Electronic Device Guest Mode Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack a seamless method to selectively grant and restrict access to features between users, particularly in scenarios where a first user wants to share their device with a second user while maintaining control over the features accessible, such as in a guest mode, without compromising security or functionality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that allows a first user to configure a second mode on their electronic device, enabling a second user to access a subset of features while restricting others, with options for authentication, permission management, and termination conditions, using communication between associated devices to manage access dynamically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a first user shares their electronic device with a second user in guest mode, then accessibility to features is improved, but security control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to featuresVSAvoidsecurity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments access control by creating distinct user modes (first user mode and second user/guest mode) with different permission levels. The second user is granted access only to specific applications and features while the first user retains control over other features, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic access control where the first user can modify the second user's permissions during the guest session. The system allows real-time adjustment of accessible applications and features, enabling flexible security management that adapts to changing user needs while maintaining both accessibility and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a second user is granted access to multiple features, then functionality is improved, but risk of unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidrisk of unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by granting the second user access to specific applications and features on an individual basis rather than providing blanket access. Each application or feature can be independently enabled or disabled, allowing the system to provide necessary functionality while minimizing exposure to unauthorized access risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the second user's access permissions based on the first user's preferences and security requirements. Permissions can be modified in real-time during the guest session, enabling the system to provide adequate functionality while continuously managing security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If access control settings are modified during second user usage, then flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the first user to independently modify the second user's access permissions through intuitive controls on their own device. The system automatically processes these permission changes and updates the guest mode configuration without requiring technical intervention, thus providing flexibility while managing complexity through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4439362A1Systems and methods for controlling access to features of an electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 APPLE INC
  • EP4439362A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439362A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4439362A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A first user of an electronic device operates the electronic device in a first mode with access to a plurality of features. The first user optionally configures the electronic device to provide permission for another user to use the electronic device in a second mode with access to a subset of the plurality of features. The first user optionally uses another electronic device to update the permissions to use the electronic device in the second mode while another user is using the electronic device.