Blocking Restricted UI Elements via Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to effectively limit access to specific application interface elements, particularly in cases requiring parental control or blocking of unsuitable content, as they primarily analyze user interaction without restricting access to certain interface elements.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes an analyzer module, a database of restricted elements, and a blocking module to detect and block restricted interface elements by covering them with trusted interface elements or images, allowing users to access the application without triggering undesired actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional interface analysis solutions are used to analyze user interaction with the application, then user interaction can be monitored and understood, but access to certain interface elements cannot be limited or blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control reliabilityVSAvoidinterface element accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interface control mechanism by introducing a separate blocking layer that operates independently from the main interface elements. This blocking layer is divided into multiple blocking elements that can be individually positioned to cover specific restricted interface elements, allowing selective access control without affecting the entire interface structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a blocking element as an intermediary component between the user and the restricted interface elements. This blocking element acts as a mediator that intercepts user interactions and prevents access to restricted elements while allowing the application to continue running. The blocking element can be transparent or opaque, providing controlled access without completely blocking the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the entire application is blocked to prevent access to restricted content, then all unwanted functionality is prevented, but the user cannot access any legitimate application features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunwanted functionality accessVSAvoidapplication usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the blocking effect localized to specific interface elements rather than applying it globally to the entire application. Each blocking element is positioned to cover only the restricted interface elements it needs to control, while leaving other interface elements fully accessible. This allows the application to remain usable for legitimate purposes while blocking only the unwanted functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If restricted interface elements are completely hidden or removed, then access to restricted content is prevented, but the interface layout and user experience are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestricted content accessVSAvoidinterface layout integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a blocking element that functions as a flexible overlay layer positioned above the interface elements. This blocking layer can be transparent or semi-transparent, allowing the underlying interface layout to remain visible and intact while preventing interaction with restricted elements. The blocking element maintains the visual structure of the interface without disrupting its layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9330279B2System and method for blocking elements of application interface
Publication Date: 2016.05.03 AO KASPERSKY LAB
  • US9330279B2 patent drawing
  • US9330279B2 patent drawing
  • US9330279B2 patent drawing

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.