Time Interval Unlocking Mechanism for Display-Independent Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile terminal unlocking methods are limited to touch screens and cannot be widely applied, as they rely on touch events, restricting their use in various devices and scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A time-based unlocking method and device that performs a timing operation in response to an input pre-unlocking operation, detecting if the time interval matches a predefined interval to unlock the device, allowing for various input types and applications beyond touch screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If touch-based unlocking methods are used, then unlocking functionality is achieved for mobile devices with touch screens, but the method cannot be widely applied to various other devices and scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to various devicesVSAvoiddependency on touch screen

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the touch-based mechanical interaction system with a time-based control system. Instead of requiring touch events on a screen, the unlocking mechanism relies on detecting whether the device state changes within a predetermined time interval, making it independent of touch screen hardware and applicable to various device types including those without displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional touch-based unlocking is implemented, then screen lock protection is provided, but the unlocking method is restricted to devices with touch screens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen lock protectionVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter for unlocking from spatial touch patterns to temporal intervals. By measuring whether the device remains in a locked state within a predetermined time period, the system maintains security functionality while becoming compatible with any device that can detect state changes, regardless of whether it has a touch screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If time-based unlocking is implemented, then applicability to various apparatus is achieved, but requires a different input mechanism compared to conventional touch-based methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to various apparatusVSAvoidoperation method difference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal unlocking mechanism that can work across multiple device types and input methods. By using time interval detection rather than touch-specific gestures, the same unlocking logic can be applied to buttons, voice commands, biometric sensors, or any other input mechanism, achieving multi-functionality without requiring device-specific implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10121298B2Unlocking method and device applied the same

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

An unlocking method and device utilizing the same are provided. The unlocking method is disclosed, including: in response to an input pre-unlocking operation, performing a timing operation; detecting at least one input unlocking operation; determining whether a time interval from the timing operation to the input unlocking operation is equal to a predefined interval, and if the time interval from the timing operation to the input unlocking operation is equal to the predefined interval, unlocking the device, otherwise, not unlocking the device.