Front Camera Biometric Detection for Dynamic Data Obscuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasingly, sensitive data is displayed on mobile devices, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping as screens sizes grow, with traditional authentication methods failing to prevent others from viewing this data from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a front-facing camera and biometric detection to determine when a non-user is viewing the screen, initiating a service to blur or obscure sensitive data if someone other than the authorized user is detected, thereby enhancing data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional authentication methods (password and username) are used, then user access control is implemented, but sensitive data remains visible to others from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary biometric verification by capturing images with the front-facing camera and analyzing facial features before displaying sensitive data. This advance check ensures that only authorized users can view sensitive information, preventing eavesdropping by unauthorized individuals who might be standing nearby.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary biometric verification system between the user and the sensitive data. The front-facing camera and facial recognition algorithm act as intermediaries that continuously monitor who is looking at the screen, dynamically controlling data visibility based on the presence of authorized or unauthorized individuals.
2Area of stationary object
If screen size of mobile devices is increased, then display quality and user experience are improved, but vulnerability to shoulder surfing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts data visibility based on real-time biometric detection. The front-facing camera continuously captures images, and the system dynamically determines whether to display sensitive data in full, partially obscure it, or completely hide it based on whether an authorized user's face is detected looking at the screen. This dynamic response allows large screens to maintain their display quality while adapting security measures in real-time.
3Reliability
If biometric detection service is continuously active, then unauthorized viewing is prevented, but device energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic action by triggering biometric detection only when specific conditions are met, such as when the device wakes from sleep mode, when an application requesting sensitive data is launched, or when motion is detected near the device. This selective activation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining security during critical moments.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method may hide sensitive information including when no one is looking at a display screen of a client computing device, such as sensitive information relating to auto, home, life, or renters insurance, banking, and/or vehicle loans. In one aspect, the method may determine that confidential or sensitive information is being displayed on a display screen of a computing device of a user. The method may also collect image data from a front facing camera in communication with the computing device, and determine that zero or two or more people are viewing the display screen for more than a threshold duration of at least one second. The method may further blur or obscure the confidential or sensitive information being displayed on the display screen when it is determined that the zero or two or more people are viewing the display screen for more than the threshold duration.