Proximity-Based Information Display Control for Device Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies do not effectively secure personally identifiable information on computing devices by preventing unauthorized access when the user is not proximate to the device.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that detects user proximity using biometric and proximity sensors, and only allows communication and presentation of information when a known user is present, disabling communication and presentation when the user is not proximate, and optionally deleting sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device continuously receives and displays information from managed devices, then the information is always accessible to the user, but unauthorized users can access the information when the device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the user's identity and proximity status before allowing information access. By checking whether the user is a known user and is proximate to the device in advance, the system prevents unauthorized access before it can occur, resolving the contradiction between security and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts information accessibility based on real-time conditions - specifically, whether an authenticated user is proximate to the device. Information access is enabled when the user is proximate and disabled when the user moves away, creating a dynamic security model that adapts to the user's physical presence rather than using static access controls.
2Reliability
If the device allows continuous access to personally identifiable information, then the user can always monitor managed devices, but the device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access when lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of user identity and proximity status before permitting access to personally identifiable information. This advance authentication ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data, preventing privacy breaches while maintaining information availability for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces proximity detection and user authentication as intermediary checks between the information storage system and the display system. These intermediaries verify the user's identity and physical presence before allowing information to be transmitted from storage to display, acting as a gatekeeper that protects privacy while enabling legitimate access.
3Reliability
If the device stops communicating with managed devices when the user is not proximate, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the user cannot access information when returning to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the communication state based on real-time proximity detection. When the user approaches the device, the system automatically transitions from a stopped state to an active state, resuming information reception and display. This dynamic behavior maintains security during periods of non-use while ensuring immediate availability when the user returns, resolving the contradiction between security protection and access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses proximity sensors to continuously monitor user presence and provides feedback to the communication control logic. When the sensor detects that the user has returned to proximate distance, the system receives this feedback and automatically resumes information communication, creating a closed-loop control system that balances security and accessibility based on real-time conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security by ensuring that personally identifiable information is not accessible to unauthorized users, maintaining privacy and security of the device's information.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor of the first device determines that a known user is within proximity of the first device
Data Source
AI summary
A determination is made as to whether a known user is proximate to a first device. While a known user is proximate to the first device the first device can receive and display information received from one or more second devices. However, if a known user is not proximate to the first device, the first device communicates an indication to the one or more second devices to no longer communicate information to the first device. Additionally or alternatively, if a known user is not proximate to the first device, the first device does not display any information received from the one or more second devices.