Messaging App Concealment Algorithm for Bystander Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging applications fail to effectively conceal text messages from bystanders until a text effect is applied, leaving previous messages visible and allowing bystanders to view the message being written until the text effect is applied.
Innovation Solution
A messaging application with two modes: one that conceals previously entered symbols of a text message while displaying the current symbol, and another that displays all symbols, controlled by an algorithm that detects the mode and switches between them, allowing users to selectively conceal and reveal message content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a text effect is applied to conceal the message being written, then the current message is concealed from bystanders, but previous messages remain visible to bystanders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message display into two distinct parts: current message input and previous message history. The concealment function is applied selectively only to the current message being written, while previous messages remain visible. This segmentation allows the system to achieve message privacy for the current input without requiring complex text effects that would obscure all text including historical messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the interface. The current message input field receives the concealment treatment (blurring or masking) while the previous message area maintains normal visibility. This local quality approach ensures that privacy protection is applied precisely where needed without unnecessarily complicating the overall display system.
2Loss of information
If the message is concealed using text effects, then the message content is hidden from bystanders, but the user cannot review the message before sending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that allows the user to toggle between concealment mode and review mode. In concealment mode, the current message is hidden from bystanders. When the user activates review mode, the concealment is temporarily removed allowing full visibility for verification. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making both privacy protection and message review available at different times in the workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between concealed and unconcealed states. The user can periodically activate review mode to check the message content, then switch back to concealment mode before sending. This periodic action pattern allows the user to maintain privacy while having scheduled opportunities to verify message accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If all symbols are displayed in real-time, then the user can review the message, but bystanders can view the message being written
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control mechanism (switching means) that acts as an intermediary between the user and the message display. This switching means allows the user to control when the message should be visible (for review) and when it should be concealed (for privacy). The intermediary provides a simple interface for managing the contradiction without requiring complex user actions.
4Ease of operation
If the application switches between concealment and display modes, then users can review messages, but the application complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching functionality into a separate, dedicated component (switching means) that is independent from the core message processing logic. This extraction simplifies the overall application structure by creating a clear separation between the concealment/display control mechanism and the message handling functions. The switching means can be implemented as a simple UI element without adding significant complexity to the underlying system.
Data Source
AI summary
A messaging application for use on electronic devices, each electronic device having a display and a connection to a communication system. The application has two modes, a first mode in which the symbols of text messages are concealed and a second mode in which the symbols of a text message are displayed, the application controlling the display of text on the display according to an algorithm. The algorithm detects whether the application is in the first mode or the second mode, and if the application is in the first mode the current symbol entered is displayed and any previously entered symbols entered with the application in the first mode are concealed.