How to enter a PIN on smartwatches - US patent issued

BERLIN - Dec. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- US patent issued to German inventor Hannes Bonhoff for a secure and intuitive method for entering a PIN on smartwatches.

In order to protect smartwatches from unauthorized access, a screen lock is used which can be deactivated by entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Current smartwatches such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2 display a conventional key pad for entering the PIN which has the disadvantage that the smudges left on the screen can be used to identify the PIN.

With the patented method, the PIN is set on the displayed clock as if setting a new time that equals the PIN. The smudges left on the screen therefore vary with time making it virtually impossible to use them for unauthorized access.

A video showcasing the invention is found here: https://youtu.be/BLr4iW4y5YI



“The method rethinks the universal standard for user authentication”, says Hannes Bonhoff, “and thoroughly integrates it into the smartwatch.”

The method is advantageous also for smartphones and tablets as clocks represent an integral part of their lock screens. The space gained from omitting to display a key pad on the lock screen can be used to display useful information such as notifications, messages or widgets.

Hannes Bonhoff is a PhD-level engineer from Berlin who founded the high-end watch brand BONHOFF to realize his inventions in the field of mechanical watches.

“It is the interactivity of my mechanical watches, where the time can be revealed and hidden by the wearer of the watch,” says Hannes Bonhoff, “which has lead me to the invention of the method for entering a PIN on smartwatches.”

In addition to the increased security and intuitive integration, the method offers numerous variations with differing clock designs, password lengths and input methods using touch, buttons, crown or bezel. Instead of setting the clock hands, moreover, the dial can be moved like a rotary dial of an analog telephone or safe lock. With the playful interactivity, the method is more fun than automated methods such as a fingerprint scan as it lets the user perform the action that leads to the increased security.

The invention was also filed in Europe where the European Patent Office recently issued the intention to grant the patent. The patents are available for licensing or purchase.