Mobile Terminal Access Control for Shared Use Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile information terminals lack a control method that can restrict terminal functions based on the operator, allowing unauthorized users to access and operate the device beyond intended permissions.
Innovation Solution
A control method for mobile information terminals that allows authorized users to select specific applications for unrestricted operation by other users, while restricting all other terminal functions unless the authorized user is operating the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the access guide function is used to restrict operations to one application, then security is improved by preventing unauthorized operations, but ease of operation deteriorates because even authorized users cannot perform other operations without terminating the access guide function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments terminal operations into two distinct categories: designated operations (allowed for all operators including unauthorized users) and non-designated operations (restricted to authorized users only). This segmentation enables the access guide function to maintain security while allowing authorized users full access to all operations without needing to terminate the function, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If terminal lock function is used to restrict terminal functions, then security is improved by preventing unauthorized access, but ease of operation deteriorates because the terminal cannot be operated at all without authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating access rights based on operator identity. The access control system checks whether the operator is authorized and selectively applies restrictions: unauthorized operators face full terminal lock, while authorized operators enjoy unrestricted access to both designated and non-designated operations. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-designated application lock function is used to allow specific applications for all operators, then adaptability is improved by enabling shared access, but security deteriorates because unauthorized users can access the terminal for operations beyond the designated application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operations into designated and non-designated categories, allowing unauthorized users to access only designated operations while restricting unauthorized access to non-designated operations. This segmentation maintains adaptability for shared use of specific applications while improving security by preventing unauthorized users from accessing the terminal for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control function acts as an intermediary between the operator and terminal operations. It checks operator authorization status and mediates access rights accordingly: allowing unauthorized operators to access designated operations while blocking access to non-designated operations. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between adaptability and security.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation for restricting an operation for an application of a mobile information terminal by a user other than an authorized user of the mobile information terminal is received. Whether or not the user is the authorized user of the mobile information terminal is authenticated. When the user is authenticated to be the authorized user, the operation for the application of the mobile information terminal is allowed. When the user is not authenticated to be the authorized user, the operation for the application of the mobile information terminal is restricted.