Inverse Computational Light Field Display for Secure Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer security measures fail to effectively prevent casual, unauthorized viewing of sensitive data displayed on computer screens, even when using privacy filters and screen savers, as they do not restrict access to authorized individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system that applies a distortion to the light field emitted by the display, rendering the data unreadable to anyone without special corrective eyewear designed to correct the distortion, ensuring the data is only readable by the authorized individual wearing the proper eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a privacy filter is used to reduce viewing angle, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must position themselves at specific angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light field by applying computational distortion transformations. The display emits light rays with modified propagation characteristics that appear distorted to normal observers but are corrected by the authorized user's eyewear, thereby maintaining data security while providing convenient viewing for authorized users without angle restrictions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces decoding eyewear as an intermediary device between the display and the authorized user. This intermediary contains optical elements that correct the computationally applied distortion, allowing the authorized user to view the distorted light field in its intended form while preventing unauthorized viewing
2Reliability
If automatic screen savers are used to black the screen, then data security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the security protection specific to authorized users rather than applying a global screen blacking. The distorted light field maintains normal appearance and workflow for authorized users wearing decoding eyewear while simultaneously preventing unauthorized viewing, eliminating unnecessary interruptions to productivity
3Reliability
If distortion is applied to render display unreadable, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users without corrective eyewear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating a light field with distorted ray distributions that are asymmetric with respect to normal viewing. The distortion is designed such that it appears scrambled to observers without the specific optical correction but resolves to the correct image when viewed through the authorized user's personalized decoding eyewear
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents casual, unauthorized viewing of sensitive data by ensuring that only the individual with the correct corrective eyewear can read the distorted image, thereby maintaining data security.
Implementation Method 1
a distortion to a light field emitted by the display which renders the display unreadable
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to secure information displayed on the screen of a computing device is provided in which an image to be displayed is algorithmically distorted and thereafter displayed on a display device. To properly view the image, a user must use decoding eyewear which will correct for the applied distortion. The displayed image is thereby rendered unviewable to casual observers and passers-by.