Virtual Key Display Masking for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack effective security measures to prevent ordinary users from accessing and changing sensitive settings, particularly in simulation mode, leading to potential data leaks and malfunctions due to easily discoverable passwords.
Innovation Solution
An information input apparatus with a displaying unit that displays different or no information on virtual keys when switching to a special mode, such as simulation mode, allowing authentication and setting inputs without revealing the password to ordinary users, thereby enhancing confidentiality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch panel with virtual keyboard is used for character input, then ease of operation is improved, but password confidentiality deteriorates because the password becomes easily discoverable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display content of virtual keys changeable. The display unit dynamically switches between showing character information (for normal operation) and showing different information or nothing (for password input), based on the operational mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for ease of operation during normal use while protecting password confidentiality during authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different virtual keys differently based on their function. Normal virtual keys display character information for easy input, while password input virtual keys display different information or nothing to protect confidentiality. This localized differentiation allows the system to maintain ease of operation for character input while securing password entry.
2Ease of operation
If simulation mode is made accessible to ordinary users, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unprepared changes in settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the authentication information input process - between normal operation and simulation mode. The display unit serves as an intermediary by showing different information on virtual keys during password input, adding an additional layer of verification. This intermediary process ensures that only authenticated users can access simulation mode, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation for authorized users.
3Ease of operation
If password input is performed using ten keys, then ease of operation is maintained, but password confidentiality deteriorates as users can easily observe the password
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using the touch panel's virtual keyboard as a copy of the physical ten keys, but with enhanced security features. Instead of directly displaying the password on virtual keys, the system uses the same input mechanism while displaying different information, creating a secure copy that maintains ease of operation while protecting confidentiality.
Data Source
AI summary
An information input apparatus is constituted of an operation panel that inputs various types of information and an operation panel board that controls the operation panel. The operation panel includes an LCD that is the displaying unit that displays the information input screen for inputting various types of information, and a touch panel that is the input instructing unit that executes an input instruction from an input region (virtual keys) provided on the information input screen. The LCD displays on the virtual keys information different from information previously assigned to the virtual keys on the information input screen.