Adaptive Timeout Control for Mobile Security and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices have fixed timeout settings that do not adapt to varying user needs or environments, leading to inconvenience and security concerns, as they either drain battery life or compromise security by requiring frequent unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users or remote administrators to set conditional timeout parameters based on specific conditions such as proximity to devices, network connectivity, location, or device usage, enabling flexible adjustments to screen and lock timeouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed timeout settings are applied to mobile devices, then security is maintained through consistent password requirements, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent unlocking requirements and inability to adapt to different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timeout parameters that automatically adjust based on detected environmental conditions, device usage patterns, and security contexts. Instead of fixed timeout values, the system continuously adapts timeout settings to balance security requirements with user convenience in different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes timeout parameter values based on detected conditions such as location, time of day, device state, and usage patterns. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system maintains security when needed while improving convenience when the environment is trusted or usage patterns indicate safety.
2Reliability
If shorter timeout values are used, then security is improved by requiring more frequent password entry, but power consumption increases due to components remaining powered on longer
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts timeout values based on security context and environmental factors. When security risk is low or device usage indicates a trusted environment, longer timeouts are applied to conserve power. When security concerns are detected, timeouts are shortened to maintain security while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements conditional logic that changes timeout parameters based on detected conditions such as location, device state, and usage patterns. This allows the system to optimize the balance between security and power consumption by applying appropriate timeout values in different contexts rather than using a fixed short timeout that always consumes more power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If longer timeout values are used, then power consumption is reduced by keeping components powered on, but security deteriorates by allowing unauthorized access for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and device usage to dynamically adjust timeout values. In trusted environments or when usage patterns indicate the device is actively monitored, longer timeouts are applied to conserve power. When security concerns are detected through location changes, device state changes, or unusual usage patterns, timeouts are automatically shortened to prevent unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor device usage patterns, location, and environmental conditions to continuously adjust timeout settings. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from usage patterns and adapt timeout values to maintain security while optimizing power consumption based on actual device context rather than static configurations.
4Ease of operation
If conditional timeout adjustments are implemented, then user convenience is improved by adapting to different environments, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components already present in modern mobile devices such as GPS receivers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and usage tracking systems. These components serve multiple purposes including navigation, gaming, and now timeout parameter adjustment. By reusing existing sensors and processing capabilities for timeout optimization, the patent minimizes additional device complexity while achieving adaptive timeout functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and computer-readable media for controlling a device timeout parameter are disclosed. For example, a device receives a condition for modifying a timeout parameter and a modification. The device then detects the condition for modifying the timeout parameter and applies the modification to the timeout parameter in response to detecting the condition. A method determines a maximum time for a timeout parameter of a device and transmits a message to the device indicating the maximum time for the timeout parameter. A further method determines a condition for modifying a timeout parameter of a device and a modification. The method then transmits a message to the device indicating the condition for modifying the timeout parameter of the device and the modification.