Secure Device Sharing via Locked State Task Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sophisticated electronic devices face challenges in securely sharing functionality with others without compromising security, as users often want to share devices for limited purposes, such as viewing emails or gaming, while restricting access to other applications.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a locked state with associated permitted tasks on electronic devices, where users can only perform designated tasks without unlocking the device, and requiring authorization for task changes if the requested task is not permitted, using a task change API that evaluates requests based on permitted task information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is unlocked to allow users to perform tasks, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments device access into multiple states: unlocked state for full access and locked state for restricted access. This segmentation allows the device to be shared with others for specific tasks while maintaining security by preventing access to sensitive applications and data when locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic state transitions between locked and unlocked states based on task requirements. The device can be temporarily unlocked for specific permitted tasks and then automatically re-locked, providing flexible access control that adapts to changing operational needs while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the device is locked to maintain security, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the locking component and permitted task information) that mediates between security requirements and operational needs. This intermediary evaluates task requests against permitted task information and automatically manages lock state transitions, eliminating the need for manual unlocking while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If full access is granted to allow users to perform any task, then the adaptability is improved, but the security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating access permissions for different applications and tasks. Instead of uniform access control, the system assigns specific permitted tasks to the locked state, allowing users to access only authorized applications (such as gaming or media playback) while blocking access to sensitive applications (such as messaging or email).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11797656B2Secure device sharing

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 BLACKBERRY LTD

AI summary

A computing device and method of controlling access to a computing device. An application to be used when the computing device is in a locked state is selected, wherein in the locked state, only use of the selected application is permitted. The computing device enters the locked state. Use of the selected application without unlocking the computing device is allowed.