PROVIDING HINTS WHILE ENTERING PROTECTED INFORMATION
First Claim
1. One or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions for providing hints during the entry of protected information, the computer-executable instructions directed to steps comprising:
- detecting an entry of a quantum of protected information into a protected information entry box;
obtaining at least some of the protected information already entered into the protected information entry box, the at least some of the protected information comprising the quantum of protected information whose entry was detected;
generating a hash value from the obtained information;
selecting, based on the generated hash value, a hint from among a predetermined set of distinguishable hints;
and presenting the hint within a hint area while the protected information is being entered into the protected information entry box.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
One or more hints can be presented during the entry of protected information. Traditionally, for security reasons, the protected information is displayed as ambiguous characters, hindering the ability to determine if there was an error inputting the information. A hash can be calculated from some or all of the protected information already input, and the resulting hash value can be used to select a hint. The hints can be selected from a relatively small number of easily distinguishable hints, including visual, auditory and sensory hints, or any combination thereof. The hints are not a globally unique identifier of the protected information and can, instead, be used to detect a deviation from the correct entry of the protected information.
19 Citations
20 Claims
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1. One or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable instructions for providing hints during the entry of protected information, the computer-executable instructions directed to steps comprising:
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detecting an entry of a quantum of protected information into a protected information entry box; obtaining at least some of the protected information already entered into the protected information entry box, the at least some of the protected information comprising the quantum of protected information whose entry was detected; generating a hash value from the obtained information; selecting, based on the generated hash value, a hint from among a predetermined set of distinguishable hints; and presenting the hint within a hint area while the protected information is being entered into the protected information entry box. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for providing hints during the entry of protected information, the method comprising the steps of:
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detecting an entry of a quantum of protected information into a protected information entry box; obtaining at least some of the protected information already entered into the protected information entry box, the at least some of the protected information comprising the quantum of protected information whose entry was detected; generating a hash value from the obtained information; selecting, based on the generated hash value, a hint from among a predetermined set of distinguishable hints; and presenting the hint within a hint area while the protected information is being entered into the protected information entry box. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A user interface for aiding a user to detect an error in entering protected information while the user is entering the protected information, the user interface comprising:
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a protected information entry box for receiving the user-entered protected information and for displaying the received user-entered protected information as at least one ambiguous display element that is unrelated to the user-entered protected information; and a hint area for displaying a hint that is selected from among a predetermined set of distinguishable hints based on a hash of at least some of the user-entered protected information, the displayed hint being reselected with each quantum of protected information entered by the user. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification