Password Unlocking Method Using Candidate Information Sets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing password unlocking methods for terminal devices are cumbersome for users, requiring sequential input of characters which can be inconvenient, especially when dealing with passwords containing multiple characters.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow users to select candidate information sets displayed on a screen, where each set contains multiple information units, and verify the password by ensuring all units are included in the selected sets with fewer sets than the total units, simplifying the unlocking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sequential password input methods are used, then password security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to cumbersome input operations
Solution Approach 1:
The password is segmented into multiple information units that are distributed across different candidate information sets. Instead of requiring sequential input of individual characters, the system divides the password verification into parallel set selections, where each candidate information set contains one or more information units. This segmentation reduces the number of input steps while maintaining security through the combinatorial complexity of set selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential character input to a two-dimensional selection space where users choose from multiple candidate information sets. Each set represents a combination of information units, creating a matrix of possibilities that increases security entropy while reducing input steps. The verification occurs in the dimension of set selection rather than sequential character entry.
2Reliability
If nine-square stroking technique is used for password input, then password verification is achieved, but operation complexity increases when password contains multiple characters
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple information units are merged into single candidate information sets. Instead of requiring separate interactions for each password character, the system combines multiple information units within selectable sets, allowing users to verify multiple password components through a single selection action. This merging reduces the total number of interaction steps while maintaining comprehensive password verification.
3Ease of operation
If all information units are displayed sequentially, then password input is straightforward, but security against observation attacks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display of candidate information sets is made dynamic rather than static. The system randomly shuffles and updates the presentation of candidate sets during the verification process, preventing observers from predicting or memorizing the password structure. This dynamic display maintains operational simplicity for the legitimate user while significantly increasing resistance to shoulder-surfing and observation attacks.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device password unlocking method includes the following steps: selecting at least one candidate information set from a plurality of candidate information sets which are displayed on a screen and each of which contains a plurality of information units; verifying a password based on all of selected candidate information sets, and confirming success of password verification when: all information units contained in the password are included into the selected candidate information sets, each of selected candidate information sets contains at least one information unit of the password, and the number of the selected candidate information sets is less than that of the information units of the password; unlocking the terminal device when verification of password is successful.