Remote Access Authentication for Locked Device Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for accessing content across electronic devices are often inefficient and insecure, requiring specific devices and unlocking processes, which limits flexibility and security.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remotely accessing a locked device's application interface or content based on predefined criteria, allowing or denying access based on satisfaction of specific conditions, and managing authentication and secret validation to enhance security and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional device locking mechanisms are used to ensure security, then security is improved, but device accessibility and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into multiple independent criteria (device pairing, user presence detection, location verification, time-based rules) that can be evaluated separately. This allows the system to grant access when sufficient criteria are met without requiring full device unlock, thereby maintaining security while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that acts as a mediator between the locked device and the requesting device. This intermediary evaluates multiple criteria and makes access decisions without requiring the device to be fully unlocked, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If device unlocking is required to access content, then security is maintained, but access efficiency and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary authentication actions by evaluating multiple criteria (device pairing status, user presence, location, time) before the actual access request is fulfilled. This preliminary evaluation enables faster access decisions without requiring full device unlock, improving access efficiency while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial authentication by requiring only a subset of possible criteria to be satisfied for access approval, rather than requiring complete device unlock. This partial action approach maintains adequate security while significantly improving access efficiency and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If strict authentication requirements are enforced, then security is improved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic authentication system where the required criteria and their weights can be adjusted based on context, device type, and security policies. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high security when needed while simplifying access in routine scenarios, managing complexity through adaptability rather than rigid rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes authentication parameters (which criteria are required, their thresholds, and time validity) based on the specific access context. This parameter flexibility allows the system to enforce strict security when necessary while reducing operational complexity for routine accesses, resolving the contradiction between security and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4651440A1Techniques for accessing content
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 APPLE INC
  • EP4651440A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4651440A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4651440A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to accessing content. Some techniques are for remote access while locked in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for selectively ceasing display of a user interface in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for remote authentication in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for revalidating secrets in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for selectively allowing continued access in accordance with some embodiments. Other techniques are for interacting between devices in accordance with some embodiments.