Password Presentation Management via Sliding Gesture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Password masking on devices can reduce user convenience while potentially compromising security, as users may avoid masking to save time, thereby exposing their passwords to unauthorized individuals.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that temporarily reveal password characters on a display device by replacing placeholder symbols with actual characters as a user slides their fingertip across the touch surface, allowing users to verify input without exposing the entire password.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password masking is applied to protect security, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates as users cannot verify their password input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the password display state changeable based on user interaction. The password field transitions from a masked state (displaying replacement symbols) to a revealed state (displaying actual password characters) when the user performs a sliding gesture. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt between security and verification needs, resolving the contradiction between security protection and user convenience.
2Ease of operation
If password masking is eliminated to improve user convenience, then user convenience is improved, but security deteriorates as passwords may be exposed to unauthorized persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling password revelation only in the specific context where the user needs verification (when sliding gesture is detected), while maintaining masking in other contexts. The revealed password characters are shown locally in the password field but only temporarily and conditionally, allowing verification without creating general exposure risk to unauthorized persons.
3Ease of operation
If password characters are displayed continuously to allow verification, then user convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to increased exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by making the password revelation temporary and intermittent rather than continuous. The password characters are revealed only during the brief period when the sliding gesture is detected and performed, then automatically masked again. This periodic revelation provides just enough time for user verification while minimizing overall exposure time, thus maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for revealing at least a portion of a disguised password on a display device. The method comprises receiving a plurality of password characters typed by a user, presenting a plurality of replacement symbols in a password field displayed by a display device of a terminal having a touch surface, each the replacement symbol being indicative of the reception of another of the plurality of password characters, detecting a fingertip which slides contiguously against the touch surface, and temporarily replacing the presentation of at least some of the plurality of replacement symbols with of the presentation of at least some of the plurality of password characters in a sequential manner correspondingly with a movement of the fingertip.