Watch Face Hand-Position Unlocking for Secure Smartwatch Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sliding unlocking methods for smart watches are simplistic, affecting user experience, especially as the devices store increasing amounts of private data.

Innovation Solution

A screen unlocking method that utilizes the position of hands on a watch face to determine a preset unlocking condition, allowing users to input a specific unlocking track that matches the condition to unlock the device, incorporating features like intervals and included angles between hands to enhance diversity and interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sliding or double tapping unlocking methods are used, then the device is easy to operate, but security and privacy protection are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidunlocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the unlocking parameters from simple gestures (sliding, double tapping) to complex hand position patterns on the watch face. By utilizing the positions and intervals of multiple hands (hour hand, minute hand, second hand) as unlocking parameters, the system increases security while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive hand-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional gesture recognition (sliding on screen) to three-dimensional spatial reasoning by incorporating the circular arrangement of watch hands. The unlocking mechanism considers radial positions, angular intervals, and rotational relationships of hands, adding a new dimension of complexity that enhances security without sacrificing usability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If simple unlocking methods are used, then user experience is maintained, but protection of private data is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidunlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's own display interface (watch face) as the unlocking mechanism. The hands that naturally move and display time information are repurposed as the unlocking elements, eliminating the need for separate biometric sensors or additional hardware. This self-service approach enhances data protection while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The watch face serves multiple functions: displaying time information and providing security authentication. The hands that indicate time also serve as the unlocking pattern, allowing the same interface elements to fulfill both informational and security roles, thereby protecting private data without adding device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If hand position-based unlocking is implemented, then security is enhanced, but the unlocking process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidunlocking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking mechanism leverages the dynamic movement of watch hands as they naturally progress through their cycles. The system captures hand positions at specific moments during their movement, using the inherent dynamics of timekeeping to create security patterns. This dynamic approach enhances security while keeping the unlocking process simple and automatic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the current hand positions and comparing them against the required unlocking pattern. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the unlocking process, making the complex hand position requirements transparent and manageable, thereby enhancing security without making the process overly complicated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12625930B2Screen unlocking method and apparatus, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.05.12 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • US12625930B2 patent drawing
  • US12625930B2 patent drawing
  • US12625930B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This application discloses a screen unlocking method and apparatus, and an electronic device, and pertains to the technical field of terminal devices. The screen unlocking method includes: obtaining a first position of a first hand in a case that a target interface is displayed on a screen of an electronic device, where the target interface includes the first hand; determining a first preset unlocking condition corresponding to the first position; receiving an unlocking input performed by a user; and unlocking the electronic device in response to the unlocking input in a case that the unlocking input matches the first preset unlocking condition.