multiple display portions, then the device can be accessed, but security against unauthorized access (particularly shoulder surfing) is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidshoulder surfing risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends authentication from a single 2D display to multiple display portions arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The primary display shows the authentication interface, while secondary and tertiary displays positioned at different angles provide additional verification layers, making it difficult for observers to view all displays simultaneously from a single position (shoulder surfing).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system is divided across multiple independent display portions, each showing different elements of the authentication process. The primary display shows the main authentication interface, while secondary and tertiary displays show complementary information or additional verification elements, segmenting the authentication process spatially to prevent complete observation by unauthorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple display portions are used for authentication, then security is enhanced, but the complexity of the authentication process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple display portions that serve different functions are integrated into a unified authentication system. The primary display handles the main authentication interface, while secondary and tertiary displays provide additional verification, status information, or complementary authentication elements, allowing each display to have specialized functions while contributing to a cohesive whole.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple authentication interactions across different display portions into a single unified authentication event. Rather than requiring separate authentication processes for each display, the system merges them so that completing the authentication sequence across all displays results in a single authenticated state, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If dynamic alignment of elements across multiple displays is required, then authentication security is improved, but the time required for authentication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication elements on different displays are designed to be dynamic rather than static. Elements may move, change position, or transform across the multiple displays during the authentication process, requiring the user to actively track and align them. This dynamic behavior increases security by preventing simple observation and memorization, while the structured nature of the alignment task keeps the time requirement manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3043278B1Authentication for access to a device that has a primary display portion, a secondary display portion and a tertiary display portion
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3043278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3043278B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3043278B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An authentication scheme in which an instance of a designated element is shifted to proximity with a designated target to gain access a device may be enhanced by creating conditions that allow for either the designated element or the designated target to be different for each instance of authentication. In one embodiment, a secondary display portion may be used to provide an indication of a dynamic designated element. In another embodiment, a secondary display portion, in combination with a tertiary display portion, may be used to provide an indication of a dynamic designated target.