Passcode Activity Launch Modifier for Secure Quick Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication systems on electronic devices require users to go through tedious steps to access frequently used actions, and while shortcuts can provide convenience, they often compromise security by limiting access or creating vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines a passcode with an activity launch modifier to directly activate specific applications or actions on electronic devices, allowing users to input a passcode followed by a modifier to quickly access desired functions without fully unlocking the device, such as typing 'qwertyv' to open the voice note application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional authentication steps (unlock, enter password, open application, activate action) are used, then security is maintained, but time and effort required to access frequently used actions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication process with application launching by integrating activity launch modifiers into the passcode input. When a user enters their passcode followed by a modifier (such as a specific key or gesture), the system merges the authentication validation with the application launch trigger, allowing frequent actions to be accessed in a single integrated step rather than through separate sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by associating specific modifiers with particular applications or actions during setup. This preliminary mapping allows the authentication process itself to inherently contain launch instructions, so that when authentication occurs, the corresponding application is automatically activated without requiring additional user steps.
2Loss of time
If shortcuts are provided for specific actions outside password protection, then access time is reduced, but security is compromised and data protection is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the security level for different actions through the use of modifiers. The passcode itself maintains full security protection, while specific modifiers attached to the passcode provide controlled, conditional access to particular applications or actions. This allows certain actions to have faster access paths while the core authentication remains secure, creating localized security variations rather than a uniform security level across all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the access path based on the modifier detected during authentication. Rather than providing static shortcuts that bypass security, the system evaluates the complete input (passcode + modifier) and dynamically determines the appropriate level of access, maintaining security while enabling convenient access to authorized actions.
3Reliability
If shortcuts are limited to specific actions, then security is maintained, but versatility is reduced and users cannot access any data on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access mechanism where the same passcode-modifier structure can be applied across multiple applications and action types. Rather than creating separate shortcut systems for different functions, the modifier-based approach provides a unified framework that can trigger various applications, actions, or data access patterns, making the system versatile while maintaining consistent security principles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed whereby an activity launch modifier is combined with a passcode. The activity launch modifier is used to determine a portion of an application to activate upon valid authentication.