Operator Presence Detection for Computer System Data Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer system monitoring relies heavily on human operators to detect and prevent malicious communications and security issues, as automated systems are less effective in recognizing unusual events and may allow unauthorized data exchanges when not actively monitored.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that monitor the presence and activity state of an operator using various sensors and devices, such as cameras, presence sensors, and user interface controllers, to determine if the operator is actively monitoring the system, allowing for real-time adjustments in data communication restrictions and security modes, including buffering data communications when the operator is not present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automated security systems are used to monitor computer systems, then device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but security effectiveness deteriorates because automated systems are less effective in detecting unusual and suspicious events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges automated security monitoring with human operator monitoring by integrating sensors that detect operator presence and activity state with the security system. This combination allows the system to automatically switch between automated monitoring mode and operator-based monitoring mode, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and high security effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If human operators continuously monitor the computer system, then security effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for monitoring interfaces and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs self-service mechanisms by using sensors to automatically detect operator presence and activity state, and by automatically switching between monitoring modes without requiring manual configuration or complex control interfaces. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to utilize human operator monitoring when needed for enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system switches between automated and operator-based monitoring modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for mode switching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adaptability by automatically adjusting the monitoring mode based on real-time sensor data about operator presence and activity state. The system transitions between automated and operator-based monitoring modes dynamically, allowing it to adapt to changing operational conditions without requiring complex manual switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If data communications are restricted when operator is absent, then security is improved, but productivity decreases due to communication limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamic control to data communications by automatically adjusting communication restrictions based on operator presence and activity state. When the operator is present and actively monitoring, communications are allowed to maintain productivity. When the operator is absent or inactive, communications are restricted to maintain security. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between security and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3104579B1Controlling a computer system
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 SSH COMMUNICATIONS SECURITY
  • EP3104579B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3104579B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for control of a computer system are disclosed. The computer system includes a terminal for operator based monitoring of the computer system. A monitoring device is provided to determine information about the state of the operator based monitoring. The information is communicated to a controller of the data security system. The controller then controls the data security system based at least in part on the information. In particular, when the operator is absent, data communications in and/or out of the computer system are prevented and/or buffered.