Wearable Display Privacy via Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable computing devices face privacy concerns as non-intended users can view private information displayed on them, and existing security mechanisms are inadequate to manage access to sensitive data effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize motion data from wearable computing devices to determine when the user is likely viewing the device, allowing private information to be selectively displayed while hiding it from others, by receiving incoming communication indications, determining their private nature, and outputting non-private information until user verification through motion analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If private information is displayed on wearable computing device, then user can access information quickly, but unauthorized users can view the private information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation access speedVSAvoidprivacy breach risk
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically switches between showing private information and showing placeholder content based on detected user presence. Motion sensors detect wrist movements to determine when the user is looking at the device, and the display content is adjusted in real-time accordingly, making the security mechanism adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A motion detection intermediary system acts as a mediator between the private information and the display. The motion sensors and processing system serve as an intermediary layer that controls whether private information should be displayed, preventing direct unauthorized access while allowing legitimate user access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If motion detection is used to control private information display, then privacy security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device uses its own built-in motion sensors to detect user presence and control the display of private information. The system is self-sufficient, using the device's existing sensors and processing capabilities rather than requiring external security systems, thereby minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The motion detection functionality is merged with the existing display control system. The same processors and sensors that handle basic device operations are also used for privacy control, combining multiple functions into existing system components rather than adding separate dedicated security hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3301602B1Managing display of private information
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3301602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one example, a method includes receiving a first indication of an incoming communication and determining that the incoming communication includes private information. The method may also include outputting, for display at a wearable computing device, a second indication of the incoming communication, wherein the indication includes non-private information. The method may also include determining, based on motion data generated by the wearable computing device, that a user of the wearable computing device is likely viewing the wearable computing device. The method may also include outputting, for display at the wearable computing device, an indication of the private information.