Interactive Whiteboard Session Termination via Occupancy Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Interactive whiteboards face security breaches due to unattended writing, which can lead to inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information, as existing systems lack effective automatic session-ending mechanisms to ensure data protection.

Innovation Solution

An interactive whiteboard system equipped with sensors that detect user presence and activity, automatically syncing data to a remote server and deleting local storage when the user is no longer nearby, ensuring secure logout and data protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If occupancy sensors are used to detect user presence and automatically control whiteboard sessions, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The whiteboard system automatically detects user presence through occupancy sensors, syncs data to remote servers, and ends sessions without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and taking appropriate actions, thereby improving data security while the automation handles the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A remote server acts as an intermediary between the whiteboard system and data storage. The whiteboard syncs data to the server rather than storing it locally, providing an additional layer of security. The server mediates the data storage function, allowing the whiteboard to maintain security without managing complex local storage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If automatic session ending is implemented, then data protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors user presence and manages session ending without requiring users to remember to log out. Occupancy sensors continuously check for user presence, and the system autonomously syncs data and ends sessions when users leave, protecting data while adding no operational burden to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses occupancy sensor feedback to automatically trigger data synchronization and session ending. When sensors detect user absence, the system receives feedback and automatically executes protective actions, creating a closed-loop system that protects data without requiring user awareness or intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If data synchronization to remote server is performed, then data security is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs data synchronization periodically based on occupancy detection rather than continuously. When occupancy sensors detect user presence, the system knows data needs to be synced. When users are absent, the system pauses synchronization, reducing energy consumption while maintaining security through periodic updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines when data synchronization is needed based on its own operational state and user presence detection. It self-regulates the synchronization process to minimize energy consumption while ensuring data is backed up when necessary, without requiring external control or continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively prevents data breaches by ensuring secure logout and data synchronization, maintaining data integrity and security even when users forget to log out, thereby protecting sensitive information.

Implementation Method 1

Typical sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology. These detect infrared energy from moving objects.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPassive infrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2637076B1Automatic ending of interactive whiteboard sessions
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2637076B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2637076B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2637076B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for automatically ending an interactive device session. In one embodiment, the system comprises a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and operable to: log out a user, delete locally stored data created during a session, and place one or more system hardware components in a reduced power consumption state based on: occupancy sensor data indicating presence or absence of one or more individuals in proximity to an occupancy sensor, and activity information associated with a display surface.