Configurable Security Locking via Dynamic Authorization Confidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device security systems often inconvenience users by locking devices after a fixed period of inactivity, which can reduce security if extended, and fail to accurately determine when the device is no longer under authorized user control.
Innovation Solution
The system detects multiple signals using sensors to determine an authorization confidence level, adjusting the security timeout based on this level, and locks the device when the confidence level indicates a high probability of unauthorized control, such as theft or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the security timeout is extended to improve user convenience, then the device remains accessible longer under authorized control, but security is reduced when the device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the security timeout configurable rather than fixed. The timeout duration changes dynamically based on the authorization confidence level determined from sensor signals. When confidence is high, the timeout is extended for user convenience; when confidence is low (indicating potential theft), the timeout is shortened to maintain security. This resolves the contradiction by allowing both extended access under authorized control and prompt locking when unauthorized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of timeout duration based on the authorization confidence level. Instead of using a single fixed timeout value, the system adjusts this parameter dynamically according to sensor data analysis. This allows the system to optimize both user convenience (longer timeout when authorized) and security (shorter timeout when potentially stolen) by varying the timeout parameter according to real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If the device locks after a brief period of inactivity to maintain security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user convenience is reduced when the user needs to briefly attend to something else
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timeout duration based on the authorization confidence level. When the user is authorized (high confidence), the timeout is extended so the user can briefly attend to other tasks without being locked out. When authorization is doubtful (low confidence), the timeout is shortened to prevent unauthorized access. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between security and convenience.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to determine authorization confidence, then security accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing sensors in the electronic device for multiple purposes. Sensors originally designed for other functions (display control, power management, user interaction detection) are repurposed to detect signals indicative of authorization confidence. This approach improves measurement precision for authorization determination without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same hardware components serve multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface of an electronic device may be locked in accordance with an authorization confidence level indicating a likelihood that the electronic device is in the possession of an authorized user of the electronic device. Multiple signals may be detected using one or more sensors of an electronic device. The authorization confidence level may be automatically determined using the detected signals. The electronic device may be configured to have a security timeout based at least in part on the authorization confidence level. In some examples, collection(s) of signals may be detected using one or more sensors of an electronic device. A confidence history may be updated using the collection(s) of signals. In response to a match of the confidence history to a stored locking condition, a user interface of the electronic device may be locked.