Multi-Touch Sensitive Information Display Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

The ease with which sensitive information can be copied and shared in a connected society makes it difficult for senders to control the availability and usage of digital documents, as recipients can easily take screenshots or record the content despite expiration timers intended to self-destruct the message.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where sensitive content is displayed only upon detection of a specific pattern of multiple touches, which requires the user to continuously provide the touch pattern to view the content, thereby inhibiting screenshotting and recording, and incorporating a timer for content expiration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If sensitive information is transmitted digitally for easy sharing, then communication speed and accessibility improve, but the ability to control availability and prevent copying deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcontrol over information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic content display where sensitive information is only visible when a specific touch pattern is actively being performed. The content transitions between visible and hidden states based on real-time user interaction, making it dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing fast digital transmission while maintaining control through continuous interaction requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic refresh of the display content during the touch pattern execution. The content is repeatedly redrawn or refreshed as long as the correct touch pattern is maintained, creating a periodic display action that prevents screenshot capture while maintaining visibility for the user. This addresses the contradiction by enabling communication speed while preventing unauthorized copying through periodic refresh mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If expiration timers are used to automatically delete sensitive documents, then security against later access improves, but the ability to capture content before deletion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against later accessVSAvoidscreenshot capture capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the correct touch pattern to be established before the sensitive content becomes visible. This preliminary interaction step ensures that only authorized users can access the content, and even then, only while maintaining the specific touch pattern. Combined with expiration timers, this prevents screenshot capture because the content is hidden during the critical setup phase and only briefly visible during authorized viewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent requires continuous maintenance of the specific touch pattern for the content to remain visible. If the user releases any finger or moves fingers out of position, the content immediately disappears. This continuity requirement works with expiration timers to create a secure viewing window where screenshots cannot be captured, as the content vanishes the moment the continuous interaction is broken.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If continuous touch pattern is required to display content, then ability to prevent copying improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of content copyingVSAvoiduser interaction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent requires the touch pattern to be performed at specific locations on the display screen. Certain areas are designated as valid touch zones, and fingers must be positioned precisely within these zones to maintain content visibility. This local quality requirement prevents copying while managing operational complexity by defining clear, bounded interaction areas rather than requiring complex gestures anywhere on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If touch pattern authentication is implemented, then security against unauthorized access improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidinput detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing touchscreen display for multiple functions: it serves as both the display medium for sensitive content and the input device for authentication. The same screen that shows the content also detects the touch pattern through its capacitive or resistive sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality approach improves authentication security without significantly increasing device complexity, as it leverages the universal touchscreen interface already present in modern devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10545660B2Multi touch combination for viewing sensitive information

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method at an electronic device including a user input device, the method comprising: receiving data comprising displayable content and data indicating that touch events corresponding to a pattern of multiple touches are to be detected in order to display the displayable content; upon detecting touch events corresponding to the pattern of multiple touches, displaying the displayable content; and ceasing to display the displayable content once the touch events corresponding to the pattern of multiple touches are no longer detected.