Automated Device Locking via Periodic Facial Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices lack an automated and secure method to lock or unlock based on authorized user presence, relying on user-initiated settings which can be forgotten or insecure.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a camera on the computing device to periodically capture images of users and compare them against stored authorized user images, locking or unlocking the device based on facial recognition matches, ensuring only authorized users can access the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user-initiated locking methods are used, then device can be locked, but user must remember to set it which increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidease of locking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs facial recognition and locking without requiring user intervention. The camera continuously captures images, the processor automatically compares them against stored authorized user images, and the locking mechanism engages automatically when unauthorized access is detected, eliminating the need for users to manually set locking parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the environment through periodic image capture and automatically responds by locking or unlocking the device based on facial recognition results. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the device adapts its security state in real-time based on who is present, improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automated facial recognition is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for facial recognition, provides visual feedback to users, and can trigger locking actions. The processor handles both the facial recognition algorithm execution and the locking control logic. This multi-functionality approach improves security through automated facial recognition while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If continuous image capture is used, then security monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity monitoringVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous capture, the system uses periodic image capture at predetermined time intervals. This approach maintains security monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The processor can be configured to capture images every N seconds or at specific trigger events, balancing security needs with power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8995728B1Visual security mechanism for a device with a front-facing camera
Publication Date: 2015.03.31 GOOGLE LLC
  • US8995728B1 patent drawing
  • US8995728B1 patent drawing
  • US8995728B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer readable media for locking a computing device. Periodic images are received from a camera on a computing device. Each of the images is compared to a stored image of a user. A determination is made that one of the images does not match the stored image, and the computing device is locked upon determining that one of the images does not match the stored image.