File Access Control via Visual Icon Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices require users to enter a passcode before accessing any files, including non-sensitive ones, leading to frustration when passcode protection is not necessary, as users cannot access files like games, photos, or videos until the passcode is entered.
Innovation Solution
The method allows users to access files by presenting separate icons for protected and unprotected files, granting access to unprotected files without a passcode and allowing access to protected files within a session without re-entering the passcode if already entered, while visually differentiating protected files to indicate the need for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device requires passcode entry before accessing any files, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-sensitive files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments files into different categories: passcode-protected files and non-sensitive files. The home screen is divided into a first set of icons for protected files and a second set of icons for non-sensitive files. This segmentation allows the system to apply different access control policies to different file types, improving ease of operation for non-sensitive files while maintaining security for protected files.
2Reliability
If the device requires passcode entry for all files, then security is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated passcode entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the passcode requirement from the general file access process and applies it only to specific protected files. Non-sensitive files are excluded from the passcode requirement, allowing users to access them immediately without time loss. The system maintains security by still requiring passcodes for protected files while eliminating unnecessary time loss for non-sensitive files.
3Device complexity
If the device presents all file icons together, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of visual differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by visually differentiating icons based on their security status. The first set of icons for passcode-protected files is displayed with distinct visual characteristics from the second set of icons for non-sensitive files. This local visual differentiation helps users quickly identify which files require passcodes without increasing overall device complexity, improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and electronic devices configured to grant access to a file, and of enabling passcode protection for a file. The methods may include displaying file icons corresponding to the files. Upon receiving a selection of one of the displayed files, a request for the passcode is presented to the user if the selected application is protected. If the application is not protected, the file is accessed without receiving the passcode. The file icons may be displayed in a manner indicating that certain ones of the files require a passcode for access.