Privacy-Aware Data Access Using Environmental Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data access methods primarily rely on user authentication, which may not ensure privacy, as unauthorized individuals nearby can access sensitive information even if the user is authenticated, particularly in public or insecure locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that assesses access to data based on user location, using sensors to detect nearby individuals or surveillance devices and verifying whether they can view the data without direct access, allowing access only if authorized and in a secure location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is implemented, then access control is improved, but privacy protection deteriorates because unauthorized persons nearby can still view data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access control process into two independent layers: authentication layer (verifying user identity) and privacy layer (detecting nearby unauthorized persons). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable access control while simultaneously addressing privacy concerns by evaluating environmental context separately from user credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces environmental sensors (cameras, microphones, proximity detectors) as intermediary devices that act as a mediator between the user and the data. These sensors detect the presence and characteristics of nearby persons, providing an intermediate verification layer that determines whether it's safe to display data even when authentication succeeds.
2Reliability
If continuous authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using environmental sensors to automatically and continuously monitor the presence of unauthorized persons without requiring active user participation. The system autonomously evaluates privacy risks by detecting nearby individuals, devices, or surveillance equipment, eliminating the need for complex continuous authentication protocols while maintaining high security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If location-based access control is implemented, then privacy protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by automatically detecting the device's geographic location and comparing it against predefined safe locations stored in the system. This automatic location verification occurs without user intervention, allowing users to access data in authorized locations while blocking access in unauthorized locations, thereby improving privacy protection without requiring users to manually configure or remember location restrictions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and method for securely providing access to data. In one exemplary aspect, a method may comprise receiving a request to access data on a computing device of a user and identifying a location of the computing device. The method may comprise determining whether access to the data is allowed in the location based on a location-based rule of a plurality of location-based rule. The method may comprise, in response to determining that access to the data is allowed in the location, detecting, via sensors of the computing device, (1) at least one other person different from the user or (2) a surveillance device in the location, and determining whether the at least one other person or the surveillance device can view the data without direct access to the computing device. If not, the method may comprise providing access to the data on the computing device.