Mobile Device Front Light for Visual Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices are vulnerable to data capture by security cameras in public places, which can compromise confidential information such as passwords and social security numbers, due to the inability of existing technologies to effectively protect this data from image and video capture.
Innovation Solution
Activation of a front-facing electromagnetic radiation source, such as a visible light source, on the mobile device when it detects it is in a public place and is displaying or receiving confidential data, to obscure the data from external cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no electromagnetic radiation source is activated, then the mobile device consumes less energy and operates normally, but confidential data displayed on the screen can be captured by external security cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of confidential data on the screen before external capture can occur. When confidential data is detected, the electromagnetic radiation source is activated in advance to obscure the data before security cameras can capture it, preventing the security breach before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnetic radiation source (such as an LED) is introduced as an intermediary element between the screen and external security cameras. This intermediary emits radiation that obscures the confidential data on the screen, blocking the cameras' ability to capture the information while allowing the device to continue normal operation.
2Reliability
If an electromagnetic radiation source is continuously activated, then confidential data is always protected from capture, but the mobile device consumes excessive energy and the light source may be visible to others
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous activation, the electromagnetic radiation source is activated periodically and only when needed. The system continuously monitors the screen for confidential data, and when detected, activates the light source for the specific duration required to protect the data during input or display, then deactivates it when confidential data is no longer present.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic radiation is directed locally at the screen area displaying confidential data rather than emitting light in all directions. This localized emission protects the specific area containing sensitive information while minimizing visible light exposure to surrounding areas and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the mobile device activates electromagnetic radiation to obscure confidential data, then data capture by security cameras is prevented, but the activation of the radiation source may draw attention to the user's activity
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic radiation source serves as an intermediary that creates a localized obscuring effect only where confidential data is displayed. This targeted approach protects sensitive information without creating a noticeable disturbance or drawing attention to the user's actions, as the radiation emission is confined to the screen area and is brief in duration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents security cameras from capturing confidential data by emitting electromagnetic radiation, enhancing the security of sensitive information input or displayed on mobile devices in public areas.
Implementation Method 1
activation of an electromagnetic radiation source that is part of the mobile device to emit electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light)
Data Source
AI summary
To protect confidential data, a mobile device determines whether the mobile device is at a location susceptible to visual capture of confidential data entered into the phone by external cameras. The mobile device determines whether focus of a display is on a field in which confidential data is entered. If the mobile device determines that it is at a location susceptible to an external imaging device visually capturing confidential data input into the input field, then the mobile device activate a light source on a same side as the screen presenting the display.