Authentication method and system

Abstract

The invention provides a computer-implemented authentication method comprising the step of enabling a user to input an identifier (e.g. a PIN) into an electronic device having a screen and a keypad operable within a keypad zone of the screen; by operating at least one key of the keypad via an image of at least part of a scrambled keypad which is displayed at least partially within the keypad zone. The user's operation of the keypad key via the image generates an encoded version of the user's intended input. In one sense the invention can be perceived as superimposing a non-functional image of a scrambled keyboard over an underlying, functional keypad. The image may be any type of electronic image, and may include a video image. The invention is particularly suited for use with, but not limited to, mobile phones, tablet computer, PCs etc. It can be implemented in any system wherein a user's identity must be verified before access is granted to a controlled resource.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented verification method comprising:
 enabling a user to input an identifier into an electronic device having a screen and an operable, virtual keypad by operating at least one key of the operable, virtual keypad via an image of at least part of a keypad which is displayed at least partially within a keypad zone of the screen;   wherein the image represents or depicts a scrambled keypad having at least one key which is positionally re-ordered or reconfigured relative to the layout of the keys in the operable, virtual keypad; and   wherein configuration or order of the keys in the operable, virtual keypad is altered after at least part of the identifier has been inputted.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image is electronically formed.   
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image includes at least one of a graphical image, an optical image, a video, or some other form of visual representation.   
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image is displayed within the keypad zone such that as the user touches, clicks on or otherwise identifies a location within the image, a key of the operable, virtual keypad that corresponds to that location is activated to provide an encoded version of the user's input.   
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image is displayed such that it appears to the user that the image is an operable keypad with keys in a scrambled order or configuration with respect to the keys of the operable, virtual keypad.   
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image functions as a mask or cover superimposed over the operable, virtual keypad such that when the user touches, clicks on or otherwise identifies a location within the keypad zone, it activates a key of the operable, virtual keypad that corresponds to that location within the keypad zone.   
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 at least one of the keypad zone and the image remains in a fixed position on the screen during input of the user's identifier.   
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the identifier is a Personal Identification Code or Personal Identification Number.   
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the keypad zone comprises a plurality of sub-zones or “hot spots”, each sub-zone corresponding to a key of the operable, virtual keypad; and   the image is presented to the user such that the position of at least one key depicted in the image corresponds to the position of a sub-zone, thus providing a mapping between the keys of the keypad depicted in the image and the plurality of sub-zones.   
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 an encoded version of the user's identifier is constructed within the electronic device from a plurality of keystrokes activated on the operable, virtual keypad in response to a click, touch or other indication made by the user with respect to the image.   
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 sending the identifier inputted into the electronic device from the electronic device to a remote computer-based resource.   
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 the remote computer-based resource receives the identifier and processes it, wherein the identifier is processed using a stored form or version of the configuration of the keys depicted in the image.   
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the positions of all keys depicted in the image remain unchanged relative to one another during input of the user's identifier.   
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image is received by the electronic device from a computer-based resource located remotely from the electronic device.   
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 delivering an indicator to the user to confirm that the image has been provided by a legitimate source.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein:
 the indicator is an audible indication, a visual indication, a textual message, image, video, sound, watermark, vibration, or other tactile indication.   
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the image is erased from the electronic device following the user's input, or following a specified period of time.