Locking View Overlay for Widget Privacy Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing application information on smartphones, such as application locks, do not effectively protect privacy information when it is displayed in widgets or notification messages, leading to potential information leaks.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device detects updates of application information, such as widgets or notification messages, and displays a locking view over the updated information if the corresponding application is locked by an application lock, thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If application lock is implemented to protect privacy information, then security of application information is improved, but application information displayed in widgets or notification messages can still be accessed by others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of application informationVSAvoidinformation leak in widgets or notification messages

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking view is nested over the widget or notification message, creating a layered structure where the lock interface is superimposed on top of the application information display. This allows the locking mechanism to be integrated within the existing display framework without requiring complete redesign of how application information is presented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking view acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the application information. It mediates the interaction by requiring authentication before allowing access to the underlying widget or notification message content, thus preventing direct access while maintaining the display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If locking view is displayed over application information, then unauthorized access is prevented, but user operation convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of privacy informationVSAvoiduser access to application information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking view is displayed in advance before the user attempts to access the application information. This preliminary locking action ensures that unauthorized access is prevented from the outset, while the unlock mechanism is already prepared and accessible to legitimate users who need to view the information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking view provides feedback to the user about the security state of the application information. It communicates that authentication is required, and upon successful authentication, it removes the locking overlay, providing visual feedback that the information is now accessible. This feedback loop maintains user convenience by clearly indicating when access is blocked and when it is enabled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12277252B2Application information display method and related device

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses an application information display method and a related device. The method includes: An electronic device detects an update event of application information of a first application, and in response to the update event, the electronic device determines whether the first application is locked by an application lock, where the application information may be a widget or a notification message; and the electronic device displays a locking view over the application message after determining that the first application is locked by the application lock.