Method for non-disclosing password entry
US6658574B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F7/1041
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Password entry is done by displaying to a user distinct codes corresponding to characters in the user's password. The user then serially enters codes corresponding to characters while concealing the entry. Only a limited number of keys are used for password entry. In one example, two keys, a “HIT” key and a “NEXT” key, are provided within a concealing hood, and the password in entered serially as a number of “HIT” key hits. The user is prompted to enter digits corresponding to symbols of his or her password with a display of unique m-ary number codes assigned mutually exclusively to different characters. The scheme can be easily implemented in existing computer systems entirely through a conventional ASCII keyboard or mouse, by using adjacent keys on the keyboard or left and right mouse buttons. As the method requires only a few keys, concealing the keys to prevent viewing of key entry is possible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.