Mobile Display Sender ID Privacy via User Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often display sender identification information for incoming calls and messages by default, which can be inconvenient and insecure, as it reveals caller or sender information before the user has a chance to interact with the device, potentially exposing this information to others.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where mobile apparatuses display a temporary indication of a communication event instead of sender identification information until the user is detected holding the device, using sensors such as touch, proximity, or cameras to delay the display of true sender information until the user is aware and in control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sender identification information is displayed by default for incoming calls and messages, then the user can immediately know who is contacting them, but this exposes the information to others before the user has a chance to interact with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying a temporary indication (e.g., 'Incoming call' or 'New message') before the user interacts with the device. This preliminary display provides basic notification functionality while delaying the display of actual sender identification information until the user picks up the device or provides input, thus preventing unintended exposure to others nearby.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sender identification information is hidden until user interaction, then user privacy and security are enhanced, but the user cannot immediately know who is contacting them
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary element - a temporary indication display - that mediates between the need for immediate notification and the need for privacy protection. This intermediary provides basic communication event information (call/message notification) without revealing sensitive sender identification, bridging the gap between immediate awareness and privacy protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a temporary indication is displayed instead of sender identification, then privacy is protected, but the display shows less useful information initially
Solution Approach 1:
The information display is segmented into two stages: first displaying essential notification information (temporary indication) and then displaying detailed sender identification information. This segmentation allows the system to provide basic functionality immediately while delaying sensitive information disclosure until appropriate, effectively dividing the information release process to balance privacy and usability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing sender identification information of the communication event on a display is described. In an embodiment the apparatus receives a communication event, for example, a call or a message. The mobile apparatus is caused to output a temporary indication of the communication event and the sender identification information relating to the communication event is not shown on the display. When a user of the mobile apparatus is detected with at least one sensor, the display is arranged to display the sender identification information on the display replacing the temporary indication in response to detecting the user with the at least one sensor.