Non-numeric PIN Authentication Using Categorized Visual Digits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional numeric PINs are difficult for users to remember, leading to the practice of using the same PIN across multiple accounts, which compromises security if discovered.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-numeric PIN system using sequences of words or pictures, where each digit is a category or subject, allowing users to select from drop-down menus or listings, providing greater security and ease of recall due to visual and relational elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If numeric PINs are used for authentication, then the system is easy to operate with simple numeric input, but the security is compromised because users tend to use the same PIN across multiple accounts and PINs are easy to discover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter space of PINs from numeric (0-9) to non-numeric categories including words, pictures, videos, animations, and sounds. This expansion of the parameter space creates vastly more possible combinations while maintaining user-friendly selection through categorized menus and interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PIN into multiple digits where each digit can be independently selected from different categories (e.g., food, clothing, electronics, activities). This segmentation allows users to create complex, memorable sequences while the system provides structured guidance through drop-down menus and category listings for each digit position.
2Reliability
If the number of PIN combinations is increased to improve security, then security is enhanced, but the complexity of the PIN system increases making it harder for users to remember
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from numeric to non-numeric parameters (words, pictures, videos, animations, sounds), the system achieves vastly more combinations without increasing operational complexity. The categorized approach groups related items together, making the expanded parameter space more manageable and memorable for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by introducing multiple categories and types of digits (words, pictures, videos, animations, sounds) rather than simply increasing the number of numeric options. This multi-dimensional approach creates security through diversity of digit types and categories while maintaining ease of use through structured presentation.
3Reliability
If users are required to remember multiple different PINs for different accounts, then security is improved, but the loss of time for users to remember and manage PINs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-numeric, categorized digit system creates PINs that are more distinctive and easier to differentiate from one another. Users can assign meaningful categories and items to each account's PIN, making them more memorable and reducing the cognitive load of remembering multiple different PINs across accounts.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for allowing a user to select a non-numeric PIN or password and use that to access content instead of a conventional numerical PIN. A series of visual, textual, and/or audio “digits” form the PIN, where each succeeding digit may be related to and/or further limit one or more of the preceding digits.