Systems and methods for protecting messages utilizing a hidden restriction mechanism

• US 10,419,444 B2
• Filed: 06/08/2016
• Issued: 09/17/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cyberlink Corporation
• Original Assignee: Cyberlink Corporation
• Inventors: Hsun, Chen Yen
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Tae K
• Application Number:
  US15/177,179
• Publication Number:
  US 20170063876A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,196 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/62 Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/032 Protect output to user by software means
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/04 Real-time or near real-time messaging, e.g. instant messaging [IM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/212 using filtering or selective blocking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/214 using selective forwarding
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/108 when the policy decisions are valid for a limited amount of time
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup

Abstract

A computing device executing an instant messaging application receives a selection from a user specifying at least one instant message conversation record to hide from view. The selected conversation record is hidden from view in response to occurrence of an event of a first type. In response to the occurrence of an event of a second type, a timer hidden from the user is launched. An unlock procedure is received from the user, where the user enters the unlock procedure. In response to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, the corresponding hidden conversation record is made viewable and is accessible again by the user.

Claims

1. A method implemented in a computing device executing an instant messaging application, comprising:

receiving a selection from a user specifying at least one instant message conversation record to hide from view;

hiding the selected at least one conversation record from view responsive to occurrence of an event of a first type;

responsive to occurrence of an event of a second type, launching a timer, the timer being hidden from the user;

receiving an unlock procedure from the user, wherein the user enters the unlock procedure without being prompted; and

responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, causing the corresponding hidden conversation record to be viewable and accessible by the user, wherein a time interval associated with the timer is specified by the user, and wherein the timer restarts responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, for receiving one or more other different unlock procedures such that a plurality of hidden instant message conversation records can be unlocked and made viewable to the user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one instant message conversation record has a corresponding predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection specifies a plurality of instant message conversation records to hide from view, and wherein each of the plurality of instant message conversation records has a different predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection specifies a plurality of instant message conversation records to hide from view, and wherein each of the plurality of instant message conversation records has a same predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection specifies a plurality of instant message conversation records to hide from view, wherein instant message conversation records belonging to a same grouping have a same predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user, and wherein each grouping of instant message conversation records has a different predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

responsive to the unlock procedure received from the user matching the predetermined unlock procedure, restarting the timer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined unlock procedure comprises one of:

execution of a fingerprint scan;

entry of at least one gesture via a touchscreen interface;

entry of a password;

entry of an answer responsive to a question;

facial recognition via a camera, and speech recognition via a microphone.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined unlock procedure comprises one of:

shaking the computing device a predetermined number of times;

placing the computing device at a specific global positioning system (GPS) location;

coupling a predetermined device to the computing device; and

causing the computing device to have a predetermined connection status.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein causing the computing device to have a predetermined connection status comprises at least one of:

connecting the computing device to a particular Wi-Fi network; and

connecting the computing device to a particular Internet service provider (ISP) account.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the event of the first type comprises one of:

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button upon specifying at least one unlock procedure;

minimization of a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

switching to another application executing on the computing device;

leaving a current chatting window with a friend whose message should be locked;

the computing device being turned off;

the computing device entering a sleep mode; and

the computing device entering a screen saver mode.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the event of the second type comprises:

restoration to view of a previously-minimized window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button within a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

the computing device exiting a sleep mode;

the computing device exiting a screen saver mode;

switching from another application executing on the computing device to a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed.

12. A system, comprising:

a memory storing instructions; and

a processor coupled to the memory and configured by the instructions to at least;

display a plurality of instant message conversation records;

receive a selection from a user specifying at least one instant message conversation record to hide from view;

hide the selected one or more conversation records from view responsive to occurrence of an event of a first type;

responsive to occurrence of an event of a second type, launch a timer, the timer being hidden from the user;

receive an unlock procedure from the user, wherein the user enters the unlock procedure without being prompted; and

responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching one of a plurality of predetermined unlock procedures prior to expiration of the timer, cause the corresponding hidden conversation record to be viewable and accessible by the user, wherein a time interval associated with the timer is specified by the user, and wherein the timer restarts responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, for receiving one or more other different unlock procedures such that a plurality of hidden instant message conversation records can be unlocked and made viewable to the user.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined unlock procedure comprises one of:

execution of a fingerprint scan;

entry of at least one gesture via a touchscreen interface;

entry of a password;

entry of an answer responsive to a question;

facial recognition via a camera, and speech recognition via a microphone.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined unlock procedure comprises one of:

shaking the computing device a predetermined number of times;

placing the computing device at a specific global positioning system (GPS) location;

coupling a predetermined device to the computing device; and

causing the computing device to have a predetermined connection status.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein causing the computing device to have a predetermined connection status comprises at least one of:

connecting the computing device to a particular Wi-Fi network; and

connecting the computing device to a particular Internet service provider (ISP) account.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured by the instructions to:

receive user input categorizing each of the instant message conversation records into one of a plurality of predetermined groupings.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of predetermined groupings comprise:

a grouping for non-confidential contacts; and

a grouping for confidential contacts.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of predetermined groupings has a corresponding timer value.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the selection specifies a plurality of instant message conversation records to hide from view, wherein instant message conversation records belonging to a same grouping have a same predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user, and wherein each grouping of instant message conversation records has a different predetermined unlock procedure specified by the user.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the event of the first type comprises one of:

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button upon specifying at least one unlock procedure;

minimization of a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

switching to another application executing on the computing device;

leaving a current chatting window with a friend whose message should be locked;

the computing device being turned off;

the computing device entering a sleep mode; and

the computing device entering a screen saver mode.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein the event of the second type comprises:

restoration to view of a previously-minimized window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button within a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

the computing device exiting a sleep mode;

the computing device exiting a screen saver mode;

switching from another application executing on the computing device to a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions to be implemented by a computing device having a processor, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to at least:

receive a selection from a user specifying at least one instant message conversation record to hide from view;

hide the selected at least one conversation record from view responsive to occurrence of an event of a first type;

responsive to occurrence of an event of a second type, launch a timer, the timer being hidden from the user;

receive an unlock procedure from the user, wherein the user enters the unlock procedure without being prompted; and

responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, cause the corresponding hidden conversation record to be viewable and accessible by the user, wherein a time interval associated with the timer is specified by the user, and wherein the timer restarts responsive to the entered unlock procedure matching a predetermined unlock procedure prior to expiration of the timer, for receiving one or more other different unlock procedures such that a plurality of hidden instant message conversation records can be unlocked and made viewable to the user.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the event of the first type comprises one of:

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button upon specifying at least one unlock procedure;

minimization of a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

switching to another application executing on the computing device;

leaving a current chatting window with a friend whose message should be locked;

the computing device being turned off;

the computing device entering a sleep mode; and

the computing device entering a screen saver mode.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the event of the second type comprises:

restoration to view of a previously-minimized window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

manipulation of a user interface (UI) button within a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed;

the computing device exiting a sleep mode;

the computing device exiting a screen saver mode;

switching from another application executing on the computing device to a window in which the instant message conversation records are displayed.