Presence-Based Content Control for Multi-User Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication techniques for computing devices, which couple content restrictions to a logged-in account, are inadequate for multiple user scenarios such as shared family accounts or business collaborations, leading to unintended access to restricted content by unauthorized users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing presence-based content control methods that recognize users' presence independently of authentication, using sensors like cameras or presence devices, to enforce content restrictions and control actions, such as pausing or hiding restricted content, without requiring users to log in or authenticate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content restrictions are coupled to a logged-in account, then authentication security is maintained, but content restriction enforcement fails in multi-user scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content control mechanism into two independent parts: authentication (account-based) and content restriction enforcement (presence-based). This allows the system to maintain security through authentication while enabling flexible content control through presence detection, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability in multi-user scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (presence detection system) that acts as a mediator between the logged-in user and content access. This intermediary detects actual user presence and enforces content restrictions independently of account authentication, allowing the system to support multiple users simultaneously while maintaining security
2Adaptability or versatility
If presence-based content control is implemented, then multi-user scenario support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated presence detection that operates without requiring manual user input or authentication for each user. The system automatically detects user presence and enforces content restrictions autonomously, reducing the operational complexity despite increasing the system's technical capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the presence detection system universal by enabling it to work across multiple user scenarios (family accounts, business collaborations, simultaneous viewing) without requiring separate authentication flows for each scenario, thereby managing complexity through unified multi-functional design
3Measurement precision
If traditional authentication techniques are used, then user identification is maintained, but unintended access to restricted content occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring user presence and using this information to dynamically adjust content access in real-time. The system receives feedback from presence sensors and automatically responds by blocking or allowing content based on detected user presence, preventing unintended access without compromising identification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Presence based content access control techniques are described in which presence of users is used as a basis for enforcing content restrictions. In an implementation, applications are registered to receive feedback regarding users' presence in relation to a presentation of content via a computing device. The presence of users is recognized independently of authentication of the users to access user accounts. For example, an imaging sensor such as camera may be employed for recognition of multiple users engaged with the computing device. In addition or alternatively, presence devices associated with users such as badges, key fobs, or access cards may be detected to ascertain the presence of users. Feedback indicative of the one or more users that are recognized may then be supplied to the registered applications. The feedback enables the applications to control the presentation of content by enforcing content restrictions and/or taking other presence based actions.