System and method for protecting content and improving collaboration using an electronic stylus

Abstract

An information handling system may include: at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium having instructions executable by the at least one processor to: communicatively couple to an electronic stylus; receive stroke data from the electronic stylus indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus; receive biometric data associated with a user of the electronic stylus from the electronic stylus, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while the content is being drawn; receive timestamp data from the electronic stylus indicating a time when the content was drawn; and create a cryptographic hash based on the stroke data, the biometric data, and the timestamp data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems and, more particularly, to protecting content through the use of an input device such as an electronic stylus. Background Art

[0002] As the value and use of information continue to grow, individuals and businesses are looking for additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is an information handling system. An information handling system typically processes, compiles, stores and / or transmits information or data for commercial, personal or other purposes, thereby allowing users to leverage the value of information. Because technology and information handling requirements and needs vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also differ in terms of what information to handle, how to handle information, how much information to process, store or transmit, and how quickly and efficiently information can be processed, stored or transmitted. Variations in information handling systems allow information handling systems to be general or configured for specific users or specific uses (such as financial transaction processing, airline ticketing, enterprise data storage or global communications). In addition, an information handling system may include a variety of hardware and software components that can be configured to process, store and transmit information, and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems and networking systems.

[0003] Electronic styluses (also referred to herein as "active styluses") are a popular input method for some information handling systems. However, current solutions have various problems. As discussed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure can improve current solutions in many ways.

[0004] It should be noted that the technical discussion in the background section of this disclosure does not constitute an admission to the state of the art. Unless explicitly and unambiguously identified as such, no such admission is made herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with protecting content with an electronic stylus may be reduced or eliminated.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include: at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium having instructions executable by the at least one processor to: be communicatively coupled to an electronic stylus; receive stroke data from the electronic stylus indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus; receive biometric data associated with a user of the electronic stylus from the electronic stylus, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while the content is being drawn; receive timestamp data from the electronic stylus indicating a time when the content was drawn; and create a cryptographic hash based on the stroke data, the biometric data, and the timestamp data.

[0007] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic stylus device may include: a main body portion; a tip portion; and one or more grip pads, wherein the one or more grip pads are disposed on the main body portion; wherein the electronic stylus device is configured to: couple to an information processing system; transmit stroke data indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus to the information processing system; transmit biometric data associated with the user of the electronic stylus to the information processing system, wherein the biometric data is collected via the one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while the content is being drawn; and transmit timestamp data indicating the time when the content was drawn to the information processing system.

[0008] According to these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, an article may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer executable code thereon, the computer executable code being executable by a processor of an information handling system to: communicatively couple with an electronic stylus; receive stroke data from the electronic stylus indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus; receive biometric data associated with a user of the electronic stylus from the electronic stylus, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while the content is being drawn; receive timestamp data from the electronic stylus indicating a time when the content was drawn; and create a cryptographic hash based on the stroke data, the biometric data, and the timestamp data.

[0009] According to the drawings, descriptions and claims included in this document, those skilled in the art can easily understand the technical advantages of the present disclosure. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the present disclosure, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of the present embodiment and its advantages may be obtained by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary information handling system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 An exemplary electronic stylus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0014] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 3C Exemplary user interface elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] By reference Figures 1 to 3C The preferred embodiment and its advantages are best understood wherein like numerals are used to designate like and corresponding parts.

[0016] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "information handling system" may include any tool or collection of tools that can be operated to calculate, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, generate, switch, store, display, indicate, detect, record, reproduce, dispose of, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system can be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device, and can vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. An information handling system can include memory, one or more processing resources (such as a central processing unit ("CPU")), or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of an information handling system can include one or more storage devices, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input / output ("I / O") devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, and video display. An information handling system can also include one or more buses that can be operated to transmit communications between various hardware components.

[0017] For purposes of this disclosure, when two or more elements are referred to as being “coupled” to each other, such terms indicate that the two or more elements are in electronic or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether directly or indirectly connected, with or without intervening elements.

[0018] When two or more elements are referred to as being "coupleable" to each other, such term indicates that they are capable of being coupled together.

[0019] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "computer-readable medium" (e.g., transitory or non-transitory computer-readable medium) may include any tool or collection of tools that can retain data and / or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: storage media such as direct access storage devices (e.g., hard drives or floppy disks), sequential access storage devices (e.g., magnetic tape disk drives), optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROM), and / or flash memories; communication media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and / or optical carrier waves; and / or any combination of the foregoing.

[0020] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "information handling resource" may broadly refer to any component system, device, or equipment of an information handling system, including but not limited to a processor, a service processor, a basic input / output system, a bus, a memory, an I / O device and / or interface, a storage resource, a network interface, a motherboard, and / or any other component and / or element of an information handling system.

[0021] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary information handling system 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the information handling system 102 may include a server chassis configured to house a plurality of servers or "blades." In other embodiments, the information handling system 102 may include a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile computer, and / or a notebook computer). In still other embodiments, the information handling system 102 may include a storage enclosure configured to house a plurality of physical disk drives and / or other computer-readable media for storing data (which may generally be referred to as "physical storage resources"). Figure 1 As shown, information handling system 102 may include a processor 103, a memory 104 communicatively coupled to processor 103, a BIOS 105 (e.g., UEFI BIOS) communicatively coupled to processor 103, and a network interface 108 communicatively coupled to processor 103. In addition to the elements explicitly shown and described, information handling system 102 may include one or more other information handling resources.

[0022] The processor 103 may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data, and may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuit configured to interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data. In some embodiments, the processor 103 may interpret and / or execute program instructions and / or process data stored in the memory 104 and / or another component of the information handling system 102.

[0023] Memory 104 may be communicatively coupled to processor 103 and may include any system, device, or apparatus (e.g., a computer-readable medium) configured to retain program instructions and / or data for a period of time. Memory 104 may include RAM, EEPROM, PCMCIA cards, flash memory, magnetic storage devices, optical-magnetic storage devices, or any suitable selection and / or array of volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory that retains data after power is removed from information handling system 102.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the memory 104 may have an operating system 106 stored thereon. The operating system 106 may include any executable instruction program (or collection of executable instruction programs) configured to manage and / or control the allocation and use of hardware resources such as memory, processor time, disk space, and input and output devices, and to provide an interface between such hardware resources and application programs hosted by the operating system 106. In addition, the operating system 106 may include all or part of a network stack for network communications via a network interface (e.g., a network interface 108 for communicating over a data network). Although the operating system 106 is Figure 1 104, but in some embodiments, the operating system 106 may be stored in a storage medium accessible to the processor 103, and the active portions of the operating system 106 may be transferred from such storage medium to the memory 104 for execution by the processor 103.

[0025] The network interface 108 may include one or more suitable systems, devices, or apparatuses operable to act as an interface between the information handling system 102 and one or more other information handling systems via an in-band network. The network interface 108 may enable the information handling system 102 to communicate using any suitable transmission protocol and / or standard. In these and other embodiments, the network interface 108 may include a network interface card or "NIC". In these and other embodiments, the network interface 108 may be enabled as a local area network (LAN)-(LOM) card on a motherboard.

[0026] In some embodiments, information handling system 102 can include a stylus 125 as an input device. Stylus 125 can be an active stylus that is configured to interact with a surface of information handling system 102, such as a tablet or screen (e.g., a touch screen). In some embodiments, stylus 125 can be configured to dock with a specific location of information handling system 102 for recharging. For example, stylus 125 and / or the chassis of information handling system 102 can include magnets therein to facilitate such docking. In embodiments in which information handling system 102 is a laptop system, the docking location can include a recess along the interface between the keyboard portion and the display portion of information handling system 102. In these and other embodiments, different docking locations can also be used.

[0027] Now turn Figure 2 , an exemplary embodiment of a stylus 125 is shown. The stylus 125 can include a main body portion having a grip pad 130 that can facilitate removing the stylus 125 from its docking slot and can be positioned in a natural position for a user's fingers. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the stylus 125 includes a front grip pad 130 for a user's index finger and a rear grip pad 130 for a user's thumb. In other embodiments, a different number and layout of grip pads 130 can be used. The stylus 125 and grip pad 130 can be constructed in any suitable size that is comfortable for the user. For example, the stylus 125 can have a length of approximately 140 mm and a diameter of approximately 11 mm, and the grip pad 130 can be constructed as an oval having dimensions of approximately 10×8 mm.

[0028] The grip pad 130 may be constructed of any suitable material such as plastic, metal, rubber, or the like.

[0029] In some embodiments, grip pad 130 can protrude a desired amount (e.g., 4 mm) from the cylindrical surface of stylus 125. In other embodiments, grip pad 130 can be flush with the surface of stylus 125 or even recessed into such surface.

[0030] One or more grip pads 130 may also include a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, which may be used for various security features as discussed herein. For example, a fingerprint sensor may be provided in the grip pad 130 that contacts the user's index finger. In other embodiments, a fingerprint sensor may be provided in the grip pad 130 that contacts the user's thumb. In still other embodiments, fingerprint sensors may be provided in more than one grip pad 130 to determine multiple elements of the user's biometric information.

[0031] In some embodiments, the stylus 125 may also include a tip 132 for interacting with the screen and buttons 134 to allow the user to perform interactions (e.g., mouse clicks) as desired.

[0032] The ability of the stylus 125 to detect biometric information from a user can allow for several advantages. For example, the stylus 125 can store biometric profiles for each of multiple users. This can allow for different default settings (e.g., favorite colors, widths, stylus types, hot keys, etc.) for different users on a single active stylus. In these and other embodiments, such profiles can be centrally stored on the information handling system 102 to allow users to use different styluses while retaining such default settings.

[0033] The ability to quickly and seamlessly determine user identity can also enable features where multiple users can use different styluses simultaneously. For example, a teacher and student can work together on a single display using two or more styluses. Or two painters can simultaneously draw and design on a single model. Or, a team of users might brainstorm together to ideate, create, and collaborate in real time. Multiple people can draw on the display simultaneously, and the stylus 125 can maintain a history of every drawing action for each different user.

[0034] In some embodiments, stylus 125 can be easily and intelligently connected to information handling system 102, where user preferences and settings are automatically loaded when a particular user holds the stylus (e.g., after the user uses the stylus for the first time and establishes a user profile). Different users can work together without delays, distractions, or slowdowns: stylus 125 can know who the user is, and multiple people can ink on the display simultaneously. In addition, stylus 125 and / or information handling system 102 can record each person's stylus workflow. History can be saved and replayed, indicating who wrote and drafted which parts.

[0035] The stylus 125 may also be used for several purposes related to user identity, such as securely logging into a system (e.g., an operating system), securely granting access to files, generating secure electronic ink signatures, generating secure electronic ink artistic designs and / or writings to help protect copyrights, etc. For example, the stylus 125 may store a record proving which individual created a work of digital art, which may be useful in copyright disputes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the stylus 125 can monitor biometric sensors in real time or near real time in order to maintain accurate information about the user currently using the device. By combining this information with time and date information, any cryptographic processing performed by the stylus 125 can include assurance that the current user is the person creating the signature or performing other designated tasks.

[0037] In some embodiments, the stylus 125 can be used to quickly launch various files and / or applications. For example, the user may be able to specify a different action to be taken for each finger placed on the biometric sensor, so that holding the stylus 125 in a specific hand and in a specific orientation and then pressing the button 134 can perform the desired function.

[0038] In another embodiment, the user can use the stylus 125 as an authentication mechanism to unlock the file for editing. The user can then use the stylus 125 to draw a signature into the file, which can then be encrypted (e.g., using the user's public key). In these and other embodiments, data from the stylus 125, such as the user's fingerprint and signature stroke data related to the characteristics of how the user physically drew the signature (which can indicate coordinates, size, direction, speed, movement, pressure, stroke shape, hover characteristics, and / or any other data for each component of the signature), can be embedded into the file as metadata, and the file can be cryptographically signed (e.g., using the user's private key). Thus, the stylus 125 can enable many different features useful in the fields of authentication, encryption, and signing.

[0039] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, it's desirable to verify the identity of the user when accepting a digital signature. Current solutions typically require the use of a password or third-party digital ID and PIN to verify the signer's identity. The signature and document may then be encrypted / digitally signed using a timestamp. However, requiring the installation of additional applications or the use of phone messages to verify the signer's identity is inconvenient. Furthermore, to date, this has not been a real-time process for verifying the signer's identity at the time of signing, resulting in situations where the signature may have been created by an untrusted person.

[0040] Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can improve upon existing solutions by enabling real-time authentication. When a user holds the stylus 125 and signs a document offline, the ink signature generation algorithm can incorporate biometric and date / time stamp information that contributes to the legal status of the signature. The data embodying the ink signature can be combined with data from the document and encrypted to create a unique hash that can be used as an encrypted certificate for verification purposes. A person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will understand that any desired hash function and / or algorithm can be used to create an encrypted certificate. For example, MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2, SHA-3, Whirlpool RIPEMD-160, BLAKE, BLAKE2, BLAKE3, etc. are examples of cryptographic hash functions that can be used in some embodiments.

[0041] Therefore, it is impossible to copy a valid ink signature from one document to another or to have an untrusted person sign a document.

[0042] In an online context, the processes discussed above can also be enhanced with web validators to provide additional security and speed. For example, authentication and verification of signer identities and approval of signatures can be performed in real time. This simplifies compliance and keeps businesses running, regardless of whether users are located domestically or internationally.

[0043] As described above, for security purposes, the stylus 125 can allow various data elements to be combined and encrypted. For example, electronic signature information can be combined with fingerprint information (which can be captured in real time), time / date data, signature stroke data, etc. to provide enhanced security assurance.

[0044] In some embodiments, the process for setting up the stylus 125 may include the following steps. The stylus 125 may be coupled to the information handling system 102 via any suitable communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.). The information handling system 102 may then load a biometric driver (e.g., a fingerprint driver). The stylus 125 may collect biometrics of the active user and store a local profile in its internal memory. A system profile may then be created for the user on the information handling system 102, which may include user preferences and other settings.

[0045] In some embodiments, the process for automatically pairing stylus 125 with a user may include the following steps: Stylus 125 may be coupled to information handling system 102. The user may then place a finger on the fingerprint reader of stylus 125. Stylus 125 may then capture the fingerprint image, verify the user's identity, and load the appropriate user profile and stylus settings.

[0046] In some embodiments, the process for encrypting a digital signature may include the following steps. Stylus 125 may be coupled to information handling system 102. The user may then place a finger on the fingerprint reader of stylus 125 while drawing a signature on the screen. Stylus 125 may capture an image of the fingerprint temporally correlated with the action of drawing the signature on the screen. The fingerprint may be verified to identify the user. A unique hash and certificate may then be generated based on the fingerprint, the drawn signature, a timestamp, and any other suitable data. Other parties may then use this hash value to verify that the user in question is the person who performed the signing process.

[0047] Now turn Figures 3A to 3C , showing some exemplary user interface elements.

[0048] exist Figure 3A , a graphical user interface (GUI) for changing color profiles and stylus settings is shown. When one or more styluses are connected to the system, the biometric sensors of such styluses can identify the user holding them. For each stylus, a user identifier 302 (e.g., including a user photo and / or user name) can be displayed. The user can then click on the user identifier 302, and a drop-down menu 304 can be displayed. The drop-down menu 304 can then be used to change any of the various color profiles and stylus settings.

[0049] exist Figure 3B , a GUI is shown in which multiple users (e.g., two users) are working together. User identifiers 302 can be moved to any desired location in the GUI, and they can also be hidden as needed (as shown for user B). In addition, a sharing menu 306 can be shown that can be accessed by either user.

[0050] exist Figure 3C , a GUI for providing an electronic ink signature is shown. The user can draw an electronic signature in the indicated location, and a fingerprint (or other biometric identifier) ​​can be captured at the same time. In some embodiments, the captured fingerprint can be visually displayed near the signature, or in other embodiments it can be invisible. The user's name and timestamp can also be captured, and they can also be visually displayed or hidden.

[0051] While various possible advantages have been described with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art having benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that not all of these advantages may be applicable in any particular embodiment. In any particular embodiment, some, all, or even none of the listed advantages may be applicable.

[0052] The present disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exemplary embodiments herein that would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, where appropriate. In addition, references in the appended claims to a device or system or component of a device or system that is adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompass the device, system, or component, whether or not the particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as the device, system, or component is adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform the particular function.

[0053] Unless otherwise specifically noted, items depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. However, in some embodiments, items depicted in the drawings may be drawn to scale.

[0054] Furthermore, the recitation in the appended claims that structure is "configured to" or "operable to" perform one or more tasks expressly does not intend to invoke 35 USC §112(f) with respect to such claim elements. Therefore, no claim filed in this application is intended to be construed as having a means-plus-function element. If the applicant wishes to invoke §112(f) during prosecution, the applicant will recite the claim elements using the "means for [performing function]" structure.

[0055] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended to be used for teaching purposes to help the reader understand the present invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to advance the art, and should be interpreted as not being limited to such specific examples and conditions. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: at least one processor; as well as A computer-readable medium having instructions thereon executable by the at least one processor to: communicatively coupled to the electronic stylus; receiving, from the electronic stylus, stroke data indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus, wherein the content is associated with a document and is a drawing of the user's signature, and the stroke data includes coordinates, size, direction, speed, pressure, stroke shape, and hover characteristics of each of a plurality of strokes of the signature; receiving biometric data associated with the user from the electronic stylus, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while drawing the content; receiving, from the electronic stylus, timestamp data indicating a time when the content was drawn; as well as A cryptographic hash is created based on the stroke data, the biometric data, the timestamp data, and information from the document, wherein the cryptographic hash is used to create a cryptographically signed version of the document, and the cryptographic hash cannot be used to cryptographically sign a different document containing different information.

2. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the content is copyrighted digital content. 3 . The information handling system of claim 1 , further configured to load a profile associated with the user based on the biometric data.

4. The information handling system of claim 1, wherein the biometric data comprises one or more fingerprint images.

5. An electronic stylus device, comprising: Main body; Tip part; as well as one or more grip pads, the one or more grip pads being disposed on the body portion; The electronic stylus device is configured as follows: coupling to an information handling system; transmitting, to the information handling system, stroke data indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus, wherein the content is associated with a document and is a drawing of the user's signature, and the stroke data includes coordinates, size, direction, speed, pressure, stroke shape, and hover characteristics of each of a plurality of strokes of the signature; transmitting biometric data associated with the user to the information handling system, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while drawing the content; and transmitting timestamp data indicating a time when the content was drawn to the information handling system, wherein the information handling system is configured to create a cryptographic hash based on the stroke data, the biometric data, the timestamp data, and information from the document, wherein the cryptographic hash is used to create a cryptographically signed version of the document, and the cryptographic hash cannot be used to cryptographically sign a different document containing different information. The electronic stylus device of claim 5 , wherein the content is copyrighted digital content. 7 . The electronic stylus device of claim 5 , further configured to load a profile associated with the user based on the biometric data.

8. The electronic stylus device of claim 5, wherein the biometric data comprises one or more fingerprint images.

9. An article of manufacture comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable code thereon, the computer-executable code being executable by a processor of an information handling system to: communicatively coupled to the electronic stylus; receiving, from the electronic stylus, stroke data indicating content drawn by a user with the electronic stylus, wherein the content is associated with a document and is a drawing of the user's signature, and the stroke data includes coordinates, size, direction, speed, pressure, stroke shape, and hover characteristics of each of a plurality of strokes of the signature; receiving biometric data associated with the user from the electronic stylus, wherein the biometric data is collected via one or more grip pads of the electronic stylus while drawing the content; receiving, from the electronic stylus, timestamp data indicating a time when the content was drawn; as well as A cryptographic hash is created based on the stroke data, the biometric data, the timestamp data, and information from the document, wherein the cryptographic hash is used to create a cryptographically signed version of the document, and the cryptographic hash cannot be used to cryptographically sign a different document containing different information.

10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the content is copyrighted digital content.

11. The article of claim 9, wherein the code is further executable to load a profile associated with the user based on the biometric data.

12. The article of claim 9, wherein the biometric data comprises one or more fingerprint images.

Images