Mobile Screenshot Detection via Camera Lens Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to detect when another person is attempting to take a screenshot of one's mobile device display, particularly to protect confidential or sensitive information, and to alert the sender of a message if their message is being attempted to be screenshot.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that involves transmitting a message from a first mobile device to a second mobile device, displaying the message, activating the camera on the second mobile device to capture image data, monitoring the image data for suspected camera lenses, and upon detection, ceasing the display of the message and sending an alert to the first mobile device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera is activated to monitor for suspected camera lenses, then the detection capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is activated periodically rather than continuously to monitor for suspected camera lenses. The system monitors image data at specific intervals during message display, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection capability. The camera activation is triggered based on message reception and display conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring for suspected camera lenses before and during message display. The camera is activated in advance when a message is received, and continues monitoring during the display period. This preliminary monitoring ensures detection capability is established before potential screenshotting occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the camera monitors continuously for suspected camera lenses, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's own camera to monitor for suspected camera lenses, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment. The camera captures image data that is processed by the device's internal processing unit, which compares the captured images against stored reference images of camera lenses. This self-service approach maintains detection reliability while avoiding additional hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the message display content by capturing image data through the camera and storing it for later comparison. The captured image data is processed to create a representation of what is displayed on the screen, which is then compared against reference images to detect camera lenses. This copying mechanism simplifies the detection process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the message display is ceased upon detection of suspected camera lenses, then the privacy protection is improved, but the user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying notifications that indicate when suspected camera lenses are detected and when the message display is ceased. The processing unit compares captured image data against reference images and provides visual feedback to the user through notifications on the display. This feedback mechanism informs users of potential screenshotting attempts while maintaining a good user experience through transparent communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by ceasing message display when suspected camera lenses are detected, preventing the screenshotting of sensitive information before it can be captured. The notification system informs users of the action taken, providing transparency while protecting privacy. This preliminary intervention prevents harmful effects while maintaining user awareness and trust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3729851B1Method for detecting the possible taking of screenshots
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 DISAPPEARS COM HLDG CANADA LTD
  • EP3729851B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729851B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729851B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for sending a message from a first mobile device toa second mobile device comprises transmitting the message by the first mobile device,receiving the message by the second mobile device, displaying the message on the secondmobile device, activating a camera located on the second mobile device in order to captureimage data regarding a field of view of the camera, monitoring the image data to detect apossible presence of one or more suspected camera lenses within the field of view of thecamera, and upon detection of the possible presence of the one or more suspected cameralenses within the field of view of the camera, ceasing displaying the message on the secondmobile device.