Embedded Opt-In Permission for AI Sensor Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the AI and computer vision domains, user data is often collected without users' knowledge or consent, and existing consent mechanisms, such as End User License Agreements, are often unclear or unreadable, failing to provide users with transparent control over their data usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an embedded opt-in permission system that allows users to select from a plurality of access levels for their sensor data, enabling them to control what data is collected and used by AI services, with the system generating user-specific sensor data based on the chosen access level and providing insight through AI services while ensuring user consent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If AI systems collect sensor data without user knowledge or consent, then data collection efficiency is improved, but user privacy and transparency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoiduser consent information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by embedding opt-in permission mechanisms before data collection occurs. Users are presented with access level selections prior to any sensor data being gathered, ensuring consent is obtained in advance rather than after collection has already taken place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the AI system and user data collection. This intermediary mechanism presents users with clear access level options and obtains explicit consent, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between efficient automated data collection and transparent user authorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed user information is collected for AI analysis, then insight quality is improved, but user data privacy risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser insight qualityVSAvoiddata privacy risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by allowing users to assign different access levels to different types of sensor data. Instead of a blanket permission approach, users can selectively grant access to specific data categories (e.g., allowing health data collection while restricting location data), enabling precise control over which local portions of their data are shared.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by introducing variable access levels that can be adjusted by users. The system transitions from a fixed all-or-nothing data collection model to a flexible multi-level permission system, where the degree of data access can be modified based on user preferences and privacy concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If comprehensive sensor data is processed by AI services, then service functionality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidpermission management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the permission management process into distinct, manageable components. Instead of presenting users with a single complex consent form, the patent divides permissions into multiple access levels organized by data type and usage purpose, making the complexity modular and easier to navigate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional access level system that handles various types of sensor data (camera, microphone, location, health data) through a unified permission framework. This single system serves multiple functions: it manages different data types, provides consistent user interface patterns, and enables comprehensive AI service functionality while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11822667B2Systems, apparatus, and methods for embedded opt-in permission for an artifical intelligence service
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US11822667B2 patent drawing
  • US11822667B2 patent drawing
  • US11822667B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods that can embed opt-in permission for an artificial intelligence (AI) service are provided. One method includes implementing, by a processor, an access level of a plurality of access levels for user sensor data. The method further includes, based on the implemented access level, generating, from a set of raw sensor data received from a set of sensors, a set of sensor data for a user of an apparatus and gaining insight about the user of the apparatus via an AI service utilizing the set of sensor data. Here, implementing the access level provides to the user of the apparatus an embedded opt-in permission for the AI service. Systems and apparatus that can include, perform, and/or implement the methods are also provided.