Proximity Blocker for Automatic App Access Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart electronic devices have become a source of distraction and addiction, leading to societal issues such as relationship failure and poor work performance, and existing technologies lack effective solutions to manage device usage.
Innovation Solution
A blocker device that communicates with user devices via NFC or other protocols to automatically change configurations, preventing or allowing access to applications, hardware, or settings based on proximity and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocker device is introduced to restrict application access, then device usage addiction is reduced, but device functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes device configuration based on blocker device proximity. When a blocker device is detected via NFC, the system automatically applies restrictive configurations; when removed, normal access is restored. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making restrictions conditional rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker device acts as an intermediary that mediates between the user and the user device. It communicates authentication data and configuration instructions through NFC, enabling controlled access without permanently modifying the user device. The intermediary nature allows flexible enforcement of usage policies while maintaining full device functionality when needed.
2Extent of automation
If automatic configuration changes are implemented, then device usage control is improved, but user operation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service automation through proximity-based triggering. When the blocker device is brought near the user device, the configuration changes occur automatically without requiring user authentication or manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the blocker and autonomously applying the appropriate configuration, resolving the contradiction between automation and user control.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration profiles are pre-defined and stored in advance for different blocker devices. When a blocker is detected, the corresponding pre-configured settings are automatically applied without requiring real-time user input. This preliminary preparation enables seamless automated control while maintaining user flexibility through pre-approved configuration options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple blocker devices are supported, then device usage management versatility is improved, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universal authentication by storing authentication data for multiple blocker devices in a unified manner. Each blocker device, regardless of its specific identity, follows the same NFC-based authentication protocol. The user device universally recognizes any registered blocker through the same mechanism, enabling multi-device support without increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A blocker device that changes a configuration of a user smart device. The blocker device emits an active or passive signal. The user smart device, when disposed within a certain distance of the blocker device, receives such a signal to determine that the blocker device is disposed within a certain distance of the user device. Upon detection of the blocker device being disposed proximate the user device, the user device's configuration is modified so that user access to at least one or more applications on the user device is changed.