Smart Device Location Access Control via Dynamic Rule Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling access to location information on smart devices are inadequate, as users are not adequately informed about location data usage by applications, and there is a lack of application-level control, leading to potential unintended disclosure of personal information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a smart device that senses access to location information by applications and uses predefined rules to authorize or deny access, providing user notification and control through a user interface for setting location information access based on environmental changes, application requirements, and specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OS-level control of access to location information is implemented, then security is improved, but application-level control and adaptability to different application requirements are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location information access control into multiple levels: OS-level control for basic security and application-level control for specific app requirements. The controller divides the control authority between the operating system and individual applications, allowing each to have appropriate access permissions based on their specific needs while maintaining overall security.
2Reliability
If location information access is controlled at application installation time, then security is improved, but control during application execution and adaptability to environment changes are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of location information access during application execution. The controller continuously monitors application behavior and environmental conditions, adjusting access permissions in real-time based on current context rather than static pre-installation settings. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining security.
3Loss of information
If users are notified about location information acquisition during installation, then user awareness is improved, but user attention and proper control are lost due to notification fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller provides continuous notifications to users about location information access during application execution. Rather than a single notification at installation, the system provides ongoing feedback about which applications are accessing location data and under what conditions, allowing users to maintain awareness and control throughout the application lifecycle.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and a User Equipment (UE) for controlling access to location information about the UE are provided. The UE includes a controller configured, upon sensing access to the location information about the UE by an application operating in an operating system (OS) of the UE, to match a rule defining access authorization of the application to the location information, and to determine whether to allow or deny access of the application to the location information based on the access authorization, and a display configured to display a screen under control of the controller.