Dynamic Lock Time Adjustment for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device locking mechanisms automatically lock devices even when they are being used but not receiving input, leading to inconvenience, especially in secure environments where frequent unlocking is unnecessary.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a temporary automatic lock time override and environment-based locking mechanisms, allowing users to input a temporary lock time alongside a password and adjusting lock settings based on the device's environment, such as a secure or insecure location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device automatically locks after a short idle time period, then security is improved in unsecure environments, but convenience deteriorates in secure environments where frequent unlocking is unnecessary
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the detected environment. In secure environments, the device extends or disables automatic locking, while in unsecure environments, it maintains short lock time periods. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the same device to optimize for security in some contexts and convenience in others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the lock time parameter based on environmental conditions. When a secure environment is detected, the automatic lock time is extended or disabled; when an unsecure environment is detected, the lock time is kept short. This parameter adjustment resolves the technical contradiction by adapting the locking behavior to match the security requirements of the current environment.
2Reliability
If the device locks when not receiving input, then security is improved, but usability deteriorates when the device is being used but not receiving input (e.g., navigation applications)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically determines whether to lock based on both input reception and environmental context. In secure environments, the device remains unlocked even during extended idle periods. In unsecure environments, it locks after short idle periods. This dynamic decision-making process resolves the contradiction by considering both usage patterns and security context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses environmental feedback to adjust its locking behavior. By detecting whether the device is in a secure or unsecure environment, the system receives feedback that informs its locking decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the device to distinguish between legitimate idle usage (like navigation) and situations requiring security, resolving the contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for locking an electronic device are provided. In one aspect, a method in an electronic device is provided comprising the steps of receiving, through a user input interface of the device when the device is in a locked state, a challenge response and a temporary automatic lock time indicator, and if the challenge response is accepted, unlocking the device, setting an automatic lock timer of the device to a temporary lock time value, and starting the automatic lock timer. In another aspect, an electronic device is provided for implementing the above method. According to another aspect, a locking mechanism is provided that utilizes information on an environment of the electronic device. According to another aspect, a stimulus based locking mechanism is provided that employs a different lock time after the device has issued a stimulus in response to an event on the device.