JP7594797B2 - Password management tool, mask set, and password management method - Google Patents

Description

This relates to technology for managing passwords using physical tools.

With the advent of IT, passwords are now needed in a variety of situations more than ever before. Because generating passwords is troublesome, tools for creating passwords have been developed. For example, paragraph [0004] of Patent Document 1 states, "A paper medium (1) with randomly printed password candidate characters (3) is placed over a plate (2) with password candidate character selection points (4) that serve as marks for character selection, and the marked or displayed characters are used as the password."

JP 2012-203271 A

The technology described in Patent Document 1 uses random character strings as passwords, which are difficult to remember. On the other hand, it cannot be used to manage passwords that have already been created and stored. For passwords that are already in use, methods such as writing them down in a memo pad are used. However, there is a risk that someone else may see the memo pad and find out the password. In addition, when generating a new password, there is a desire to use a character string that is easy for the user to use and remember, rather than a random one.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has led to a shift to new lifestyles, with remote work and learning accelerating. As it is expected that internet-based lifestyles will become even more prevalent in the future, more people will face password management issues. This will require a highly secure and reliable password management system.

The present invention aims to provide a technology that makes it difficult for others to know passwords currently in use and passwords that one wishes to use, and that allows anyone to easily manage these passwords.

This application provides technology to achieve the above objective. Examples are given below.

As one aspect of the solution for achieving the above object, a password management tool for managing passwords composed of multiple symbols is provided. This password management tool includes a symbol entry sheet having a symbol group entry area for entering a symbol group, and a mask set in which a number of windows are arranged corresponding to the number of symbols in the password to be managed. In the symbol entry sheet, an area in the symbol group entry area that corresponds to the arrangement pattern of the windows in the mask set is used as a password symbol entry area, and the remaining area is used as a camouflage symbol entry area.

As another aspect of the solution for achieving the above object, a mask set is provided that is used by placing it on a symbol entry sheet for entering individual symbols, and is used to manage a password that is composed of a part of the symbol group. This mask set has multiple types of mask plates with partially concealed masking sections in different positions, and two or more mask plates selected from the multiple types of mask plates are combined to open a number of windows corresponding to the number of symbols in the password to be managed.

Furthermore, as another aspect of the solution for achieving the above object, a password management method for managing passwords consisting of multiple symbols is provided. This method combines two or more mask plates selected from multiple types of mask plates having partially concealed portions in different positions with a symbol entry sheet having a symbol group entry area for entering a symbol group, opens a number of windows corresponding to the number of symbols of the password to be managed, and places them on the symbol group entry area, writes password symbols in the positions corresponding to each window in the symbol group entry area of the symbol entry sheet, and writes camouflage symbols in the entry area that was concealed.

The present invention provides technology that makes it difficult for others to know passwords currently in use or passwords that one wishes to use, and allows anyone to easily manage them.

This application allows for a variety of embodiments and applications. The following describes the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a symbol-entry sheet having a symbol-group entry area for entering a symbol group. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a mask set formed by overlapping a plurality of types of mask plates. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a mask plate #1 constituting a mask set. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the mask plate #2 constituting the mask set. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of mask plate #3 constituting a mask set. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of mask plate #4 constituting a mask set. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of mask plate #5 constituting a mask set. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of mask plate #6 constituting a mask set. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic arrangement pattern of the blind portions of the mask plates #1 to #6 constituting a mask set. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic arrangement pattern of the window portions (conversely, the arrangement pattern of the blind portions) obtained by stacking a plurality of types of mask plates #1 to #4 in sequence. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic arrangement pattern of the window portions (conversely, the arrangement pattern of the blind portions) obtained by overlapping a plurality of types of mask plates #1, #3, #5 and #6. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic arrangement pattern of the window portions (conversely, the arrangement pattern of the blind portions) obtained by overlapping a plurality of types of mask plates #2, #3, #4 and #5. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic process of placing a mask set obtained by stacking a plurality of types of mask plates from #1 to #4 on a symbol-writing sheet and writing symbols in the arrangement pattern of the window portions. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the symbol group that constitutes a password written in the symbol group entry area of the symbol entry sheet through a mask set. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an example of a symbol entry sheet in which a group of symbols constituting a password and a group of camouflage symbols are entered in the symbol entry area. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an example of two pages of symbol entry sheets in which symbol group entry areas are indicated. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing another example of the symbol-entry sheet in which a symbol group constituting a password and a camouflage symbol group are entered in the respective symbol group entry areas of the symbol-entry sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement position when the size of the matrix of the symbol group entry area of the symbol entry sheet is larger than the size of the mask set. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of a mask plate in which no blind portion is provided. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of a symbol entry sheet showing a symbol group entry area which is a collection of circular entry areas for entering symbols individually. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of a mask set in which a circular window portion is formed by overlapping a plurality of types of mask plates.

Below, an embodiment of the password management technology including the password management tool disclosed in the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a symbol entry sheet having a symbol group entry area for entering a symbol group. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a mask set formed by overlapping a plurality of types of mask plates. The password management tool of this embodiment comprises a symbol entry sheet 10 for entering a symbol group, and a mask set 20 for use when entering symbols and when checking a password. Note that "symbol" is used in a broad sense to include at least characters that can be recognized by a computer, and may also include other marks and symbols.

The symbol entry sheet 10 is composed of a sheet on which handwriting is possible. For example, memo paper, a notebook, a memo pad, etc. can be used as the backing. The material of the backing is not limited to paper, but may be plastic, etc. Also, although it is described as a sheet, it may be a board with a certain degree of rigidity. The reason why the symbol entry sheet 10 is made handwriting possible is that it is assumed that symbols will be input by handwriting using the mask set 20. This allows anyone to easily input symbols for passwords without using electronic devices such as a smartphone or personal computer.

The symbol entry sheet 10 has a symbol group entry area 11 for entering symbols. Specifically, the symbol group entry area 11 has a plurality of individual entry areas 12 for entering symbols individually. As shown in FIG. 1, the symbol entry sheet 10 also has an identification information entry field 14 for distinguishing the sheet from other sheets. The identification information entry field 14 has a name field 15 for entering information that identifies the target to be logged in with the password written on the sheet, such as the name of a communication service company, mail order service company, or financial institution, and a corresponding ID (authentication identifier) field 16. The ID entered in the ID field may also be written as a password. The name field 15 may also be written as a password.

The symbol group entry area 11 is divided into a grid pattern, for example, to form individual entry areas 12 for entering symbols individually. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which 25 5 x 5 cells are arranged in a matrix shape. Of course, the matrix is not limited to a 5 x 5 matrix, and an n x n matrix or an m x n matrix is also possible. Each individual entry area 12 is set to an area in which letters such as alphabets and numbers and other symbols can be entered by hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 15.

In the symbol group writing area 11, the individual writing area 12 corresponding to the window portion 22 of the mask set 20 described later is used as a password symbol writing area, and the remaining writing area is used as a camouflage symbol writing area. The division of these areas varies depending on the mask set used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mask set 20 is a plate-like body with windows 22 (white rectangles in the figure). The windows 22 are formed penetrating the front and back of the plate-like body. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the windows 22 are arranged in eight locations that form an arrangement pattern that will be described later. In this case, the password can be eight characters. The windows 22 are formed to have a shape and size that corresponds to the individual writing areas 12 described above. This is because the individual writing areas on the symbol entry sheet 10 can be seen through these windows 22, allowing symbols to be handwritten in those areas.

The mask set 20 is opaque except for the window 22, and when placed over the symbol-writing sheet 10, the area other than the position where the window 22 faces is invisible. In this way, by making the area other than the window 22 invisible, the area to be handwritten can be made clear. In particular, this has the effect of preventing the misreading of symbols outside the window 22 when reading written symbols. Of course, the window 22 may be transparent as long as it is clearly visible to the user.

The mask set 20 is constructed by stacking multiple types of mask plates when used, such as when recording or reading a password. However, the combination of mask plates to be used is specified as needed. That is, the combination is specified by the user's selection as needed. This combination method makes it possible to realize mask sets 20 with a variety of window arrangement patterns. That is, the mask set 20 has different window arrangement patterns depending on the combination of mask plates that make it up. When not in use, the mask plates are stored without being stacked. This increases the arbitrariness of the mask plate combinations and improves confidentiality. Although the mask plates may be stored stacked, it is preferable to mix in mask plates that will not be selected when in use.

An example of a mask plate is shown in Figures 3 to 8. Mask plates 201 to 206 are shown here. In these figures, the white rectangular parts are the window portions 22, which are arranged in multiple locations in the inner region of the peripheral portion 25 of each of the plates 201 to 206. In addition, in the mask plates 201 to 206, the window portions 22 are formed as holes that penetrate from the front to the back.

Mask plates 201 to 206 each have multiple concealing sections 23 at different locations to conceal a portion of the mask. In mask plate 201 shown in FIG. 3, five concealing sections are provided at the four corners and the center of the plate-like body. One of the concealing sections 23 is marked with a symbol to identify the mask plate. In the case shown in FIG. 3, it is marked #1. The other mask plates 202 to 206 are similarly marked with symbols #2 to #6 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. When stacking multiple mask plates, it is easier to use if these symbols are aligned and visible in the same direction.

Figure 9 shows a schematic example of the arrangement pattern of the concealing portion 23 for the mask plates 201 to 206. As shown in Figure 9, 25 cells (5 x 5) are arranged in the frame 21, which shows the external section divided by the peripheral portion 25 from #1 to #6. The concealing portion 23 is provided in five cells in the frame 21 of #1, and in four cells in the frames 21 of #2 to #6. The arrangement pattern of the concealing portion 23 is point symmetric in the frames of #1 to #6, and the arrangement pattern of the concealing portion 23 is left-right symmetric in the frames of #5 and #6. As can be seen from the arrangement pattern of the concealing portion 23, if the mask plates 201 to 206 are all stacked in the same direction, all 25 cells will be filled with the concealing portion 23, and the window portion 22 will not be opened at all. In addition, since mask plate 205 and mask plate 206 have the same arrangement pattern as the other when either one is turned over, confusion is prevented by using symbols #5 and #6 so that they are visible on the front.

Next, an example of a method for constructing the mask set 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Here, the description will be made with further reference to the arrangement pattern of the concealing portion 23 shown in FIG. 9. First, when the arrangement pattern of the frame 21 of #1 and the arrangement pattern of the frame 21 of #2 are superimposed, the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 10(a) is obtained. When the arrangement pattern of the frame 21 of #3 is superimposed on this, the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 10(b) is obtained. At this point, the symbols that make up the 12-character password can be written. Furthermore, when the arrangement pattern of the frame 21 of #4 is superimposed, the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 10(c) is obtained. When this arrangement pattern is viewed as the arrangement pattern of the window portion 22, it becomes the arrangement pattern of the window portion 22 of the mask set 20 shown in FIG. 2.

The arrangement pattern of the window portions 22 of the mask set 20 can be changed by changing the selection and combination of the mask plates 201 to 206. FIG. 11 shows the arrangement pattern of the window portions 22 of a mask set that combines #1, #3, #5, and #6 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows the arrangement pattern of the window portions 22 of a mask set that combines #2, #3, #4, and #5 shown in FIG. 9.

Note that the password recommended by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan is 10 or more digits long and uses uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Taking this rule into consideration, in the example of this embodiment, the number of cover sections 23 is allocated to mask plates 201 to 206 so that 10 or more window sections 22 remain when two or three mask plates are stacked on top of each other for the 25 individual writing areas 12 in a 5 x 5 arrangement. This encourages the use of two or three mask plates, improving security.

Next, an example of a method for recording a password will be described. First, a symbol entry sheet having a symbol group entry area for entering a symbol group is prepared. Here, for example, the symbol entry sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1 is used. In addition, multiple types of mask plates are prepared. For example, mask plates 201 to 204 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 are selected and overlapped. This makes it possible to form a mask set 20 (see FIG. 2) having the window arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 10(c).

The mask set 20, which is constructed by stacking the mask plates 201 to 204 in this manner, is placed on the symbol group writing area 11 of the symbol writing sheet 10, as shown in FIG. 13. When placing the mask set 20 on the symbol writing sheet 10, the positional relationship between each individual writing area 12 of the symbol group writing area 11 and each window portion 22 of the mask set 20 is made to correspond to each other. Here, the user needs to record or memorize which mask plate was used. Note that if a mask plate that does not have a point-symmetric arrangement pattern as shown in FIG. 9 is used, the orientation of that mask plate needs to be recorded or memorized.

Next, insert the tip of a writing implement such as a ballpoint pen into the window 22 of the mask set 20, and write the password symbols that are being used or will be used, one symbol at a time, into the individual writing area 12. This is done for all eight windows 22. At this time, it is necessary to determine the rule by which the symbols that make up the password will be written into the window arrangement pattern. If the scanning rule is, for example, "scan one line at a time from the top left to the bottom right," and the password to be recorded (2sHz&q!7) is written, it will be written as shown in Figure 14. Later, when this password is to be read, it is necessary to use the same mask set 20 and apply the same rule to read it out.

After this, when the mask set 20 is removed, a symbol group corresponding to the arrangement pattern of the window portion 22 is written in the eight individual writing areas 12 of the symbol group writing area 11, as shown in FIG. 14. Now, any symbol or camouflage symbol group is written in each of the blank individual writing areas 12. This means that, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, all the individual writing areas 12 of the symbol group writing area 11 are filled with password symbol groups and camouflage symbol groups. Therefore, the password is recorded in a state where it cannot be immediately detected.

Then, the symbol entry sheet 10 and the mask set 20 are stored separately, allowing the password to be stored safely. It is preferable to disassemble the mask set 20 into mask plates and store them. In addition, in the identification information entry field 14 of the symbol entry sheet 10, a name indicating the login target is entered in the name field 15. Furthermore, the ID used for logging in is entered in the ID (authentication identifier) field 16. This makes it possible to reliably identify the corresponding symbol entry sheet 10 when there are multiple symbol entry sheets 10. The ID can also be made into a password. For example, if the scanning rule for the same symbol group is "scan one row from the top right to the bottom left," the password to be recorded is (zqs72!H&). This can also be used as the ID.

Next, when checking a recorded password, first prepare a symbol entry sheet 10 for writing in the name column 15 and ID column 16 of the identification information entry column 14. Also prepare a mask set 20 consisting of overlapping mask plates 201 to 204 (#1 to #4) used when writing the password. Place this mask set 20 on the symbol group entry area 11 of the symbol entry sheet 10 as shown in Figure 13. When placing the mask set 20 on the symbol entry sheet 10, the positional relationship between each individual entry area 12 of the symbol group entry area 11 and each window 22 of the mask set 20 is aligned. In this state, the window 22 of the mask set 20 allows the symbol group to be seen, for example, as shown in Figure 14.

Then, apply the scanning rule used when recording the password to read out the symbols. In the example of Figure 14, by applying the scanning rule "scan one line at a time from the top left to the bottom right", it is possible to read out the symbol string arranged in the order (2sHz&q!7). In other words, the recorded password can be read out.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the basic concept of the invention. Examples are shown below.

The example shown in FIG. 16 shows a symbol entry sheet 10 with two sides, with a symbol group entry area 11 on each side. A different symbol group can be entered in each symbol group entry area 11. FIG. 17 shows an example of the symbol entry sheet 10 with a different symbol group entered on each side. Although not shown, it may be a multi-page sheet like a memo pad or notebook. For example, if each page is configured as a booklet with carbon paper and a symbol entry sheet for transfer layered under the symbol entry sheet, the carbon paper and the symbol entry sheet for transfer can be separated and stored separately after the password is entered. Even if the symbol entry sheet is stolen or lost, it is possible to survive as long as the symbol entry sheet for transfer remains.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the symbol group entry area 11 written on the symbol entry sheet 10 is a 6×6 matrix. A mask set (not shown) having a window that also fits the 6×6 size can be placed in this 6×6 sized symbol group entry area 11. It is also possible to configure it so that a mask set of a previous size, such as the mask set 20 shown in FIG. 2, can be placed. In that case, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, the mask set 20 can be placed using the positioning marks 171 and 172 as references, or the mask set 20 can be placed using the positioning marks 181 and 182 as references. Of course, it can also be placed in other positions.

The example shown in FIG. 19 is an example of a mask plate 200 that does not have a concealing portion. This mask plate is intended to be used when the symbol group entry area 11 of the symbol entry sheet 10 does not have a grid-like section or the like as shown in FIG. 1, i.e., when it is blank. First, the mask set 20 is placed on the symbol group entry area 11, which is a blank area on the symbol entry sheet 10, and password symbols are entered. The mask set 20 is then removed, and the entered password symbols are positioned in the designated window of the mask plate 200. Camouflage symbols are entered in the remaining blank window areas 22, resulting in a symbol group similar to that shown in FIG. 15.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of individual writing areas partitioned into a grid pattern is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the area can be visually recognized by the user and handwritten input is easy. Any shape or the like can be used that can indicate the area where symbols should be individually input and can form a certain arrangement pattern. For example, shapes such as quadrilaterals, circles, patterns, etc. can be arranged. Figure 20 shows an example of a symbol writing sheet 10 having a symbol group writing area 11 in which circular individual writing areas 12 are arranged. Also, Figure 21 shows an example of a mask set 20 having a circular window portion 22.

In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which symbols were written into all of the windows 22 of the mask set 20, but symbols may be written into some of the windows 22. In other words, it is also possible to use the mask set 20 so that the number of password symbols is less than the number of windows 22. However, in this use, it is necessary to memorize the positions of the windows 22 into which the password symbols are written (for example, if there are eight windows 22, the seventh window from the top in the scanning order) along with the scanning rule.

While there are various concerns, such as the difficulty of remembering different passwords, the danger of reusing the same password, and the risk of losing it and being seen by others while recording it in a physical notebook, the above-mentioned embodiments allow anyone to easily manage passwords. In particular, it becomes possible to manage passwords currently in use and passwords created by the user in a way that makes them less likely to be known by others.

Even if the symbol entry sheet were stolen, it would be difficult to determine the password as it also contains camouflage symbols, and even if it were stolen together with the mask plate, there are multiple possible combinations of mask plates, so it would take a considerable amount of time to decipher the code.

The present invention can be provided in various forms, including but not limited to a password management tool, a mask set, and a password management method. For example, the present invention can be provided as a computer program that enables a password management tool and a method using the same to be virtually executed on a computer by user operation. The computer program can be implemented in various forms, such as a web app, a smartphone app, or a PC app.

10: Symbol entry sheet; 11: Symbol group entry area; 12: Individual entry area;
14...Identification information entry column, 15...Name column, 16...ID column,
20: mask set, 21: frame, 22: window portion, 23: blindfold portion,
201 to 206...Mask plate

Claims (4)

A mask set used to manage passwords,
A plurality of mask plates having the same peripheral shape are included,
each of the mask plates includes a window portion and a blind portion that are arranged point-symmetrically in a plurality of partitioned regions inside the peripheral portion, and an arrangement pattern of the window portion and the blind portion is different from one another among the plurality of mask plates;
For each combination of two or more of the mask plates selected from the mask set, at least the positions of the number and positions of common window portions that are opened when the two or more mask plates are stacked such that the peripheral portions are aligned are different,
A mask set characterized in that a plurality of mask plates selected by a user from the mask set are placed on a writing sheet in a stacked state so that their peripheral portions coincide, and a group of symbols constituting a password is written on or read from the writing sheet by the user through the common window portion. 2. The mask set of claim 1,
A mask set, characterized in that each of the mask plates is marked with a symbol for identifying a surface. 3. The mask set according to claim 1,
A mask set, characterized in that when all of the mask plates included in the mask set are overlapped, the number of the common window portions is 0. A password management tool comprising the mask set according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a writing sheet.

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