Blocking Restricted UI Elements via Trusted Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for application interfaces fail to effectively limit access to specific interface elements, particularly in cases requiring parental control or protection against malicious content, as they primarily analyze user interaction without blocking access to restricted elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes an analyzer module and a database of restricted elements, which detects and blocks access to restricted interface elements by covering them with trusted interface elements or images, using an analyzer module and a blocking module to compare interface elements against a database of known restricted elements and render trusted elements or images over the restricted ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interface analysis solutions are used, then user interaction can be analyzed, but access to restricted interface elements cannot be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into trusted and untrusted elements. The system divides the interface control function into separate modules: an analyzer module that identifies restricted elements, a database module that stores restriction information, and a blocking module that applies controls. This segmentation allows precise control over specific interface elements without managing the entire interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary blocking module is introduced between the user and the interface elements. This mediator intercepts user interactions, checks them against the database of restricted elements, and blocks access to unauthorized elements while allowing access to trusted ones. This intermediary layer provides reliable access control without requiring complex integration into the application's core interface management.
2Reliability
If the entire application is blocked to prevent access to restricted features, then all restricted elements are protected, but the application becomes unusable for legitimate purposes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a uniform blocking control to the entire application, the system applies different quality controls to different interface elements. Trusted elements remain fully accessible with normal interaction, while untrusted elements are blocked or restricted. This local differentiation maintains application usability for legitimate functions while enforcing restrictions only where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The application interface is segmented into trusted and untrusted components. The blocking mechanism selectively applies controls only to identified untrusted elements rather than the entire application. This segmentation enables the application to remain usable for approved functions while preventing access to specific restricted features.
3Reliability
If interface elements are blocked by replacing the entire screen image, then restricted elements are hidden, but the interface becomes less intuitive and user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of globally replacing the entire screen image, the system applies localized blocking only to specific untrusted interface elements. Trusted elements maintain their original appearance and functionality, preserving interface intuitiveness. The blocking is applied locally where needed, allowing users to continue interacting with legitimate interface elements as expected.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of hiding restricted elements by replacing the entire interface, the system inverts the approach by making trusted elements visible and accessible while selectively blocking only the untrusted ones. This inversion maintains the overall interface structure and intuitiveness while achieving the restriction goal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for blocking access to restricted elements of application interface and covering the restricted elements by trusted interface elements. The system includes an analyzer module, a database of restricted elements and a blocking module. The analyzer module is configured to detect interface elements of an active application rendered on a computer or a mobile device. The analyzer module determines if an application interface element is restricted by comparing the application interface element against the known restricted interface elements from the database. If the restricted element is detected, the analyzer module sends the data about the restricted element to the blocking module. The blocking module covers the restricted interface element by a trusted interface element or by an image.