WO2012118517A1

WO2012118517A1 - Large interactive device logon systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2012118517A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/038462
Authority: WO
Inventors: April Slayden Mitchell; Susie Wee; Qi-bin SUN; Mark C Solomon; Glenn A Wong
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2011-02-28
Filing date: 2011-05-27
Publication date: 2012-09-07

Abstract

Large Interactive Device (LID) logon systems and methods are provided. A representative LID logon method can include initiating (110) a user session on an LID supporting a plurality of users by providing an affirmative user session initiation input to the LID. The method can further include maintaining (120) the user session while the user remains proximate the LID. The method can include terminating (130) the user session upon fulfillment of at least one of: the user not remaining proximate the LID; or the user providing an affirmative user termination input to the LID.

Description

[0001] A Large Interactive Device (LiD) includes an interactive display device or devices providing a gateway to access one or more computing devices, products, or services. A LID can support any number of users from a single user to multiple simultaneous users. On occasion, multiple LID users can work cooperatively, for example in collaborative groups using a single, shared, common, LID. At other times, multiple LID users can work independently, for example as users accessing personal data such as email using a single, shared, common, LID. As with any platform or device simultaneously accessible to multiple users, concerns over account security and data privacy may exist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Advantages of one or more disclosed embodiments may become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0003] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative Large Interactive Device ("LID") logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0004] Fig. 2 is a flow diagram depicting another illustrative LID logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0005] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0006] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein;

[0007] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein; [0008] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting an illustrative UD logon system, according to one or more embodiments described herein; and

[G009J Fig. 7 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] A Large Interactive Device (LID) can be composed of a single device or a plurality of independent interactive devices arranged in a fixed pattern or array, for example nine, 42 inch, monitors arranged in a 3x3 array. The interactive nature of the device can be inherent, for example through the use of touch sensitive display devices. The interactive nature can also be provided using an external device, for example a position detection device such as a frame or bezel deployed about the perimeter of the LID.

[0011 ] Multiple users can use a LID to gain access to one or more computing devices, products, or services. Where the multiple users are collaborating on a group project, privacy issues may be minimal. However, where multiple users are working individually or independently, particularly where private information may be accessed by some or all of the users, addressing privacy issues may be of paramount consideration in encouraging widespread acceptance and use of the LID.

[0012] Privacy issues can arise where an interactive session commences as an individual approaches the LID, for example where a LID begins providing data to the user immediately upon detecting the presence of the user. Such issues upon session initiation are compounded further when the LID is able to identify the user and begins feeding personal data such as email to the individual prior to logging in on the LID or, worse yet, when the individual does not desire display of such information. Additional privacy concerns are raised upon termination of a session, for example when a user departs the proximity of the LID prior to logging out of the LID. [0013] Large Interactive Device (LID) logon systems and methods are therefore provided. A representative LID logon method can include initiating a user session on an LID supporting a plurality of users by providing an affirmative user session initiation input to the LID. The method can further include maintaining the user session while the user remains proximate the LID. The method can include terminating the user session upon fulfillment of at least one of: the user not remaining proximate the LID; or the user providing an affirmative user termination input to the LID.

[0014] A representative LID logon system can include a LID supporting a plurality of users. The system can also include an input to the LID to detect the plurality of users proximate the LID. The system can further provide a user session initiation input coupled to the LID to initiate an independent user session for each of the plurality of users and a user session termination input coupled to the LID to terminate the independent user session for each of the plurality of users.

[0015] Another representative LID logon system can include detecting at least one user using proximate a LID supporting a plurality of users using a LID input and initiating an independent session for each user of the LID by providing a unique prompt for each user to provide an affirmative session initiation input to the LID. The method can further include identifying the user of the LID and communicating content personalized specific to each user of the LID. The method can include maintaining the independent session for each user while said user remains proximate the LID. The method can also include terminating the independent session upon fulfillment of at least one of: the user initiating the session not remaining proximate the LID as determined using the at least one LID input; or the user initiating the session providing an affirmative user session termination input to the LID.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative Large Interactive Device ("LID") logon method 100, according to one or more embodiments. The method 100 can provide a way for a plurality of independent users to securely, privately, access data using a single, common LID. The method can include starting or otherwise establishing a session on the LID, maintaining the session for the while the user is proximate the LID, and terminating the session based upon one or more user inputs. [0017] The method can include initiating a user session when the user provides an affirmative input to the LID at 1 10. The affirmative input at 1 10 can include an active input, for example touching an icon displayed on the LID or entering a logon ID and password to initiate the session on the LID. However, in other embodiments, the affirmative input at 1 10 can include a passive input, for example sensing the presence of the user via one or more portable electronic devices carried by, and associated with the user. In other embodiments, the LID can include one or more sensing devices to detect the presence of one or more users proximate the LID. In yet other embodiments, the affirmative input at 1 10 can include a combination of active and passive inputs, for example by presenting the user with a personalized logon ID and password input when the user's presence is sensed.

[G018J In some embodiments, the initiation of a user session can include the user positioning a near-field communication (NFC) enabled electronic device within a predetermined distance of the LID, for example using ISO/IEC 14443 proximity card standard, or similar technology. In other embodiments, the initiation of a user session can include the user positioning an identification card or similar electronically identifiable device within a predetermined distance of the LID.

[0019] The method can further include maintaining a user session while sensing the presence of the user at 120. Once a user affirmatively accepts the initiation of the user session at 1 10, the LID can maintain the session while the user remains proximate the LID. Such detection may not require the user provide continuous input to the LID to maintain the user session - for example, a user may maintain a session simply by remaining proximate the LID without providing input to the LID. Such functionality can encourage collaborative use of the LID since a user will not be logged out due to inactivity while discussing the contents presented by the LID with other users.

[0020] In some embodiments, maintaining the user session while the user remains proximate the LID at 120 can be accomplished in whole or in part using one or more proximity or similar sensor coupled to the LID. In other embodiments, maintaining the user session while the user remains proximate the LID at 120 can be accomplished in whole or in part using one or more electronically detectable devices associated with the user. Such sensors can identify the user and provide an input to the LID while the user remains proximate the LID. In yet other embodiments, detecting the presence of the user at 120 can be accomplished in whole or in part based upon user supplied input to or interaction with the LID.

[0021] A user session can be terminated based upon fulfillment of at least one condition at 130. In some embodiments, the user session can be terminated when the user is no longer proximate the LID - such loss of proximity could include a user either moving away from the LID Itself or moving away from the interactive session initiated by the user at 110. The session could be terminated only when the user is not within a given distance of the LID, for example when the user is no longer detected within 6 feet or 2 meters of the LID. In other embodiments, the session could be terminated when the user is no longer detected within 3 feet or 1 meter of the session initiated by the user at 110.

[0022] In other embodiments, the user session can be terminated at 130 based upon provision of an affirmative user session termination input to the LID. In some embodiments, the user can interact in an affirmative manner indicating the user's desire to terminate the session. Such actions can include a deliberate gesture input to the LID or entry of a logout request into the LID by the user. In at least some embodiments, the LID can save the user session in whole or in part within a memory coupled to the LID prior to terminating the user session.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a flow diagram depicting another illustrative LID logon method 200, according to one or more embodiments. In at least some embodiments, the LID can detect the presence of a user at 210, before the user provides an affirmative user session initiation input to the LID at 110. The LID can detect the presence of the user via one or more sensors coupled to the LID and providing an input to the LID. illustrative sensing technologies include, among others, infrared, ultrasonic, and radar based proximity or position sensors. In at least some embodiments, the LID can detect the presence of a user based upon the RF emissions of at least one electronic device carried by and associated with a user. For example, a Bluetooth^ enabled cellular telephone or portable computing device can be detected by the LID as the user approaches the LID. Information provided by the electronic device to the LID can, in some embodiments, identify a particular individual to the LID. [0024] Fig. 3 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method 300, according to one or more embodiments. In at least some embodiments, after detecting the presence of a user at 210, the LID can provide a prompt for the user to initiate an affirmative user session input to the LID at 310. In some embodiments, the detection and provision of the prompt by the LID can include detecting the presence of a device associated with a unique user, for example an electronic identity card, electronic passport, a magnetic stripe card such as a driver's license or credit card, or similar electronically readable media. The ability to autonomously identify and provide custom prompt information to a user can reduce or even eliminate the need for the user to manually enter personal information on the LID. Elimination of manual entry can minimize the likelihood of a third party surreptitiously obtaining personal information during a user login.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method 400, according to one or more embodiments. In at least some embodiments, after a user session is initiated at 1 10, the LID can identify the user using data stored in a memory coupled to the LID at 410. By identifying the user at 410, the LID can communicate personalized content to the user via the LID at 420. In at least some embodiments, the content provided by the LID at 420 can be interactive.

[0026] Identification of the user at 410 can be accomplished using any number of stored parameters, for example a user name and password provided by the user. In yet other embodiments, no personal data need be supplied by the user, instead the LID can use one or more devices carried by the user to effect the identification of the user at 410, for example an ID card/card reader can be used by the LID to identify a particular user based upon data provided to the LID. Data identifying the user, e.g. user ID/password combination, or ID card data can be stored within a memory attached to the LID.

[0027] Based upon the identification of an individual user, the LID can communicate personalized content to the user at 420. The personalized content can be interactive, for example initiating a video conference between the user and at least one other individual, or the personalized content can be data presented to the user, for example electronic mail messages or similar media displayed in a convenient manner on the LID. In at least some embodiments, the personalized content can include one or more data streams, for example audio content such as an MPS file or audio/video content such as an MPEG file. In some embodiments, the personalized data can be generated by the LID itself, for example displaying the users travel itinerary and flight information in an airport. In other embodiments, the personalized data can be streamed from a remote location, for example a movie streamed over the internet from the user's home file server.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method 500, according to one or more embodiments. In at least some embodiments, the LID can identify a particular user based upon data retrieved from a device provided by the user at 510, for example user identification provided by a credentialed device supplied by the user. Credentialed devices can include passive or active devices. An illustrative passive device can include an identification card containing electronically transmissible data that identifies the party presenting the passive device. An illustrative active device can include an electronic device configured to broadcast or otherwise transmit encrypted or unencrypted data that identifies the party presenting the active device. In such embodiments, the LID is able to identify the user using data stored in a memory device provided by the user at 510.

[0029] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an illustrative LID logon system 600, according to one or more embodiments. The system 600 can include a LID 610 configured to support a plurality of users 620. The LID 610 can include an input 630 to sense the presence of each of the plurality of users proximate the LID. A user session initiation input 640 can be displayed by the LID 610 to initiate an independent user session for each of the plurality of users 620. In addition, the LID can include a user termination input coupled to the LID to terminate the independent user session for each of the plurality of users.

[0030] The LID 810 can include any number of systems or devices, or any combination of systems and devices configured to communicate data to the plurality of users 620. In at least some embodiments, the LID 610 can include at least one touch sensitive device, such as a resistive or capacitive touch sensitive LCD panel. In other embodiments, the LID 810 can include a plurality of devices or systems configured to provide multi-user touch capability, for example at least one non-touch sensitive LCD panel surrounded by a frame or bezel containing sensors configured to detect user touch gestures on the at least one non-touch sensitive LCD panel. In at least some embodiments, the LID 610 can include a plurality of non-touch sensitive LCD panels disposed in a regular grid or array on a rigid support structure surrounded by a frame or bezel containing sensors configured to detect user touch gestures from the plurality of users 620,

[0031 ] The LID 610 can also include an input 630 to sense the presence of each of the plurality of users proximate the LID. Any sensing technology can be used to detect the presence of some or all of the plurality of users 620. In at least some embodiments, a plurality of sensing technologies can be used to detect some or all of the plurality of users 620. Illustrative technologies can include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, infrared sensors, RF sensors adapted to detect RF emissions from one or more user devices, RFID scanners adapted to detect RFID devices carried by at least a portion of the plurality of users 620, or combinations thereof in any number or frequency. The ability to detect the plurality of users via a number of sensing technologies can improve the overall user experience by eliminating the need for users having unique identification devices to provide one or more pieces of identifying data to the LID, while providing users failing to have a unique identification device a path for interacting with the LID through manual entry of identifying data.

[0032] In some embodiments the input 630 can include one or more identification technologies such as facial, retinal, fingerprint, or speech recognition technologies that permit the LID 610 to identify some or all of the plurality of users 620 through one or more biometric characteristics.

[0033] A user session initiation input 640 can be displayed by the LID 610 to initiate an independent user session for each of the plurality of users 620. The user session initiation input 640 can include one or more prompts for each of the plurality of users 620 to initiate an independent session with the LID 610. The user session initiation input 640 can, in some embodiments, be displayed autonomously based upon the LID's detection of the user approaching the LID 610, for example a prompt to interact with the LID 610 might be displayed when a user approaches to within 3 feet or 1 meter of the LID 610. The user session initiation input 640 can, in some embodiments, be displayed based upon an initial affirmative action provided by the user, for example based upon the user interacting with the LID in a manner indicating a desire to start a session. The user interaction could be manual, such as a user providing a "session start" gesture to the LID, or autonomous, such as a user bringing an RF emitting device within range of the LID 810.

[0034] In some embodiments, a device 650 can be disposed in, on, or about the LID 610 to detect at least one RF characteristic of each of the plurality of users 620. The device 650 can include one or more passive or active RF receivers, for example a Bluetooth^® transceiver, near field communication (NFC) transceiver, or similar RF transceiver configured to detect one or more RF generating or RF sensitive devices 660 provided, carried, presented, or transported by at least a portion of the plurality of users.

[0035] In at least some embodiments, the device 650 can be mounted behind all or a portion of the at least one panel forming the LID 610. In other embodiments, the device 650 can be disposed partially or completely within the bezel or frame surrounding the LID 610. In yet other embodiments, the device 650 can be disposed between a plurality of panels forming the LID 610.

[0036] some embodiments, a biometric sensing device 670 can be disposed in, on, or about the LID 610 to detect at least one biometric characteristic of at least a portion of the plurality of users 620. The biometric sensing device 670 can include facial, retinal, fingerprint, speech, or similar input devices permitting the LID 610 to identify some or all of the plurality of users 620 through one or more biometric characteristics unique to each of the plurality of users 620.

[0037] A memory 680 can be coupled to the LID 610. The memory can, in whole or in part, be used to store data uniquely associated with each of the plurality of users 610. The data can include manually entered data such as user id and password data, sensed data such as data communicated via RF from a device carried by the user, or biometric data associated with each of the plurality of users. In at least some embodiments, new user data can be added to the memory 680 when a previously unrecognized user provides appropriate credentials to interact with the LID 610. In at least some embodiments, at least a portion of the data stored within the memory 680 can be encrypted or otherwise protected against malicious access and use. The memory 680 can, in whole or in part, be local to the LID 610, such as local non-volatile memory disposed within the LID, or remote from the LID 610, such as internet accessible, cloud based, storage. [0038] A network interface 690 can be coupled to the UD 610 in at least some embodiments. The network interface 690 can provide streaming content from a network to at least a portion of the plurality of users 620. The network interface can include wired, wireless, or a combination wired and wireless network interface between the LID 610 and one or more external networks. The network can include any type of network including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the internet, or a cellular network.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram depicting yet another illustrative LID logon method 700, according to one or more embodiments. The method 700 can include a LID configured to support a plurality of users, sensing via an input the presence of at least one user at 710. In some embodiments, the detection of the at least one user by the LID at 710 can include detecting the presence of an portable electronic device associated with the user. In other embodiments, the detection of the at least one user by the LID can include the use of one or more proximity sensors providing an input to the LID.

[0040] After a user is detected at 710, the LID can initiate an independent session for each additional user by providing a unique prompt for each additional user to provide an affirmative session initiation input to the LID at 720. The provision of an independent session for each additional user can permit a plurality of users to privately access data, at least a portion of which can include personal data.

[0041 ] After initiating an independent session at 720, the LID can specifically identify each user of the LID at 730. In some embodiments, the identification can occur based upon one or more biometric parameters unique to the user and stored within a memory coupled to the LID. In other embodiments, the identification can occur based upon the presentation of an electronic device associated with the user.

[0042] After identifying a specific user at 730, the LID can communicate personalized content specific to each user of the LID at 740. The ability to maintain multiple simultaneous sessions unique to each of a plurality of users can permit the provision of personalized data to each of the users. Personalized data can include one-way communications, for example an airline schedule, car reservation or similar travel itinerary. Personalized data can also include two-way communications, for example a video conference call to a party who has previously identified a desire to initiate such a call with the user when the user is identified by the LID.

[0043] The LID can maintain the user session continuously while sensing the presence of the user via the LID input at 750. The ability to maintain a user session while sensing the presence of the user can permit the LID to maintain an active, personal, session for the user even in the absence of input to the LID by the user. For example, if the LID identifies a specific user "A" and commences a personalized session with user "A," the session can remain active even if user "A" temporarily halts the use of the LID to have a conversation with user "B." As long as user "A" remains proximate the LID, and as long as user "A" does not indicate a desire to terminate the personalized session, the LID can continue to provide personalized content to user "A." in another embodiment, user "A" can initiate two sessions, session "1 " and session "2" simultaneously on the LID, the LID can maintain both session "1 " and session "2" in an active state as long as user "A" remains proximate the LID and does not communicate a desire to end either or both sessions to the LID.

[0044] The LID can terminate the user session upon the occurrence of at least one of: failing to detect the presence of the user via the LID input; or providing an affirmative user session termination input to the LID at 760. in some embodiments, the user session can be terminated when the LID input no longer detects the presence of the user within a predetermined range of the LID, for example within 3 feet or 1 meter of the LID. In other embodiments, the user session can be terminated when the user provides an affirmative user session termination input to the LID, for example a log-off screen.

Claims

[0045] CLAIMS: What is claimed is:

1 . A login method (100) for a large interactive device (LID), comprising:

initiating (1 10) a user session on a LID supporting a plurality of users by providing an affirmative user session initiation input to the LID:

maintaining (120) the user session while the user remains proximate the LID; and

terminating (130) the user session upon occurrence of at least one of: the user not remaining proximate the LID; or

the user providing an affirmative user termination input to the LID.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

detecting (210) user proximity via an LID input,

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

providing (310) a prompt for the user to provide an affirmative session initiation input to the LID.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting (210) user proximity comprises:

identifying by the LID a user based upon detection of a wireless device parameter stored within a memory coupled to the LID and associated with the user.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting (210) user proximity comprises:

identifying by the LID a user based upon one or more user specific biometric parameters associated with the user and stored within a memory coupled to the LID.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

identifying (410) the user using data stored within a memory coupled to the LID; and

communicating (420) content personalized to the user via the LID.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: identifying (510) the user using data stored with an electronic device provided by the user; and

communicating (420) content personalized to the user via the LID.

8. A login system for a large interactive device (LID), comprising:

a LID (610) supporting a plurality of users (620);

an input (630) to the LID to detect the plurality of users proximate the

LID;

a user session initiation input (640) coupled to the LID to initiate an independent user session for each of the plurality of users; and

a user session termination input coupled to the LID to terminate the independent user session for each of the plurality of users.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the input (630) to the LID to detect the plurality of users proximate the LID comprises:

a device (650) to detect at least one characteristic of each of the plurality of users; and

logic to uniquely identify each of the plurality of users based upon the at least one detected characteristic.

The system of claim 9, wherein the device (650) to detect at least one characteristic of each of the plurality of users comprises a wireless detection device coupled to the LID, the device to detect a wireless device (680) characteristic provided by at least a portion of the plurality of users.

1 1 . The system of claim 9, wherein the device (650) to detect at least one characteristic of each of the plurality of users comprises a hiometric sensing device (670) coupled to the LID to detect at least one biometric characteristic of at least a portion of the plurality of users.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a memory (680) coupled to the LID, the memory including data uniquely identifying each of the plurality of users.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a network interface (690) coupled to the LID, the network connection to communicate content personalized to each of the plurality of users via the LID.

14. A login method for a large interactive device (LID), comprising:

detecting (710), using a LID input, at least one user using proximate a LID supporting a plurality of users;

initiating (720) an independent session for each user of the LID by providing a unique prompt for each user to provide an affirmative session initiation input to the LID;

identifying (730) each user of the LID;

communicating (740) content personalized specific to each user of the

LID;

maintaining (750) the independent session for each user while said user remains proximate the LID; and

terminating (760) the independent session upon fulfillment of at least one of: the user initiating the session not remaining proximate the UD as determined using the at least one LID input; or

the user initiating the session providing an affirmative user session termination input to the LID.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein identifying the user of the LID (730) comprises either of:

identifying the user using data stored within a memory coupled to the

LID; or

identifying the user using data stored with a memory device provided by the user.