Virtual Combination Lock Using User Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems lack a secure and user-friendly unlocking mechanism that adapts to individual preferences and varying security needs.
Innovation Solution
A virtual combination lock system utilizing user-selectable images or icons, where the user aligns images to unlock the device, with adjustable security settings and the option to scramble image positions, and alternative arrangements such as grids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pin numbers or patterns are used for unlocking, then the unlocking mechanism is simple to implement, but the security level and user customization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photos from the user's photo library as the basis for the combination lock interface. Instead of traditional numeric or pattern-based locks, the system copies and displays photo images that users can interact with by selecting specific regions. This approach leverages existing personal photos to create a customized unlocking experience without requiring new graphic assets or complex interface elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to adjust security parameters by selecting different numbers of photos and defining varying selection criteria (such as color ranges or specific regions). The complexity of the unlocking mechanism can be dynamically changed by modifying these parameters - for example, requiring selection of multiple specific colored regions across several photos increases security and customization while maintaining the same basic interaction paradigm.
2Ease of operation
If photo-based unlocking is implemented, then user experience and customization are improved, but the risk of pattern recognition through screen smears increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by randomly shuffling the order of photos and the positions of selectable regions within each photo. This prevents users from developing predictable swipe patterns or screen smears that could reveal the combination. Each unlocking attempt presents a different asymmetric arrangement, making it impossible to memorize or replicate a consistent physical pattern on the screen surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically repositions and reorders photos and selection regions between unlocking attempts. Rather than maintaining static positions that could be traced through screen smears, the interface elements move and change configuration, ensuring that the interaction pattern cannot be physically observed or replicated by watching screen residue from previous attempts.
3Reliability
If multiple photos and selection criteria are required, then security level increases, but the time to unlock the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing photos to identify and mark selectable regions before the user needs to unlock. Color ranges, object boundaries, and interaction zones are pre-calculated and prepared, so when the user needs to unlock, the system already has the selection criteria ready. This reduces the time required during the actual unlocking process while maintaining multiple selection requirements for security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection and selection processes with automated image recognition and color analysis algorithms. Instead of requiring users to carefully examine each photo and determine selection criteria, the system automatically identifies selectable regions based on pre-defined parameters such as color ranges or object detection. This substitution of mechanical/visual inspection with automated computational processes significantly reduces unlocking time while maintaining complex security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A simple, customizable and intuitive virtual combination unlock method and system. More specifically, an unlock system and method is disclosed which includes a virtual combination lock, where the virtual combination lock includes several rows of user-selectable images such as pictures or icons as the virtual combination wheels. In certain embodiments, the images are accessed via the user's database. To unlock the device, the user touches and drags pre-selected images into alignment with each other. Security can be adjusted by changing the number of images that need to be aligned to unlock the device.