Tap Sequence Unlocking via Audio Rhythm Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock screens based on gesture recognition are unreliable when used with wet or greasy surfaces, as they fail to provide secure access to devices due to inaccurate gesture data collection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a tap sequence lock screen that utilizes hidden Markov models and Dynamic Time Warping algorithms to recognize rhythmic tap patterns, allowing users to unlock their devices by replicating a previously set tap sequence based on a melody, which is more resistant to environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional gesture recognition is used for lock screen, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when surface is wet or greasy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional gesture recognition (which relies on touch contact) with audio-based rhythm recognition. Users tap to a melody and the system recognizes the rhythmic pattern through audio processing rather than touch surface analysis. This substitution eliminates the problem of wet or greasy surfaces interfering with gesture detection, while maintaining ease of operation through simple tapping actions.
2Ease of operation
If gesture data is collected from wet or greasy surfaces, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes mechanical touch-based gesture recognition with acoustic rhythm detection. Instead of measuring touch coordinates and pressure on the screen surface (which is affected by moisture and grease), the system captures audio signals from taps and analyzes rhythmic patterns. This eliminates the measurement precision problem caused by contaminated surfaces while keeping the interaction simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces audio processing as an intermediary between the user's tapping action and the recognition system. Rather than directly measuring touch gestures on the screen, the system uses audio capture and rhythm analysis as a mediating layer to interpret user input. This intermediary approach filters out the interference from wet or greasy surfaces that would otherwise corrupt direct touch measurements.
3Reliability
If rhythmic tap patterns are used for unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex gesture recognition algorithms with audio-based rhythm detection. Instead of analyzing touch coordinates, pressure, and swipe paths (which require complex processing), the system captures audio signals and analyzes temporal rhythm patterns. This substitution achieves high reliability through simple, robust audio processing while reducing computational complexity compared to conventional gesture recognition systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide a security function for a device or applications running on a device. A lock tap sequence is entered by a user when the device is to be locked. When the user desires to unlock the device, the user enters a unlock tap sequence. If the lock tap sequence matches the unlock tap sequence, the device is unlocked.