Wearable Physiological Sensor Privacy Control via Dedicated Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices collect and maintain private data, which can be accessed by third-party applications or remote computing devices, posing risks to user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device with physiological sensors, a processor, and an actuator that transitions between privacy and non-privacy modes, allowing users to control data access through a dedicated privacy switch, enabling secure data handling and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device allows continuous data collection and communication, then data availability and functionality are improved, but privacy security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between normal operation mode and privacy mode based on user input from the actuator. During normal mode, data collection and communication functions operate fully. When the actuator is actuated, the system transitions to privacy mode where data access is restricted, allowing the device to adapt its functionality based on real-time user needs while maintaining security when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the privacy control function through a dedicated actuator mechanism that is separate from the main data processing system. This isolated actuator serves as a direct user-controlled switch that can independently trigger privacy mode without affecting other device functions, allowing selective restriction of data access while maintaining other capabilities.
2Reliability
If the device implements strict privacy protection, then data security is improved, but device functionality and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service privacy control through a dedicated actuator that users can directly interact with to enable or disable privacy mode. This eliminates the need for complex software interfaces or multiple authentication steps, allowing users to quickly and intuitively control their data privacy settings through simple physical interaction while maintaining strong security protections.
Solution Approach 2:
The privacy control functionality is segmented into a separate, dedicated actuator mechanism rather than being integrated into the main user interface. This segmentation allows privacy control to be handled through a simple, dedicated interaction point while keeping the rest of the device functionality intact and accessible, thus maintaining ease of use without compromising security.
3Productivity
If the device maintains continuous data processing, then productivity and functionality are improved, but privacy risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary anti-action by proactively restricting data processing and communication functions when the actuator is actuated, before any unauthorized access can occur. This preemptive privacy mode activation prevents harmful data access while allowing full productivity to be maintained during normal operation, thus addressing privacy risks before they materialize.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can comprise physiological sensors that can generate sensor data, a device processor, an actuator, and a controller electrically connected with the device processor and the actuator. The controller can monitor the state of the actuator; communicate a notification signal to the device processor to cause the device processor to prepare for a privacy mode responsive to determining that the actuator is in a privacy state, delay implementing the privacy mode until one or more conditions have been satisfied to allow the device processor to prepare for the privacy mode pursuant to communicating the notification signal to the device processor; and implement the privacy mode to inhibit access to the sensor data responsive to satisfaction of the one or more conditions.