User Interface Privacy Protection via Viewing Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting information on user interfaces, such as login authentication and image-based user verification, fail to prevent unauthorized access from onlookers in public settings, as they do not effectively obscure sensitive information from view.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies the viewing position of individuals relative to the user interface and determines an information viewability threshold based on the sensitivity and characteristics of the information displayed, performing actions such as alerting the user or obfuscating the information to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If login authentication is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but onlookers can still view information on the user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing selective obfuscation of specific information regions on the display based on viewer position. Different portions of the interface are protected differently - sensitive areas are obscured when viewed from unauthorized angles while other areas remain visible, creating spatially varying information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to information protection by using multiple cameras positioned at different angles to capture the display from various perspectives. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to determine viewer position and apply obfuscation accordingly, transforming a two-dimensional display problem into a three-dimensional spatial control problem.
2Reliability
If image-based user verification is implemented, then user authentication is achieved, but onlookers can still shoulder-surf while the authenticated user operates the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by proactively obscuring information on the display before an onlooker can read it. The system continuously monitors viewer position and applies obfuscation in advance, preventing the harmful effect of shoulder-surfing rather than reacting after information has been exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, processors, and obfuscation mechanisms that mediate between the display and the viewer. This intermediary layer controls information flow by selectively obscuring content based on viewer authentication status, blocking onlookers from viewing sensitive information while allowing authenticated users full access.
3Ease of operation
If information is displayed on the user interface, then information accessibility is improved, but privacy protection from onlookers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display content dynamically adjustable based on real-time viewer position detection. The system continuously adapts the level of obfuscation applied to different regions of the interface, switching between visible and obscured states as viewers move in and out of unauthorized viewing zones, creating a dynamic privacy protection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for protecting information on a user interface based on a viewability of the information are disclosed. According to one method, a viewing position of a person other than a user with respect to information on a user interface is identified. An information viewability threshold is determined based on the information on the user interface. Further, an action associated with the user interface is performed based on the identified viewing position and the determined information viewability threshold.