Card Device Display Masking for Unauthorized Proximity Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to protect confidential information on cards from unauthorized viewers and unauthorized access when the card is misplaced or stolen, or when unauthorized individuals are within a threshold proximity.

Innovation Solution

A system integrated with sensors and a processor that detects anomalies, such as unauthorized proximity or deviation from a baseline environment, dynamically masking information and disabling data communications on the card device to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If confidential information is displayed on the card device for user access, then ease of operation is improved, but information security deteriorates when unauthorized viewers are nearby

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access to informationVSAvoidunauthorized viewing of confidential information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card device dynamically adjusts its display state based on the detected proximity of users. When an unauthorized user approaches within a threshold distance, the system transitions from displaying confidential information to masking it with placeholder characters. This dynamic state change allows the device to provide easy access to authorized users while automatically protecting against unauthorized viewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The card device uses sensors to continuously monitor the proximity of users and provides feedback to the processor. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to display or mask confidential information. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that information security is maintained by responding to real-time proximity conditions while preserving ease of operation for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the card device displays confidential information in public areas, then adaptability is improved, but information security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard device usage in various locationsVSAvoidexposure to unauthorized viewers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card device adapts its behavior dynamically based on the location and proximity of users. In public areas, when unauthorized users are detected within threshold proximity, the device automatically masks confidential information. This dynamic adaptation allows the card device to maintain versatility for use in various locations while automatically enhancing security in environments with unauthorized viewers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the card device communicates data continuously, then productivity is improved, but security risk increases when the card is misplaced or stolen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The card device takes preliminary protective action by monitoring proximity conditions and masking confidential information before unauthorized access can occur. When an unauthorized user approaches within threshold proximity, the system proactively masks the information and disables communication, preventing potential security breaches rather than reacting after compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The card device uses proximity sensor feedback to control data communication. When unauthorized users are detected nearby, the system receives feedback about the security risk and automatically disables communication functions. This feedback-based control maintains productivity during normal authorized use while eliminating security risks when the card device is misplaced or stolen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250292618A1Altering card device attributes in response to detecting a proximity intrusion

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A card device receives a first sensor data from sensors associated with the card device and extracts a set of user features from the first sensor data, where the user features indicate physical attributes of the user. The card device receives a second sensor data from the sensors. The card device extracts a set of viewer features from the second sensor data, where the viewer features indicate physical attributes of the viewer. The card device compares at least one of the user features with a counterpart feature from among the viewer features. The card device determines that the user is not the viewer. The card device determines a distance between the viewer and the card device. The card device determines that the distance between the viewer and the card device is less than a threshold distance. In response, the card device dynamically masks the information displayed on the card device.