AR Secure Authorization Using Viewpoint-Based UI Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authorizing secure operations in augmented and virtual reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and create a significant cognitive burden on users, often requiring multiple and repetitive inputs, which wastes energy and detracts from the user experience.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes a computer system with input devices and a display generation component to detect changes in user viewpoint and authorize secure operations based on the visibility of virtual user interface objects, reducing the need for manual inputs by automatically enabling or forgoing authorization based on threshold visibility criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods are used for authorizing secure operations in AR/VR environments, then security authorization can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and creates significant cognitive burden on users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of authorizationVSAvoidcomplexity of authorization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the user's viewpoint and pre-determining authorization eligibility before the user initiates the secure operation. The viewpoint detection and authorization decision are made in advance, eliminating the need for users to go through complex authorization workflows during the moment of need.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically detecting viewpoint changes and making authorization decisions without requiring user intervention. The computer system autonomously monitors the virtual environment, detects when the user viewpoint satisfies authorization criteria, and automatically enables secure operations, freeing the user from manual authorization tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple repetitive inputs are required for secure operation authorization, then security can be maintained, but energy is wasted and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of operationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential authorization criterion from multiple repetitive inputs by focusing solely on viewpoint detection. Instead of requiring multiple forms of authentication or repetitive user actions, the system isolates and monitors the single critical parameter of user viewpoint, thereby maintaining security while eliminating energy-wasting redundant operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by implementing only the necessary viewpoint detection mechanism rather than full multi-factor authentication protocols. This partial approach provides sufficient security for the context while avoiding the excessive energy consumption associated with comprehensive authorization workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If manual inputs are required for authorization, then user control is maintained, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of authorizationVSAvoidtime for authorization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical user inputs (manual button presses, form filling, or physical authentication actions) with an automated viewpoint detection mechanism. The computer system uses sensors and software to automatically track and analyze user viewpoint in the virtual environment, substituting manual mechanical interactions with automated optical/electronic detection to accelerate the authorization process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The viewpoint detection system acts as an intermediary between the user and the authorization mechanism. Instead of direct user input to authorization, the system introduces viewpoint analysis as a mediating process that automatically translates user orientation and position into authorization decisions, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with authorization interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12554815B2Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for authorizing a secure operation

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

In some examples, a change in a current viewpoint of a user is detected while a three-dimensional environment is visible. In some examples, in accordance with a determination that at least a threshold amount of the object is visible from the viewpoint of the user, user authorization of the secure operation, using a virtual user interface object, is enabled. In some examples, the user is biometrically authenticated, at a first time, to perform a first type of biometric authentication. In some examples, a request to perform the secure operation is received at a second time. In some examples, in accordance with a determination that the user met respective criteria between the first time and the second time, the secure operation is performed without performing, after receiving the request, the first type of biometric authentication.