Stylus Pen Unlocking Electronic Device Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with pen input devices face challenges in securely releasing security modes, particularly when the device is lost and someone else attempts to use it, as current systems automatically release security modes upon connection with a trusted device.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device is configured to release its security mode via the pen input device only when a preset condition is met, ensuring enhanced security by requiring specific signals from the connected pen input device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic device automatically releases security mode upon connection with an external device via short-range wireless communication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because unauthorized access becomes possible if the device is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pen input device as an intermediary between the user and the electronic device for security mode release. Instead of directly connecting any external device to trigger security release, the system requires a specific pen input device that establishes a trusted relationship with the electronic device. This intermediary approach maintains ease of operation for authorized users while preventing unauthorized access, as the pen input device serves as a mediating authentication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of authentication requirement by introducing preset conditions that must be met before security mode release. The system transitions from automatic security release upon any connection to conditional security release only when specific parameters are satisfied (e.g., recognized pen input device, established trusted relationship). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational convenience for authorized users while ensuring security through conditional validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electronic device requires preset conditions to be met before releasing security mode via pen input device, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing trusted relationships and preset conditions before the security mode release scenario occurs. The electronic device and pen input device pre-establish authentication credentials and communication protocols during initial pairing. When security release is needed, the system simply validates against these pre-established conditions rather than performing complex real-time authentication, thus improving reliability while minimizing the perceived complexity during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3814879B1Electronic device including pen input device and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3814879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3814879B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3814879B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electronic device and method are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a housing, a display exposed through a portion of the housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected with the display and the wireless communication circuit, and a memory. The processor implements the method, including detecting an approach of a stylus pen in a lock state such that the stylus pen is disposed within a predetermined distance from a surface of the display, and changing the electronic device from the lock state to an unlock state based on at least in part on receiving, through the wireless communication circuit, a wireless signal generated by the stylus pen based on the approach of the stylus pen.