Location-Based Content Visibility Control for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices face challenges in securely managing content visibility, especially in public or shared environments where users want to prevent others from accessing sensitive information without the need for multiple user accounts or cumbersome account switching.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a content visibility control system that dynamically switches between full and reduced content visibility modes based on the device's location and proximity to a wearable device, allowing authorized users to access all content in safe locations while restricting access in unsafe areas without requiring separate accounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple user accounts are supported to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive content, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome account switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location information as an intermediary factor to mediate between security requirements and user convenience. Instead of requiring multiple accounts or manual authentication, the system uses geographic location data to automatically determine whether to restrict content visibility, thereby resolving the contradiction by adding a contextual layer that simplifies access control while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic content visibility control that adapts to changing location conditions. The system continuously monitors location data and automatically adjusts content accessibility in real-time, transitioning from static account-based security to dynamic location-based security, which improves both security and ease of operation without requiring multiple accounts
2Reliability
If multiple user accounts are implemented to restrict access to sensitive information, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to account switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Location information serves as an intermediary that automatically determines access rights without requiring user intervention for account switching. The system mediates between the user's desire for easy access and security requirements by using location context to grant or restrict content visibility automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service security control by automatically monitoring location data and adjusting content visibility without requiring user action. The device independently evaluates location conditions and enforces appropriate access restrictions, eliminating the need for manual account switching while maintaining security
3Reliability
If content visibility is restricted in public locations to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to location-based control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual security systems with location-based automated control. Instead of requiring physical security measures or manual authentication protocols, the system uses GPS or other location services to automatically determine content visibility, substituting a simpler sensor-based mechanism for complex security infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for security determination from user-provided authentication data to location-based environmental data. By monitoring geographic coordinates and comparing them against predefined safe locations, the system transforms security control from a user-action-dependent process to an environment-driven automatic process, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Content visibility on a computing device is controlled based at least in part on the current location of the computing device. When the current location is a safe location for making user-selectable content visible on a display screen of the computing device and the computing device is unlocked, the computing device operates in a full content visibility mode. In the full content visibility mode all user-selectable content on the computing device is accessible to a user of the computing device. When the current location is not a safe location for making user-selectable content visible on the display screen, the computing device operates in a reduced content visibility mode. In the reduced content visibility mode content visibility on the display screen is reduced, such as by limiting which applications (e.g., application icons or widgets) are displayed or otherwise accessible to the user.