Automatic Sensitive Content Removal via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in maintaining the privacy of sensitive content on computer displays, particularly in environments where others may inadvertently or intentionally view the information, as existing methods rely on manual intervention and do not automatically adapt to changes in user proximity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automatically removes sensitive content from a display based on predefined policies, using sensors to detect user proximity and trigger actions such as hiding or locking content when the user is not present, and restoring it when they return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods (minimizing windows, locking system) are used to protect sensitive content, then privacy protection is achieved, but user convenience and automation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user presence through sensors (proximity sensors, cameras, microphones) and autonomously executes privacy protection actions such as minimizing windows, locking screens, or switching to kiosk mode without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own security state and responding automatically to potential privacy threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple privacy protection policies with different security levels and automatically applies the appropriate policy before a privacy breach can occur. By detecting user absence in advance and proactively securing sensitive content, the system prevents potential privacy violations rather than reacting after they occur.
2Reliability
If manual privacy protection actions are taken, then sensitive content is secured, but productivity and workflow continuity are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts privacy protection measures based on real-time detection of user presence and environmental factors. Instead of static, always-on security measures that disrupt workflow, the system activates protection only when sensors detect user absence or potential threats, allowing uninterrupted productivity when the user is present while maintaining security when absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (display content, system lock state, application visibility) based on detected conditions. When user presence is confirmed, the system maintains normal operational parameters for productivity; when absence is detected, parameters are changed to secure states, automatically transitioning between productivity and security modes without manual intervention.
3Extent of automation
If automatic sensor-based detection is implemented, then automation and responsiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors (such as cameras that can detect both presence and gestures, or microphones that detect both speech and ambient noise) to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously. This reduces the total number of separate components needed while achieving comprehensive automatic detection capabilities for user presence, movement, and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (proximity sensing, motion detection, audio detection) into an integrated presence detection system that coordinates sensors and processing to achieve comprehensive user presence monitoring. By merging detection functions into a unified system rather than separate independent systems, the patent reduces overall complexity while maintaining automated responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system or computer usable program product for automatically removing sensitive content from a display responsive to removal of user physical proximity from a computer peripheral including utilizing a predefined policy stored in persistent memory for monitoring user interaction with a computer peripheral for a criterion, wherein the criterion is a removal of user contact with the computer peripheral, and responsive to detecting the criterion with a processor, performing a removal action related to displaying sensitive content according to the predefined policy.