Adjustable Lock Timer for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device locking mechanisms automatically lock devices even when they are being used but not receiving input, leading to inconvenience, especially in secure environments where frequent unlocking is unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a temporary automatic lock time can be set alongside a challenge response, allowing the device to remain unlocked for a longer period without input, and adjusting lock settings based on the device's environment to optimize security and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device automatically locks when idle for a fixed time period, then security is improved, but convenience deteriorates because the device locks even when being used but not receiving input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lock time adjustable rather than fixed. Users can dynamically change the automatic lock time setting based on their needs, allowing the system to adapt between security and convenience requirements. The lock time parameter becomes variable instead of static, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and ensuring ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of automatic lock time from a fixed value to an adjustable parameter. By allowing users to modify the lock time duration, the system can optimize the balance between security (shorter lock times) and convenience (longer lock times). This parameter change enables the same system to serve different user needs without compromising either aspect.
2Device complexity
If the device uses a fixed automatic lock time, then the locking mechanism is simple, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot distinguish between secure and unsecure environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the locking mechanism, allowing users to modify the automatic lock time based on environmental conditions. This transforms the static locking system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different scenarios such as secure versus unsecure environments, thereby improving environmental adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the automatic lock time setting based on environmental context. By allowing the lock time parameter to vary according to the perceived security level of the environment, the system achieves adaptability while maintaining relative simplicity in its implementation through straightforward parameter adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the device locks frequently in unsecure environments, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary unlocking and re-locking cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing users to adjust the automatic lock time to better suit their productivity needs. In situations where device availability is critical, users can extend the lock time parameter to reduce frequent locking, thereby minimizing interruptions to productivity while still maintaining acceptable security levels through user-controlled parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for locking an electronic device are provided. In one aspect, a method in an electronic device is provided comprising the steps of receiving, through a user input interface of the device when the device is in a locked state, a challenge response and a temporary automatic lock time indicator, and if the challenge response is accepted, unlocking the device, setting an automatic lock timer of the device to a temporary lock time value, and starting the automatic lock timer. In another aspect, an electronic device is provided for implementing the above method. According to another aspect, a locking mechanism is provided that utilizes information on an environment of the electronic device. According to another aspect, a stimulus based locking mechanism is provided that employs a different lock time after the device has issued a stimulus in response to an event on the device.