Software Privacy Filter Using Moving Virtual Picket Fence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display privacy filters are cumbersome to install and use, as they must be physically applied to computing devices and operate continuously, failing to provide flexible privacy control for users who need to switch between private and public viewing modes.
Innovation Solution
A software-based solution that creates a semi-transparent topmost window with a moving privacy pattern, such as a virtual picket fence, to obscure content from side angles while allowing clear viewing from directly in front, with adjustable parameters for line style, transparency, and movement speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical privacy filter is installed on the display, then privacy protection is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to physical installation requirements and continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical privacy filter with a software-based virtual privacy filter implemented as a topmost window with moving privacy patterns. This eliminates the need for physical installation and removal, allowing users to enable or disable privacy protection through software controls while maintaining the same privacy obscuration effect through animated patterns like picket fences or blinds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of privacy filter parameters including pattern type (picket fence, blinds, etc.), line thickness, spacing, animation speed, and transparency levels. Users can modify these parameters to balance privacy protection with viewing quality and performance requirements, transforming the fixed physical filter into an adaptable software solution.
2Reliability
If a physical privacy filter is installed on the display, then privacy protection is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as users cannot easily switch between private and public viewing modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual privacy filter that can be easily enabled or disabled through software controls, allowing users to switch between private and public viewing modes instantly. The filter can be applied selectively to specific application windows or the entire screen, and can be adjusted in real-time based on user needs without physical reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The privacy filter uses animated patterns that continuously move or refresh (such as moving picket fences or sliding blinds) to maintain privacy protection. This periodic motion ensures that stationary observers cannot easily discern screen content, while allowing legitimate users to view the display when needed through the animated pattern.
3Reliability
If a physical privacy filter is installed on the display, then privacy protection is improved, but loss of time increases due to installation and removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation and removal process with software-based activation and deactivation. The virtual privacy filter is implemented as a software component that can be launched, configured, and removed through standard operating system operations, eliminating the time-consuming physical installation process entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The privacy filter functionality is pre-configured and ready to be activated instantly when needed. Users can set up the filter parameters in advance, and when privacy protection is required, the filter is immediately activated without any installation delay. The filter can be quickly removed or disabled when no longer needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A software-based privacy filter is provided on a computing device. First, a content window is opened and displayed on a display of the computing device. Then a semi-transparent topmost window is created, wherein the semi-transparent topmost window includes a moving privacy pattern designed to obscure first portions of the content window at a first time and obscure second portions of the content window at a second time. The semi-transparent topmost window is then displayed on top of the first content window on the display of the computing device.