Touch Panel Authentication Pattern Obscuring via Segmented Line Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing authentication methods using touch panels for multifunction peripherals are vulnerable to security breaches as the authentication patterns can be observed and stolen by third parties, compromising security when shared among multiple users.

Innovation Solution

An image processing device with a touch panel interface displays a single line image for authentication, where the user inputs a pattern by connecting circular images, and only the line image between touched images is displayed, making it difficult for others to observe the trajectory, while maintaining user visibility and operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the authentication pattern is displayed on a touch panel for easy input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security deteriorates because the pattern can be observed and stolen by third parties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication inputVSAvoidpattern observation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication pattern is segmented into individual circular images arranged in a grid. Only the line image connecting the touched circular images is displayed, while other parts remain hidden. This segmentation allows the user to see their input trajectory without revealing the complete pattern to observers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful visual information (complete authentication pattern) is extracted and removed from the display. Only the necessary portion (line image between touched images) is shown, eliminating the security vulnerability while preserving usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the complete authentication pattern is displayed for user confirmation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security deteriorates due to shoulder surfing attacks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern confirmationVSAvoidauthentication security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of displaying the complete authentication pattern, only a partial view (line image between touched circular images) is shown. This partial display is sufficient for user confirmation of their input while preventing observers from seeing the complete pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the display have different visibility properties. The line image between touched images is visible to the user, while other parts of the pattern remain hidden. This local quality differentiation ensures user feedback without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3268892B1Image processing device, authentication method, and non-transitory storage medium storing authentication program

Publication Date: 2022.03.30 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

To maintain confidentiality by a simile authentication procedure. An image processing device includes an input receiver configured to receive an input of an authentication pattern that is a trajectory of contact coordinates indicating a contact position on an operation unit; and a concatenation image display unit configured to display an image connecting, out of a plurality of predetermined images that are displayed on the operation unit, a part of the predetermined images that includes a fist predetermined image and a second predetermined image of the predetermined images that are connected by the trajectory, wherein, prior to a display area of the first predetermined image overlapping the contact coordinates, a display area of the second predetermined image overlaps the contact coordinates.