Touchscreen Password Input for Visually Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch sensitive password input devices lack security for visually impaired users, as they cannot easily input passwords due to the absence of Braille characters, making the input operation vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-controlled password input method for touch sensitive devices that guides visually impaired users through a series of sound and vibration indications to select virtual numerals by tapping and swinging on the touchscreen, allowing secure password input by delimiting touch regions and using specific finger actions to input and confirm numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touchscreen without Braille characters is used, then the device can be compact and modern, but visually impaired persons cannot easily conduct input operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Braille character system with a touch-sensitive display system that uses visual and auditory feedback to enable visually impaired users to operate the device without physical Braille buttons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback mechanism (auditory signals and visual displays) that mediates between the user's touch inputs and the system responses, allowing visually impaired users to navigate without direct physical feedback
2Ease of operation
If audible sounds are broadcast to indicate selected keys, then visually impaired persons can know what key is under tapping, but the password becomes vulnerable to eavesdropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the auditory feedback function from the input mechanism, separating the key identification function from the password transmission function, thereby eliminating the security vulnerability while preserving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential security hazard of audible feedback into a beneficial feature by implementing selective auditory feedback that only reveals the selected key to the user while preventing eavesdropping through encryption and secure transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual numerals are displayed on the touchscreen, then the input method becomes more flexible, but it becomes difficult to differentiate between adjacent numerals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the touchscreen into distinct virtual numeral regions with unique spatial arrangements and tactile feedback patterns, allowing users to differentiate between adjacent numerals through systematic positioning and differentiated touch response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning unique tactile and visual characteristics to each virtual numeral position, enabling users to distinguish between adjacent numerals through localized feedback patterns rather than uniform display
Data Source
AI summary
A password input method is disclosed. The password input method is conducted by a microprocessor of a touch sensitive password input device, wherein the touch sensitive password input device is integrated in an electronic device, such as point-of-sale payment terminal, smartphone, tablet computer, all-in-one computer, door station, and keyless electronic door lock. In case of the password input method according to the present invention being conducted, the touch sensitive password input device is controlled to guide a visually impaired person to successfully complete a password input operation with high security.