User Presence Wake Control for Secure Multi-User PCs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional UPD-capable information handling systems face issues in multi-user environments, including spurious system wake events and unauthorized access due to lack of customization in wake methods and inadequate lock mechanisms, leading to power loss and security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implement a database of trusted users (TMU database) to manage system wake and lock events based on user presence, using biometric data to identify trusted users and enforce secure actions, such as immediate locking or requiring additional input for system wake, thereby enhancing security and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the system uses conventional wake methods that detect any user presence, then the system responds quickly to user needs, but spurious wake events occur and power is wasted when unauthorized users trigger wake events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem wake response speedVSAvoidpower loss from spurious wake events

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces biometric data as an intermediary verification layer between user presence detection and system wake events. The processor compares biometric data from detected users against stored biometric profiles to determine authorized access, preventing spurious wake events while maintaining quick response for authenticated users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system implements immediate locking when users leave, then security is improved, but false locking occurs when multiple authorized users are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidsystem availability for authorized users

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors user presence and biometric data, providing feedback to determine locking actions. When a user leaves the FOV, the system checks biometric data of remaining users to decide whether to lock, ensuring security while preventing false locking when authorized users are present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Biometric data serves as an intermediary verification mechanism that resolves the conflict between security and availability. The processor uses biometric comparison to intelligently determine when locking is appropriate, balancing security requirements with operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the system wakes immediately upon detecting any user, then user convenience is maximized, but unauthorized access risk increases in multi-user environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidunauthorized access vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Biometric verification acts as an intermediary security layer that maintains user convenience for authorized individuals while blocking unauthorized access. The system compares biometric data against stored profiles to authenticate users before allowing wake events, eliminating the need for generic wake restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12561426B2System and methods for managing a system wake event for an information handling system based on user presence

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Embodiments of systems and methods are provided for managing system wake events within an information handling system (IHS) located in a multi-user environment. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein improve system security within an IHS located within a multi-user environment by: (a) monitoring user presence of one or more users present within a field of view (FOV) of the IHS during a system wake event, and (b) waking the IHS in a secure operating mode or a non-secured operating mode, based on the user(s) present with the FOV during the system wake event.