Browser Device Access Proxy for Transparent User Data Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control mechanisms for user data in web environments, such as those using modal dialogs, are inefficient and lack transparency, leading to user annoyance and inadequate control over device access, with previous attempts at more explicit controls being rejected due to implementation costs and reduced flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A device access proxy (DAP) is introduced within the web browser to manage access to user data providing devices, allowing for default data transmission until user confirmation, enabling users to select and manage device access without modal dialogs, and providing a status view for transparency, while adhering to evolving HTML5 standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If modal dialogs are used for access control, then user data protection is improved, but user experience deteriorates due to annoyance and execution stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser data protectionVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Device Access Proxy (DAP) as an intermediary component between the web application and the actual device. The DAP manages access control transparently, allowing the browser to mediate device requests without requiring users to interact with modal dialogs. This intermediary handles the complexity of access management while maintaining user-friendly operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction model (modal dialogs requiring explicit user clicks) with an asynchronous, event-driven mechanism. Instead of blocking execution until user input is received, the system uses callbacks and promises to manage device access, substituting the mechanical dialog system with a more flexible software-based approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If modal dialogs are used for access control, then security is improved, but time loss increases due to execution stoppage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidexecution time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous execution of web applications by eliminating the blocking nature of modal dialogs. The Device Access Proxy allows device access requests to be handled asynchronously, maintaining the continuity of application execution while still providing security through controlled access management. Useful actions continue without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring access control policies and device availability information before actual access is needed. The DAP maintains state information about device access permissions and availability, allowing rapid response to access requests without requiring real-time user intervention or blocking execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If existing access control mechanisms are used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but transparency and control overview are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidtransparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms through the Device Access Proxy that provide transparent information about device access status, permissions, and available devices. The DAP maintains state information and provides feedback to both users and applications about the current access state, enabling full transparency while keeping the implementation manageable through a centralized proxy architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9692760B2Browser device access proxy

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

In a web browser (100) access is controlled with respect to at least one user data providing device (102), the web browser comprising a browser engine (106), a browser application (104) and a device access proxy, DAP (108). Access is acquired, in the DAP, to at least one user data providing device and a request is received from a web application (110) for user data from a first user data providing device. In response to the request, default data (112) is transmitted from the DAP to the web application. A user data access confirmation signal is obtained, and in response to the user data access confirmation signal, the transmission of the default data is discontinued and the requested user data is transmitted from the DAP to the web application.