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`U8005801697A
`
`United States Patent
`Parikh et a].
`
`[191
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,801,697
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`[54]
`
`["75]
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`PREVENTING UNINTENTIONAL PERUSAL
`OF COMPUTER DISPLAY INFORMATION
`
`Inventors: Shrikant N. Parikh, Mesquite; George
`C. Manthuruthil, Coppell; Hari N.
`Reddy, Colleyville, all of Tex.
`
`[73]
`
`Assignee:
`
`International Business Machine
`Corp., Armonk, N.Y.
`
`5,386,247
`5,471,533
`5,638,501
`
`1/1995 Shafer et a1.
`11/1995 Wang et a].
`6/1997 Gough et a1.
`
`348/563
`.. 380/51
`
`345/435
`.
`
`OFHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Simpson, “Mastering WordPerfect 5.1 & 5.2 for Windows".
`Sybex, 1992, 1993.
`Berzo, “WordPerfect Update to Ofier Mail Support". Info—
`World, Oct. 19, 1992, vol. 14, No. 42, pp. 1—2.
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[63]
`
`[5 1]
`[52]
`[5 8]
`
`[56]
`
`App]. No.: 709,234
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 3, 1996
`
`Related [13. Application Data
`
`Continuation ofSer. No. 135,871, Oct. 12, 1993, abandoned
`
`345/342
`US. Cl. ............
`
`Field of Search
`.............. 395/133, 135,
`395/333—347; 345/118-130, 342, 433.3,
`435
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,571,619
`4,868,765
`5,063,525
`
`2/1986 Mewitz .....
`
`9/1989 Did'endorfi’
`.
`
`11/1991 Knrakake et al.
`
`Primary Examiner—Anton Fetting
`Attorney; Agent, or Firm—A. Bruce Clay
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A security enhancement for laptop computers comprises the
`use of a moving visible area and an obscured area for the
`laptop screen. The visible area may be defined by the user to
`comprise a single word, a single line, or a plurality of lines
`of data. The obscured area may comprise all remaining
`space on the laptop screen not defined as the visible area, A
`use may specify that the obscured area be completely
`hidden from View (i.e.., such as by blackening or whiting out
`the area) or djflicult to view by othus. The present invention
`is particularly useful wilh a laptop computer in a crowded
`environment such as while travelling on an airplane. The
`present invention will reduce the likelihood of unauthorized
`viewing of possibly sensitive computer data by others.
`
`12 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 1
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`5,801,697
`
`18
`
`20
`
`HARD DISK
`STORAGE
`
`DISKETTE
`DEVICE
`
`'
`
`10
`\
`
`30
`
`
`
`
`
`22
`
`PRINTER
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 2
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`5,801,697
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`company
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 3
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 1, 1993
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`5,801,697
`
`60
`
`
`
`SENSE USER OPTIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`MODIFY AREA IN WINDOW
`
`AS SELECTED BY USER FOR
`
`VISIBLE AND OBSCURED
`
`AREA, ENDING WITH
`CURRENT CURSOR LOCATION
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 4
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 4
`
`

`

`5,801,697
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`PREVENTING UNINTENTIONAL PERUSAL
`OF COMPUTER DISPLAY INFORMATION
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/135,871 5
`filed Oct. 12, 1993, abandoned.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates in general to software, and in
`particular to a method and apparatus for preventing the 10
`unwanted viewing of computer data by persons other than
`the current user.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`With the proliferation of portable computer equipment,
`there has been a tremendous increase in the number of oflice
`workers who are able to take their computerized “office”
`with them on extended business trips. This capability has
`positive afiects on the productivity of workus and thus their
`company/corporation. Workers have the ability to transform
`millions of hours that were formally wasted away during
`travelling into productive use. Additionally, in many cases,
`the office worker may be in continuous contact with the
`home office which can significantly enhance the quality of
`decision making.
`While travelling, the portable computo' user often runs
`the risk of unintentional and/or intentional examination of
`any information that is actively being manipulated. The
`potential of exposing what may be valuable company]
`corporate informn'on to otha's can be very risky. To avoid
`such observation, users must typically resort to awkward
`and impolite techniques, such as, for example, a shade or
`hood which partially covers the viewing screen. A hood can
`be cumbersome and awkward to use and, therefore, may be
`counter-productive. Since it may be «ideal to avoid the
`unwanted dissemination of company/corporate information,
`mereisaneedfcramefliodandapparamswhichwillallow
`a user to work on a portable computer while minimizing
`unintentional encroachment even when in the presence of
`many others.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`20
`
`75
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus
`for reducing the likelihood of unauthorized viewing of 45
`computer data which substantially reduces or eliminates the
`‘ problems associated with prior art devices. The present
`invention allows a user to work with a portable computer in
`a crowded environment with reduced fear of exposing
`valuable information to others.
`
`SO
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
`method of reducing a likelihood of unauthorized observation
`of on-saeen computu data is provided. The computq
`screen work area is divided into a visible area and an
`obscured area. The visible area allows the use to clearly see
`and work with data. The obscured area comprises the
`remaining screen area and makes it difliailt or impossible to
`view data.
`
`The obsmred area may be completely blackened, com-
`pletely whited out, greyed, ova-written, blurred, etc. The
`visible area may comprise a single word, a single line, or a
`plurality oflines. The user may select the desired appearance
`of both areas as the need arises.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWGS
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven-
`tion and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`the Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the
`attached Drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a data processing
`system which may be used in accordance with the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of
`the present invention;
`FIG. 4 is an illustration of still another alternative embodi-
`ment of the present invention; and
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the present invention.
`DETAIIED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring first to FIG. 1. there, is shown, in block diagram
`form, a data processing system 10 in awordancc with the
`present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the data
`processing system 10 comprises a transportable or laptop-
`type computer. The system 10 includes a processor 12;
`which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 14, and a
`memory 16. Additional storage, in the form of a hard disk
`storage 18 and a diskette device 20, may be intu'eonnected
`to the processor 12. The diskette device 20 receives a
`diskette 22 which has computer program code recorded
`thereon that may implement the present invention in the
`system 10. The system 10 may also include user interface
`hardware, such as a mouse 24 and a keyboard 26 for
`allowing user input to the processor 12 and a display screen
`28 for presenting visual data to the user. The system 10 may
`include a printu' 30,
`Referring next to FIG. 2, one embodiment of the present
`invention is illustrated in use on a laptop computer 40. As
`shown on a screen 42 of the laptop computu’ 40, there is an
`active window generally identified by reference numeral 44.
`Although not shown, there may be other inactive windows
`on the screen 42 in addition to the active window 44. Also,
`there may be a plurality of icons such as, for example, folder
`icon 46 and printer icon 48. Within the active window 44;
`there is a moving visible area, generally identified by
`reference numaal 50, and obsuired area(s), generally iden-
`tified by refaence numeral 52. For the sake of convenience,
`and due to limitations of drawing figures, the obscured area
`52 is shown throughout the drawings haein as a “greyed"
`area, however, it is to be undo-stood that the obscured area
`may be obscured by a pltxnlity of dil’faent means. For
`example, the obscured area 52 may be completely blank
`(whited out): completely blackened, covered with overwrit-
`ing (such as, for example, X’d out), “blinry” «- faint writing,
`and etc. The exact appearance of the obscured area 52 may
`vary at the user's option while still maintaining the spirit and
`scope of the present invention; i.e., reducing the likelihood
`of unwanted observation of computer data by others.
`In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the visible area 50
`comprises a plurality of lines of information. As is readily
`apparent from the use of the term “plurality", the number of
`lines visible in the visible area 50 may comprise 2 or more.
`In addition, the numb: of visible lines may include: a
`cmrent working line (such as a line being airrently edited or
`viewed) and one or more lines above, one or more lines
`below, or a combination thereof. It is to be understood, that
`it would be a selectable option to deta'mine the number of
`lines of information that would be visible in the visible area
`50. The visible area 50 moves as the user progresses through
`the data by following the position of a current position
`curscr, a mouse pointer, a pen-fike device; or a predefined
`keystroke combination.
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 5
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 5
`
`

`

`5,801,697
`
`3
`Another option which may be selected by the user is the
`use of standard visible information. For example, a user may
`select the option that certain predefined areas or information
`may always remain visible in addition to the moving visible
`areas. This would allow the user to see such things as the
`date (or date area), title of a document (or title area), or etc.
`Although not shown. it is to be understood that the present
`invention is similarly adaptable to and useful with graphical
`data.
`
`Referring next to FIGS. 3 and 4, alternative embodiments
`of the present invention are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3,
`rather than a plurality of lines of visible text in a visible area
`54, there is only one line of text visible. In FIG. 4, a visible
`area 56 is reduced to a single word or data string. As a user
`works with or reads the data shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the
`visible area may be moved in conjunction with the position
`of a current position cursor, movement of a mouse pointer,
`selection by a pen—like device or finger on a touch screen, or
`a predefined keystroke combination.
`By using the present invention, a user, by selecting the
`appropriate options, may still do whatever work is necessary
`on the computer even when in a crowded environment
`where other people would be able to view the screen. The
`use may select an option to make it difficult to view all but
`the visible area on the computer screen (Le, by greying the
`obsurred area) or to make it impossible for another to view
`the obscured area (i.e., completely blackening or completely
`whiting out). These options may allow the user the ability to
`see everything on the screen while making it diificult or
`impossible for another or to be able to see the data.
`Therefore, the fiesent invention provides a usu—selectable
`level of security fcr ou—screen dam.
`Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart illustrating the present
`invention is shown. The present invention begins at 60
`followed by sensing ofthe user-selected options at, block 62.
`Such options may comprise the size of the visible area. the
`style used for the obscured area, and/or whether to nun the
`present invention onlofi‘. At decision block 64, it is deter-
`mined whether a' not the present invention is selected for
`use by the usu‘. If the response to decision block 64 is no,
`the present invention ends at 66 and the user is presented
`with a normal operating screen. If the response to decision
`block 64 is yes, the crm'ent unsor position is sensed at block
`68. If there is no change to the mar position, the present
`invention returns to sense usa' options at block 62. If there
`is a change to the ardent cursor position, the area in the
`active window is modified as seleded at block 62 by the user
`for the visible and/or obscured areas ending with the current
`arrsor location. At decision block 72, it is then detmmined
`whether or not to continue. If the response to decision block
`72 is yes, the present invention returns to block 68 to sense
`the current cursor position. Ifthe response to decision block
`72 is no, the present invention ends at 74.
`Thus, the present invention provides a method and appa-
`raurs fa- redueing the likelihood of unwanted observation of
`on-screen computer data by unauthorized pasonnel. A user
`may work more freely with computer data on any computer
`(espeu‘ally a port-able computa) even when in a crowded
`environment (such as on an airplane) with reduced fear of
`unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Improved
`security is available through use of the present invention
`without the nwessity of attempting to shield others (such as
`with the use of a cumbu'sorne and awkward hood) from
`viewing the on-screen data.
`Although the present
`invention has been particularly
`shown and described with reference to a preferred
`
`10
`
`15
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`4
`embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
`that various changes in form and detail may be made without
`departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
`What we claim is:
`l. A method of reducing a likelihood of unauthorized
`observation of data on a computer screen upon which at least
`one software application is running in a panel having a
`pro-sized area for viewing the data on an active window.
`comprising the steps of:
`forming, upon an optional selection by a user, a pre-
`defined user visible area on the active window which is
`adjustably moveable by said user within the pro-sized
`area for viewing the data on the active window, said
`user visible area containing atleast a portion of the data
`on the active window clearly visible to said user; and
`forming an obscured but not invisible area on the active
`window comprising the pro-sized area for viewing the
`data other than said user visible area, wherein said user
`controls what data appears on the active window in said
`user visible area by moving said user visible area
`within the pro-sized area for viewing.
`2. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming a
`user visible area comprises:
`forming a user visible area compising only a single
`currently used data string.
`3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming a
`user visible area comprises:
`forming a usu' visible area comprising at least a arrreutly
`used line of data.
`
`4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming an
`obscured area comprises:
`forming a greyed area.
`S. A computer system for reducing a likelihood of unau-
`thorized obsu'vation of data on a computa screen upon
`which at least one software application is running in a panel
`having a pro-sized area for viewing the data on an active
`window, comprising:
`means for forming, upon optional selection by a user, a
`predefined user visible area on the active window
`which is adjustably movable by said user within the
`presized area for viewing the data on the active
`window, said user visible area containing at least a
`portion of the data on the active window clearly visible
`to said user; and
`means for forming an obscured but not invisible area on
`the active window comprising the pro-sized area for
`viewing the data otherthan saiduservisiblearea,
`wherein said user controls what data appears on the
`active window in said user visible area by moving said
`us: visible tree within the pro-sized area for viewing.
`6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein said means
`for forming a user visible area comprises:
`means for forming a user visible area comprising only a
`single currently used data string.
`7. The computer system of claim 5, wherein said means
`for forming a usa’ visible area comprises:
`means for forming a user visible area comprising at least
`a currently used line of data.
`8. The computer system of claim 5, wherein said means
`for forming an obscured area comprises:
`means for forming a greyed area.
`9. A computer program product recorded on computer
`readable medium for reducing a likelihood of unauthorized
`observation of data on a computer screen upon which at least
`one software application is running in a panel having a
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 6
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 6
`
`

`

`5,801,697
`
`5
`pre-sized area for viewing the data on an active window. said
`product comprising:
`computer readable means for forming, upon optional
`selection by a user, a predefined user visible area on the
`active window which is adjustably moveable by said 5
`user within the pre-sized area for viewing the data on
`the active window, said user visible area containing at
`least a portion of the data on the active window clearly
`visible to said user; and
`computer readable means for forming an obscured but not
`invisible area on the active window comprising the
`pro-sized area for viewing the data other than said user
`visible area, wherein said user controls what data
`appears on the active window in said user visible area
`by moving said user visible area within the pro-sized 15
`area for viewing.
`
`10
`
`6
`10. The program product as claimed in claim 9. wherein
`said computer readable means for forming a user visible area
`comprises:
`computer readable means for forming a user visible area
`comprising only a single currently used data stream.
`11. The program product as claimed in claim 9‘, wherein
`said computer readable means for forming a user visible area
`comprises:
`computer readable means for forming a user visible area
`comprising at least a currently used line of data.
`12. The program product as claimed in claim 9, wherein
`said computer readable means for forming an obscured area
`comprises:
`‘
`means for forming a greyed area.
`*
`It
`*
`I!
`
`*
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 7
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 7
`
`