Automatic Screen Unlocking via Character Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smartphone unlocking methods using unfixed-length passwords require users to manually trigger an unlock event, such as clicking an "UNLOCK" button, complicating the process.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that automatically unlock the screen by continuously comparing entered characters with the preset password, eliminating the need for an unlock event, and optionally using encryption for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an unlock event (such as clicking an UNLOCK button) is required after password entry, then the security verification process is completed, but the operation process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassword verification reliabilityVSAvoidunlocking operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the separate unlock event trigger from the password verification process. The system automatically triggers the verification when the password input is complete, eliminating the need for users to manually click an UNLOCK button or perform additional actions. This separates the verification trigger mechanism from the user's explicit unlock action, resolving the contradiction between security verification and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when password input is complete and initiating the verification process without requiring user intervention. The terminal device itself determines when to verify the password based on input detection, eliminating the need for manual unlock event triggering while maintaining security. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the system autonomous in initiating verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the password input detection is automated, then the operation process is simplified, but the risk of false verification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking operation simplicityVSAvoidpassword verification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors password input and provides real-time validation. The terminal device compares entered characters with the preset password character by character, providing feedback on verification status. This automated feedback system ensures accurate verification while maintaining simplicity, as the system reliably determines when input is complete and whether it matches the stored password.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing the password and preparing the verification mechanism before user input. The terminal device has the password ready for comparison and can immediately verify input as it is entered. This preliminary preparation enables automated detection without increasing false verification risk, as the verification logic is pre-configured and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2955617B1Method and device for unlocking screen, and terminal
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 XIAOMI INC
  • EP2955617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2955617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application discloses a method and device for unlocking a screen and a terminal. Aiming at features of unfixed-length password, every time the user performs an entering operation in an entering location of an unlock password, a comparison is performed (12) to determine whether all the characters in the entering location of the unlock password match a password preset by the user, and the screen may be unlocked (13) if they match.