0U
`
`S005801697A
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`45} Date of Patent:
`
`5,801,697
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`United States Patent 1
`Parikh et al.
`
`[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, NY.
`
`5,386,247
`3,471,533
`5,638,501
`
`1/1995 Shafer et al. oes348/563
`380/51
`
`11/1995 Wang et al.
`.
`345/435
`
`...
`6/1997 Gough et al.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Simpson, “Mastering WordPerfect 5.1 & 5.2 for Windows”,
`Sybex, 1992, 1993.
`Berzo, “WordPerfect Update to Offer Mail Support”, Info-
`World, Oct. 19, 1992, vol. 14, No. 42, pp. 1-2.
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[63]
`
`151]
`[52]
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`Appl. No.: 709,234
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 3, 1996
`
`Primary Examiner—Anton Fetting
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—A. Bruce Clay
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of Ser. No. 135,871, Oct. 12, 1993, abandoned.
`
`U.S. Che cesses
`suuen 345/342
`
`Field of Search ..
`"395/133, 135,
`395/333-347;"345/118-130, 342, 433.3,
`435
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4571619
`4,868,765
`5,063,525
`
`2/1986 Mewitz .....
`. 348/590
`
`9/1989 Diefendorff ...
`. 345/345
`
`11/1991 Kurakake et al.
`........2sccee-- 345/434
`
`A security enhancementfor 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
`user may specify that the obscured area be completely
`hidden from view(i.c.., such as by blackening or whiting out
`the area) or difficult to view by others. The present invention
`is particularly useful with 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
`
`
`Paff PEERPEEEEEeeLp7iF—yf
`
`
`IBMis acompanythat ledthis |
`| Mavement with their "Charfie Chaplin/:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 1
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 1
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`5,801,697
`
`18
`
`10
`\
`
`HARD DISK
`STORAGE
`
`20.
`
`
`DISKETTE
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`—
`
`29
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`MEMORY
`need
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`30
`
`PRINTER
`
`26
`
`FIG. 1
`
`
`IBM is a companythatled this
`E movement with their “Charlie Chaplir/
`
`
`
` :
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 2
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 2
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`

`

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

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 1, 1998
`
`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
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 4
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`

`

`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
`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
`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 tremendousincrease in the number ofoffice
`workers who are able to take their computerized “office”
`with them on extended business trips. This capability has
`positive affects on the productivity of workers 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 computer 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 information to others 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 critical to avoid the
`unwanted dissemination of company/corporate information,
`there is a need for a method and apparatus which will allow
`a user to work on a portable computer while minimizing
`unintentional encroachment even when in the presence of
`many others.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus
`for reducing the likelihood of unauthorized viewing of
`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.
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
`method of reducing a likelihood of unauthorized observation
`of on-screen computer data is provided. The computer
`screen work area is divided into a visible area and an
`obscured area. Thevisible area allows the user to clearly see
`and work with data. The obscured area comprises the
`remaining screen area and makesit difficult or impossible to
`view data.
`
`The obscured area may be completely blackened, com-
`pletely whited out, greyed, over-written, blumred, 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 DRAWINGS
`
`For a more complete understanding of the present inven-
`tion and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to
`
`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 embodimentof 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. § is a flowchart illustrating the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring first to FIG. 1, there, is shown,in block diagram
`form, a data processing system 10 in accordance with the
`present invention. In the preferred embodiment. the data
`processing system 10 comprises a dansportable 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 interconnected
`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 2 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 printer 36,
`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 computer 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
`teference numeral 50, and obscured area(s), generally iden-
`tified by reference numeral 52. For the sake of convenience,
`and dueto limitations of drawing figures, the obscured area
`52 is shown throughout the drawings herein as a “greyed”
`area, however, it is to be understood that the obscured area
`may be obscured by a plurality of different 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), “blurry” or faint writing,
`and etc, The exact appearance of the obscured area 52 may
`vary at the user’s option whilestill 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 number of visible lines may include: a
`current working line (such as a line being currently 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 determine the number of
`lines of information that would be visible in the visible area
`50. The visible area 56 movesas the user progresses through
`the data by following the position of a current position
`cursor, a mouse pointer, a pen-like device; or a predefined
`keystroke combination.
`
`20
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 5
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 5
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`

`

`5,801,697
`
`3
`Another option which may be selected by the user is the
`use of standardvisible 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 and4, 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 oftext 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, maystill 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
`user may select an option to make it difficult to view all but
`the visible area on the computer screen (Le., by greying the
`obscured area) or to make it impossible for another to view
`the obscured area (Le., completely blackening or completely
`whiting out). These options may allow the user the ability to
`see everything on the screen while making it difficult or
`impossible for another or to be able to see the data.
`Therefore, the present invention provides a user-selectable
`level of security for on-screen data.
`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 turn the
`present invention on/off. At decision block 64, it is deter-
`mined whether or not the present invention is selected for
`use by the user. 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 current cursor position is sensed at block
`68. If there is no change to the cursor position, the present
`invention returns to sense user options at block 62. If there
`is a change to the current cursor position, the area in the
`active window is modified as selected at block 62 by the user
`for the visible and/or obscured areas ending with the current
`cursor location. At decision block 72,it is then determined
`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. If the response to decision block
`72 is no, the present invention ends at 74,
`Thus, the present invention provides a method and appa-
`ratus for reducing the likelihood of unwanted observation of
`on-screen computer data by unauthorized personnel. A user
`may work more freely with computer data on any computer
`(especially a port-able computer) 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
`withoutthe necessity of attempting to shield others (such as
`with the use of a cumbersome and awkward hood) from
`viewing the on-screen data.
`Although the present
`invention has been particularly
`shown and described with reference to a preferred
`
`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 weclaim is:
`1. A method of reducing a likelihood of unauthorized
`observation of data on a computer screen upon whichat least
`one software application is running in a panel having a
`pre-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 whichis
`adjustably moveable by said 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
`forming an obscured but not invisible area on the active
`window comprising the pre-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 pre-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 comprising 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 user visible area comprising at least a currently
`used line of data.
`4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of forming an
`obscured area comprises:
`forming a greyed area.
`5. A computer system for reducing a likelihood of unau-
`thorized observation of data on a computer screen upon
`which at least one software application is running in a panel
`having a pre-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 pre-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 pre-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 user visible area comprises:
`means for forming a user visible area comprising at least
`a currently used line of data.
`%. 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
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 6
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`

`

`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 3
`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
`pre-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 pre-sized }
`area for viewing.
`
`10
`
`6
`10. The program product as claimed in claim 9, wherein
`said computer readable meansfor 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.
`x
`*
`* Kk
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 7
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`Snap's Exhibit No. 1062
`Page 7
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