Mobile Device Mode Switching for Privacy and Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in balancing the demand for protecting privacy with the need to share mobile devices for controlling external devices, as existing technologies struggle to securely manage access and prevent unauthorized use while allowing family members or others to control external devices like TVs or appliances.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a processor and communication unit that switches between personal and sharing modes based on charging status and authentication inputs, allowing controlled access to external devices while maintaining user privacy by restricting access to personal information in sharing mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mobile device allows sharing with other members, then the usability and accessibility of external devices is improved, but the privacy protection of the owner deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of mobile deviceVSAvoidprivacy intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device dynamically switches between personal mode and sharing mode based on authentication results. In personal mode, full access to the device and external devices is granted. In sharing mode, access is restricted to only controlling external devices. This dynamic mode switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the level of access control based on the user's identity and authentication status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different access rights are assigned to different users based on their authentication status. The owner receives full access rights including personal information, while other members receive limited rights restricted to external device control only. This local differentiation of access quality allows sharing functionality while protecting the owner's privacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the mobile device restricts access to protect privacy, then the privacy protection is improved, but the ease of sharing the device with others deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoiddevice sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access control system is segmented into two distinct modes: personal mode for the owner with full access, and sharing mode for other members with limited access. This segmentation allows the device to provide both strong privacy protection for the owner and convenient sharing functionality for others, resolving the contradiction by separating access rights into distinct functional segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device allows full access to external devices, then the control functionality is improved, but the security against unauthorized use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of external devicesVSAvoidsecurity of access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processor acts as an intermediary that mediates between users and external devices. It authenticates users and determines their access rights, then grants appropriate permissions. This intermediary control mechanism ensures that only authorized users can control external devices, maintaining security while preserving full control functionality for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20160021531A1Mobile device and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.01.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US20160021531A1 patent drawing
  • US20160021531A1 patent drawing
  • US20160021531A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device and a control method thereof are disclosed. The control method of the mobile device includes receiving device information from at least one external device, detecting at least one controllable external device based on the received device information, and switching the mobile device to a sharing standby mode when the mobile device is charging or when an input to the mobile device is not sensed for a predetermined time. The mobile device in the sharing standby mode may switch to a personal mode or a sharing mode based on whether mobile device receives a personal authentication input.