Portable Terminal Automatic Unlocking via Location Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable terminals require frequent unlocking with passwords or patterns, which is inconvenient but compromises security when settings are easy, and vice versa, necessitating a method for automatic unlocking in specific conditions or locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatic unlocking of portable terminals using location information or neighboring device information, where the terminal collects specific information and automatically unlocks if it meets pre-set conditions, such as being within a designated area or in communication range with a neighboring device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a difficult pattern or password is set to enforce security, then security of the portable terminal is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the unlocking requirement conditional rather than static. The terminal dynamically adjusts whether unlocking is needed based on location information and pre-set conditions. When the terminal detects it is in a secure location (satisfying pre-set conditions), automatic unlocking occurs without user input. When conditions are not met, the difficult pattern or password remains required. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making security enforcement flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of unlocking requirement from a constant state to a variable state based on location parameters. By using location information (GPS coordinates, area codes, etc.) as changing parameters, the system determines whether to apply the difficult pattern/password or enable automatic unlocking. This parameter change allows the terminal to adapt security enforcement to contextual conditions, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If an easy pattern or password is set for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security of the portable terminal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts security enforcement based on location context. Even when an easy pattern or password is set, the terminal evaluates location information against pre-set conditions to determine whether automatic unlocking should occur. This dynamic control ensures that easy access is granted only in secure locations, preventing the security deterioration that would occur with universally easy authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces location information as an intermediary between the user and the authentication process. Instead of directly using the easy pattern/password for all access attempts, the system first checks location conditions through this intermediary. Only when location conditions are satisfied does the system permit unlocking, even with an easy credential. This intermediary layer preserves security while allowing ease of operation under appropriate conditions.
3Ease of operation
If automatic unlocking is enabled without conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the automatic unlocking function from an unconditional state to a conditional state by introducing location parameters. The terminal collects location information (GPS coordinates, area codes, cell tower data) and compares it against pre-set condition parameters. Automatic unlocking occurs only when these parameters match, ensuring that ease of operation is granted selectively rather than universally, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining convenience for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring location information and comparing it against pre-set conditions to determine whether automatic unlocking should be enabled. This feedback loop ensures that automatic unlocking is activated only when location conditions are satisfied, preventing unauthorized access in insecure locations while providing convenient access in secure locations. The feedback mechanism bridges security requirements with ease of operation needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method automatically unlocks a portable terminal. The method includes collecting specific information by the portable terminal at a current location, and if the specific information satisfies a pre-set condition, automatically unlocking the terminal.