US5428349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nondisclosing password entry system
Assignee: Next Access Technologies LLC
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Filing: 1992-10-01
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Granted: 1995-06-27
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Expires: 2012-10-01
Abstract
Abstract A password access method/algorithm is effected by generating a pseudorandom array of each letter of the alphabet and the numerals 0 through 9 such that the password entry can be monitored without disclosing the letters or numerals contained in the password. The preferred arrangement is a square matrix of six rows and six columns of characters. The user enters the password by selecting either the row or column containing each letter of a memorized password.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel G. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:41
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G07F7/1025; G07F7/1033; G07F7/1041; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F21/30; G06F21/31; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/382
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for prompting a user to enter input corresponding to a predetermined password, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a random matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns; (b) displaying said random matrix; (c) accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; (d) determining if a first character of said password is in said one of said columns selected by the user and accepted in step (c) ; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) for a second character of said password.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for prompting a user to enter input corresponding to a predetermined password, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a random matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns; (b) displaying said random matrix; (c) accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; (d) determining if a first character of said password is in said one of said columns selected by the user and accepted in step (c) ; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) for a second character of said password.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said random matrix contains n×m unique characters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said random matrix contains 26 letters of the alphabet and 10 digits.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 3, wherein n equals m equals six.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising performing the following steps after step (d) and before step (e): rerandomizing said random matrix; and displaying said random matrix.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for prompting a user to enter input corresponding to a predetermined password, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a random matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns containing n×m unique characters; (b) displaying said random matrix; (c) accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; (d) determining if a first character of said password is in said one of said columns selected by the user and accepted in step (c); (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) for each character of said password; (f) if each determining step (d) results in a positive conclusion, enabling access.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for prompting a user to enter input corresponding to a predetermined password, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a random matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns containing n×m unique characters; (b) displaying said random matrix; (c) accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; (d) determining if a first character of said password is in said one of said columns selected by the user and accepted in step (c); (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) for each character of said password; (f) if each determining step (d) results in a positive conclusion, enabling access.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6, wherein said random matrix contains 26 letters of the alphabet and 10 digits.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 6, wherein n equals m equals six.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
92 words
A password access system for accepting from a user a predetermined password, said system comprising: (a) generating means for generating a randomly-ordered matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns; (b) a display receiving said matrix from said generating means and displaying said random matrix; (c) selection means for accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; and (d) control means for determining if a first character of said password is in a column selected by the user using said selection means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
92 words
A password access system for accepting from a user a predetermined password, said system comprising: (a) generating means for generating a randomly-ordered matrix of characters, said matrix having n rows and m columns; (b) a display receiving said matrix from said generating means and displaying said random matrix; (c) selection means for accepting from the user a selection of one of said columns of said random matrix; and (d) control means for determining if a first character of said password is in a column selected by the user using said selection means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The password access system of claim 9, wherein said selection means includes a plurality of buttons, with each one of said buttons corresponding to a respective one of said columns of said matrix displayed by said display.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The password access system of claim 9, wherein said selection means is a data display and a keyboard associated with a computer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The password access system of claim 9, wherein said display is a data display associated with a computer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The password access system of claim 9, wherein said matrix contains n×m unique characters.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The password access systems of claim 13, wherein said matrix contains 26 letters of the alphabet and 10 digits.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The password access system of claim 14, wherein n equals m equals six.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-06-26 | 1998-12-26 | 1999-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-06-26 | 2002-12-26 | 2003-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-06-26 | 2006-12-26 | 2007-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |