Motion Sensor Access Control for Child-Proofing Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for restricting access to electronic content, such as PIN codes, are inconvenient and can be easily compromised by young children, requiring frequent changes and user memory, while existing motion-based solutions lack specificity in distinguishing between adult and child users.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing motion sensors, such as altitude or acceleration sensors, to detect movement thresholds, allowing access to restricted content only if the movement exceeds a predetermined value, thereby distinguishing between adult and child usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a security code such as PIN or password is used to restrict access to electronic content, then access control is provided, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent input requirements and memory burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical input system (typing PIN or password) with a motion-based biometric authentication system. The motion sensor detects characteristic movement patterns of the adult user, eliminating the need for manual code entry while maintaining security. This substitutes a cognitive-motor task with an automatic physiological detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service authentication by utilizing the adult user's own motion patterns as the authentication credential. The motion sensor continuously monitors and recognizes the user's characteristic movements, allowing automatic access without external verification or manual intervention, thus improving convenience while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a motion sensor is used to detect device movement for access control, then user authentication is simplified, but the ability to distinguish between adult and child users deteriorates due to lack of movement specificity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication simplicityVSAvoiduser distinction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters monitored by the motion sensor from simple movement detection to multi-dimensional motion analysis including acceleration, velocity, and movement patterns. By analyzing these detailed parameters, the system can distinguish between the characteristic motion patterns of adults and children, maintaining user distinction accuracy while keeping authentication simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring motion sensor data and comparing it against stored adult user profiles. The processor provides real-time feedback on whether the detected motion pattern matches an authorized adult user, enabling automatic authentication decisions without requiring manual verification while maintaining accurate user distinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If existing motion-based access control is implemented, then security code input is eliminated, but security against child access deteriorates due to inability to differentiate adult and child movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveno code input requiredVSAvoidchild access prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances motion detection by analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously (acceleration, velocity, movement patterns, duration) rather than simple motion presence. This multi-parameter analysis enables the system to reliably distinguish between adult and child movements, maintaining security against child access while eliminating the need for code input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual code entry mechanism with an automated biometric motion recognition system. The motion sensor and processor work together to detect and analyze characteristic adult movement patterns, automatically granting or denying access without requiring code input while maintaining reliable child access prevention through pattern recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a convenient and secure method to control access to restricted content by ensuring only significant adult movements allow access, reducing the need for frequent security code changes and enhancing protection from unauthorized child access.

Implementation Method 1

the motion sensor comprises an altitude sensor, the altitude sensor being arranged to measure movement of the apparatus through a vertical distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAltitude sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the motion sensor comprises an acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor being arranged to measure an acceleration of the apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3448077B1Apparatus and method for controlling access to restricted content
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3448077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3448077B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3448077B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arrangement controls access to a functionality of a device (100, 200). The arrangement includes a motion sensor for detecting movement of the arrangement and providing a corresponding output. The arrangement also includes a processor for processing an output of the motion sensor. If the processed output of the motion sensor indicates that movement of the device (100, 200) is above a threshold motion value, the arrangement grants access to the functionality of the device (100, 200). If the processed output of the motion sensor indicates that movement of the device (100, 200) is below the threshold motion value, the arrangement denies access to the functionality of the device (100, 200).