Patent attributes
An apparatus and method for controlling access to information based on content of the information and user identity. The apparatus includes a video display that displays the information to be viewable by one or more users. A user-recognition input device determines that an additional user is newly present in a given area having access to the display. A blocking device coupled to the user-recognition input device selectively blocks display of the information based on whether the additional user is newly present. In one embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes a video input device, and a feature recognition device operable to distinguish between two or more users based on one or more video features of the users. In another embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes an audio input device, and an audio feature recognition device operable to distinguish when an additional user arrives. In yet another embodiment, the user-recognition input device includes a movement-detection device operable to distinguish when an additional user arrives.
