User Presence Detection Wake and Lock for Multi-User IHS Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 and lock methods, leading to power loss and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
Implement a database of trusted users (TMU database) that stores biometric data and policy settings, enabling personalized wake and lock actions based on user identity and presence, preventing unauthorized access and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system automatically wakes from low power state upon detecting any user presence, then system accessibility is improved, but power consumption increases due to spurious wake events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between trusted users and other users through biometric identification. The system selectively applies different wake policies based on user identity: trusted users can wake the system, while non-trusted users cannot. This resolves the contradiction by making system accessibility selective rather than universal, preventing spurious wake events from unauthorized users while maintaining easy access for authorized users.
2Ease of operation
If the system remains unlocked for extended periods to allow user access, then ease of operation is improved, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively locking the system after a predetermined period of inactivity or when the authenticated user leaves the field of view, rather than waiting for a security incident. This resolves the contradiction by automatically securing the system before potential unauthorized access can occur, while still allowing convenient access during active use periods through the authenticated user's presence detection.
3Reliability
If the system locks immediately when user presence is lost, then security is improved, but system availability deteriorates due to premature locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a configurable lock timeout period rather than immediate locking. The system dynamically adjusts its security state based on the passage of time and continued detection of the authenticated user. This resolves the contradiction by providing a grace period that maintains system availability for brief interruptions while ultimately securing the system if the user remains absent, balancing security and productivity needs.
4Reliability
If biometric identification is implemented to distinguish trusted users, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing traditional mechanical or manual authentication methods (such as physical keys or manual login procedures) with biometric identification systems. This resolves the contradiction by using advanced sensing and pattern recognition capabilities to provide enhanced security through natural biological characteristics, accepting the increased complexity as necessary for the improved security level in multi-user environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods are provided for managing and operating a user presence detection (UPD) capable information handling system (IHS) within a multi-user environment. The systems and methods disclosed herein improve system security and reduce power loss in a UPD-capable IHS operated within a multi-user environment by continuously: (a) monitoring user presence within a field of view (FOV) of the UPD-capable IHS, (b) determining the identity of the user(s) present within the FOV by comparing biometric data obtained from the user(s) present within the FOV with biometric data contained within a database of trusted users, and (c) performing various actions, such as waking the IHS from a low power state or locking an active system session of the IHS, based on the identity of the user(s) present with FOV.