Dynamic User Interface Locking via Sensor Position Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In materials handling facilities, there is a need to securely manage user interfaces that present both public and confidential information, ensuring that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access while allowing authorized users to access necessary information dynamically based on their identity and location.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses sensor data, such as image recognition and RFID tags, to determine the identity and position of users relative to interface devices, dynamically locking or unlocking the user interface based on predefined lock parameters, which can range from full access to complete obfuscation of confidential information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user interface presents confidential information to authorized users, then the usability and operational efficiency are improved, but the security risk of information leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface accessibilityVSAvoidinformation security risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic lock state transitions based on real-time sensor data. The user interface automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states depending on the detected presence and identity of users, making the security system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing full access when authorized users are present while automatically securing information when no one is nearby.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor data and lock state mechanisms as intermediaries between the user interface and confidential information. These intermediaries act as a controlled gateway that mediates access based on environmental context and user identity, allowing the system to balance security requirements with operational efficiency without direct exposure of sensitive data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system implements strict locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, then information security is improved, but the user experience and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation securityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock state is made dynamic rather than static, automatically transitioning between locked and unlocked states based on sensor-detected conditions. This eliminates the need for manual lock/unlock actions by users, maintaining strong security when needed while providing seamless access during operational tasks, thus preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic authentication and lock state management without requiring user intervention. Sensor data is automatically processed to determine lock states, and the interface self-adjusts its security level based on the presence and identity of users, eliminating workflow interruptions while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the user interface locks confidential information by default, then security is improved, but the accessibility and ease of use for authorized users worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidinterface accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the lock state based on real-time sensor input rather than maintaining a fixed default state. When authorized users are detected through sensor data, the interface automatically transitions to an unlocked state, providing immediate access without requiring users to manually override security measures, thus maintaining both security and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication and environment assessment through sensor data before presenting confidential information. By pre-evaluating user identity and presence conditions, the system can proactively set the appropriate lock state, eliminating the need for users to manually unlock the interface and ensuring secure yet accessible operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10853469B1User interface locking system
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US10853469B1 patent drawing
  • US10853469B1 patent drawing
  • US10853469B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are systems and techniques configured to present information to a user of a materials handling facility that stores items in inventory locations. Some or all of the information may be designated as confidential or have restrictions on presentation to reduce or eliminate dissemination of the confidential information to unauthorized users. A device such as a display carried by the user, mounted on a tote or shelf, and so forth may present the confidential information on a user interface. Presentation of the confidential information, acceptance of user inputs to the user interface, or both may be based on identification of an authorized user, a relative position between the user and the display, or other factors.