Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a method for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device.

Background of the Invention:
The field of locking-unlocking of electronic device is a very important field. In general, an electronic device can be locked using any of the locking mechanism, in which state, the electronic device is not usable and can be un-locked using an unlocking mechanism corresponding to the locking mechanism to bring the electronic device to a usable state. User can set any one of the available locking-unlocking mechanism like Pattern based, PIN based, Password face, Finger Print or Face recognition locking-unlocking mechanism for the electronic device. Even though, these locking-unlocking mechanisms are good in securing the personal content of the user, they won't prevent the user from unlocking the device in public and revealing his personal content in public.

By way of example, it may happen that user's personal pictures are displayed on a display screen just after he unlocks his device. In the above scenario if user unlocks the electronic device in public place or in places with the possibility of shoulder surfing, the personal pictures of the user can be seen by others. The same is the case with any other personal content.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a locking-unlocking mechanism which can be implemented by an electronic device having a display module associated that can mitigate the above disadvantage.

Summary of the Invention:
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device, said method comprising: detecting a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device; detecting whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category; and informing the user, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about the detection.

In an aspect of the invention, wherein informing the user is in the form of at least one of:
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, an unlocking mechanism from a first unlocking mechanism to a second unlocking mechanism;
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a graphical user interface for receiving an unlocking mechanism from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface;
• displaying, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the content / application on the display module; and
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a display property from a first display property to a second display property.

In another aspect of the invention, the display property is at least one of a colour, a size, a shape, an orientation and an opaqueness level.

The method of the present invention may further comprise at least one of: receiving user input designating one or more content as forming part of the predetermined category; and receiving user input designating one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise: receiving a first input and an unlocking pattern; unlocking the display module associated with the electronic device; and presenting a content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.

In another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined category is at least one of: a critical category; a non-critical category; a general category; an official category; an unofficial category; a restricted category; an unrestricted category; a secured category; and an unsecured category.

The present invention further more provides a device for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device, said device comprising: a detection module for detecting a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device; the detection module being further adapted to detecting whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category; and a processing module for informing the user, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about the detection.

In an embodiment, the processing module is adapted to informing the user by performing at least one of:
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, an unlocking mechanism from a first unlocking mechanism to a second unlocking mechanism;
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a graphical user interface for receiving an unlocking mechanism from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface;
• displaying, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the content / application on the display module; and
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a display property from a first display property to a second display property.

In another embodiment, the device further comprises an input unit for receiving user input designating one or more content as forming part of the predetermined category. In yet another embodiment, the input unit is further adapted to receiving user input designating one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category.

In still another embodiment, the device further comprises: an input unit for receiving a first input and an unlocking pattern; an electronic unlocking mechanism for unlocking the display module associated with the electronic device; and a display unit for presenting a content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of Figures:
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures in which like characters represent like parts throughout the figures, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart for authentication of an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates yet another flow chart for authentication of an electronic device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates still another flow chart for authentication of an electronic device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a device for authentication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates an example pertaining to receiving user input designating one or more applications as forming part of “critical application” category;
Figure 6 illustrates an example pertaining to receiving user input designating one or more contents as forming part of “critical content” category;
Figure 7 illustrates an example pertaining to a graphical user interface depicting applications that form part of “critical application” category as per factory setting;
Figure 8 illustrates an example pertaining to an automatic process for including one or more applications in the category of critical application;
Figure 9 illustrates yet another example pertaining to automatic process for including one or more applications in the category of critical application;
Figure 10 illustrates an example involving changing an unlocking mechanism in response to detection that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category;
Figure 11 illustrates another example involving changing a display property in response to detection that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category;
Figure 12 illustrates still another example involving changing a graphical user interface in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category;
Figure 13 illustrates yet another example displaying information pertaining to the content / application on the display module in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category;
Figure 14 illustrates unlocking of the screen with a content or application which is not in the predetermined category on basis of swipe on mechanism and unlocking;
Figure 15 illustrates unlocking of the screen with a content or application which is not in the predetermined category on basis of Hold on mechanism and unlocking;
Figure 16 illustrates unlocking of the screen with a content or application which is not in the predetermined category on basis of Entering unlocking data and select app to open from panel; and
Figure 17 illustrates unlocking of the screen with a content or application which is not in the predetermined category on basis of Entering unlocking data to open from an auto scrolling list.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Referring to figure 1, there is illustrated a method (100) for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device. The method (100) comprises detecting (101) a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device. The method further includes detecting (102) whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category. In case it is detected that the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category, the method further comprises informing the user (103), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about said detection.

Referring to figure 2, there is illustrated a more detailed method (200) for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device. The method for example, may further comprise detecting (201) invoking of a screen un-lock function by the user. In addition, the step of informing the user (103) can comprise of one or more sub-steps. By way of non-limiting example, the sub-steps can be:
• changing (202), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, an unlocking mechanism from a first unlocking mechanism to a second unlocking mechanism;
• changing (203), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a graphical user interface for receiving an unlocking mechanism from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface;
• displaying (204), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the content / application on the display module; and
• changing (205), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a display property from a first display property to a second display property.

The method (200) may further comprise receiving user input designating (206) one or more content or one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category. By way of a non-limiting example, an option to receive the designation may be provided as part of “setting” option in the electronic device. By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined category can be one or more of:
a. a critical category;
b. a non-critical category;
c. a general category;
d. an official category;
e. an unofficial category;
f. a restricted category;
g. an unrestricted category;
h. a secured category; and
i. an unsecured category.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more applications can be automatically included within a predetermined category, for example, as a factory setting. By way of example, application(s) falling within the category of multimedia content player can be automatically included within the predetermined category as factory setting. By way of yet another example, all applications that belong to the category of “phone book” or “address book” can be automatically included within the predetermined category as factory setting. By way of still another example, all applications that belong to the category of “SMS” or “chat” can be automatically included within the predetermined category as factory setting.

In yet another embodiment, one or more applications can be automatically included within a predetermined category, for example, by analysing a manner of functioning of the application (including an analysis which is based on the metadata corresponding to the application) or by analysing the nature of user permission the application seeks from the user during an installation process (including for example, a privacy policy, a data access policy, a communication interface access policy, etc.).

In still another embodiment, one or more applications can be automatically included within a predetermined category based on a type of content which that applications have access. By way of example, if a particular type of content has been categorized within a predetermined category; all applications that can open the content will be automatically included within the predetermined category.

In a further embodiment, one or more applications which are falling within the same category as that of an application that has been included within a predetermined category can be automatically included within the predetermined category. By way of example, if a first social networking application has been categorized within a predetermined category; all other social networking applications can be automatically included within the predetermined category. By way of yet another example, if a first e-mail application has been categorized within a predetermined category; all other e-mail applications can be automatically included within the predetermined category. Likewise, one or more contents which are falling within the same category as that of a content that has been included within a predetermined category can be automatically included within the predetermined category. By way of example, if a multimedia content has been has been categorized within a predetermined category; all other multimedia contents can be automatically included within the predetermined category. By way of another example, if a “.jpeg” type of content has been categorized within a predetermined category; all other contents of “.jpeg” type can be automatically included within the predetermined category. By way of still another example, if a “.mp3” type of content has been categorized within a predetermined category; all other contents of “.mp3” type can be automatically included within the predetermined category.

It can be noticed that if the user is informed, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, that content or application falling within a predetermined category will be displayed just after unlocking the device, the user can take an appropriate course of action. Without wanting to be limited to the examples mentioned below, some of the actions that can be taken by the user could be:
• continue with the unlocking of the display device, if the user believes that such an action will not be detrimental; or
• abort the unlocking of the display device, if the user believes that such an action will not be detrimental.

While the above second option of aborting the unlocking of the display device in itself provides a sufficient advantage as compared to the prior art, the invention may additionally allow the user to the unlock the display device without displaying the content or application falling within the predetermined category.

This aspect of the invention is illustrated in figure 3. It can be seen that figure 3 includes the steps as shown in figure 2, which has been described in detail above and hence, the same is not being described above. In addition, figure 3 shows that the method comprises receiving (301) a first input and an unlocking pattern; unlocking (302) the display module associated with the electronic device; and presenting (303) content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.

It is believed that this aspect of the invention can further enhance the users experience by allowing the user to unlock the display device simultaneously along with displaying the content or application NOT falling within the predetermined category. Also, this saves an amount of time spent by the user in un-locking the display module associated with the electronic device.

While various aspect of the method has been described in detail above, in the following paragraphs construction of a device that implements the method is illustrated in figure 4 and is being described in detail in the following paragraphs. The device (400) as shown in figure 4 comprises a detection module (401) for detecting a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device. The detection module (401) is further adapted to detecting whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category. The device (400) further comprises a processing module for informing the user, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about the detection.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing module is adapted to informing the user by performing at least one of:
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, an unlocking mechanism from a first unlocking mechanism to a second unlocking mechanism;
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a graphical user interface for receiving an unlocking mechanism from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface;
• displaying, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the content / application on the display module; and
• changing, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a display property from a first display property to a second display property.

The device (400) may further comprise an input unit for receiving user input (404) designating one or more content as forming part of the predetermined category. The input unit (404) is further adapted to receiving user input designating one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category.

For implementing the particular aspect of allowing the user to unlock the display device simultaneously along with displaying the content or application NOT falling within the predetermined category, the device (400) may further comprise: an input unit (404) for receiving a first input and an unlocking pattern; an electronic unlocking mechanism (405) for unlocking the display module associated with the electronic device; and a display unit (406) for presenting a content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.

While in the above paragraphs the method and the device have been described, functioning of the authentication method will be described in detailed by referring to some on-limiting examples.

For the sake of ease of understanding, the examples start with receiving user input designating one or more content or one or more applications as forming part of the predetermined category. Now referring to figure 5, there is illustrated a mobile phone (500) representing a graphical user interface (501) for receiving user input designating one or more applications as forming part of a “critical application” category. The graphical user interface (501) renders a list of applications (502-506) that are available on the mobile phone (500). The user can select any of the applications so as to form part of the critical application category. Merely for the purposes of example, figure 5 illustrates that Gallery (502), Chat Application 1 (504) and Video Player (505) as being selected by the user so as to form part of the critical application category.

Similarly, referring to figure 6, there is illustrated a mobile phone (600) representing a graphical user interface (601) for receiving user input designating one or more contents as forming part of a “critical content” category. The graphical user interface (601) renders a list of contents (602-606) that are available on the mobile phone (600). The user can select any of the applications so as to form part of the critical content category. Merely for the purposes of example, figure 6 illustrates that Image 1 (602), Image 2 (603) and Video 2 (606) as being selected by the user so as to form part of the critical content category.

While figures 5 and 6 are directed towards manual process of receiving the selection of the content / applications that has to form part of the predetermined category, figure 7 illustrates a scenario wherein one or more applications are included in the category of critical application in the form of factory setting. For example, figure 7 illustrates a mobile phone (700) representing a graphical user interface (701) depicting the applications that form part of “critical application” category as per factory setting. The graphical user interface (701) renders a list of applications (702-706) that are available on the mobile phone (600) and indicates that Gallery (701), Video Player (704) and SMS (705) form part of the critical application category as per factory setting. Although not essential, the graphical user interface (701) may provide an option to the user modify the factory settings and personalize the same.

Referring to figures 8 (a) and 8(b), there is illustrated yet another automatic process for including one or more applications in the category of critical application. In particular as shown in figure 8(a), there is illustrated a mobile phone (800) representing a graphical user interface (801) for receiving user input designating one or more contents as forming part of a “critical content” category. The graphical user interface (801) renders a list of contents (802-806) that are available on the mobile phone (800). The user can select any of the content so as to form part of the critical content category. Merely for the purposes of example, figure 8 illustrates that Image 1 (802), Image 2 (803) and Video 2 (806) as being selected by the user so as to form part of the critical content category. Now referring to figure 8(b), it can be seen that the method then automatically makes the “applications” that are capable of opening the selected content part of an “Auto-Critical application” category. Thus, as illustrated in figure 8(b), the mobile phone (800) represents a graphical user interface (807) depicting the applications that form part of “Auto-Critical application” category. The graphical user interface (807) renders a list of applications (808-812) that are available on the mobile phone (800) and indicates that Gallery (808) and Video Player (810) form part of the auto-critical application category. Although not essential, the graphical user interface (807) may provide an option to the user modify the auto selection.

Referring to figures 9(a) and 9(b), there is illustrated yet another automatic process for including one or more applications in the category of critical application. In particular as shown in figure 9(a), there is illustrated a mobile phone (900) representing a graphical user interface (901) for receiving user input designating one or more applications as forming part of a “critical application” category. The graphical user interface (901) renders a list of applications (902-906) that are available on the mobile phone (900). The user can select any of the applications so as to form part of the critical application category. Merely for the purposes of example, figure 9 illustrates that Gallery (902), Chat Application 1 (904) and Video Player (905) as being selected by the user so as to form part of the critical application category. Now referring to figure 9(b), it can be seen that the method then automatically makes other “applications” that are similar to the selected applications as part of an “Auto-Critical application” category. Thus, as illustrated in figure 9(b), the mobile phone (900) represents a graphical user interface (907) depicting the applications that form part of “Auto-Critical application” category. The graphical user interface (907) renders a list of applications (908-912) that are available on the mobile phone (900) and indicates that Gallery (908), Chat Application 1 (910), Chat Application 2 (911) and Video Player (912) form part of the auto-critical application category. Thus, it can be seen that Chat Application 2 automatically forms part of “Auto-Critical application” category based on similarity with Chat Application 1. Although not essential, the graphical user interface (907) may provide an option to the user modify the auto selection.

Now assuming that the categorization has been done (either manually or automatically as mentioned above), in the following paragraphs the effect of implementation of the method of the present invention will be described in detail.

Referring to figure 10, there is illustrated an outcome of a method involving changing an unlocking mechanism in response to detection that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category. In particular, as shown in figure 10(a), the user invokes a screen un-locking function (for example, the user presses a power button (1001), which is one of the ways of invoking the screen un-locking function). In response thereto and as illustrated in figure 10(b), a first unlocking mechanism (1002) is displayed on the screen. In particular figure 10(b) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism (1002), which may be the un-locking mechanism set by the user. In case if it is detected that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, then as illustrated in figure 10(c), the un-locking mechanism is changed to a second un-locking mechanism (1003). In particular figure 10(c) illustrates a password based un-locking mechanism (1003). Thus, we if consider figures 10(b) and 10(c) together, it can be seen that in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, the un-locking mechanism is changed from patter based un-locking mechanism to password based un-locking mechanism. Therefore, this change informs the user that post unlocking of the display mode the content or application that will be displayed will be from the predetermined category.

Referring to figure 11, there is illustrated an outcome of a method involving changing a display property in response to detection that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category. In particular, as shown in figure 11(a), the user invokes a screen un-locking function (for example, the user presses a power button (1101), which is one of the ways of invoking the screen un-locking function). In response thereto and as illustrated in figure 11(b), an unlocking mechanism (1102) with a first display property is displayed on the screen. In particular figure 10(b) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism with a first colour (1102), which may be the un-locking mechanism set by the user. In case if it is detected that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, then as illustrated in figure 11(c), the display properties of the un-locking mechanism is changed from first display properties to a second display properties (1103). In particular figure 11(c) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism with a second colour (1103). Thus, we if consider figures 11(b) and 11(c) together, it can be seen that in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, the display property is changed from a first display property to a second display property. Therefore, this change informs the user that post unlocking of the display mode the content or application that will be displayed will be from the predetermined category.

Referring to figure 12, there is illustrated an outcome of a method involving changing a graphical user interface in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category. In particular, as shown in figure 12(a), the user invokes a screen un-locking function (for example, the user presses a power button (1201), which is one of the ways of invoking the screen un-locking function). In response thereto and as illustrated in figure 12(b), an unlocking mechanism is displayed on a first graphical user interface (1202). In particular figure 12(b) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism displayed on a first graphical user interface (1202), which may be the un-locking mechanism set by the user. In case if it is detected that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, then as illustrated in figure 12(c), the graphical user interface on which the un-locking mechanism is displayed is changed from first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface (1203). In particular figure 12(c) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism rendered on a second graphical user interface (1203). Thus, we if consider figures 12(b) and 12 (c) together, it can be seen that in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, the graphical user interface is changed from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface. Therefore, this change informs the user that post unlocking of the display mode the content or application that will be displayed will be from the predetermined category.

Referring to figure 13, there is illustrated an outcome of a method involving displaying information pertaining to the content / application on the display module in response to detecting that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category. In particular, as shown in figure 13(a), the user invokes a screen un-locking function (for example, the user presses a power button (1301), which is one of the ways of invoking the screen un-locking function). In response thereto and as illustrated in figure 13(b), an unlocking mechanism (1302) is displayed on screen. In particular figure 13(b) illustrates a pattern based un-locking mechanism (1302) displayed on the screen, which may be the un-locking mechanism set by the user. In case if it is detected that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is in the predetermined category, then as illustrated in figure 13(c), a notification message (1303) is displayed on the screen. The notification message informs the user that post unlocking of the display mode the content or application that will be displayed will be from the predetermined category.

It may however be noticed that if it is detected that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device is NOT from the predetermined category, the above described mechanism need be not followed.

While in the above paragraphs, examples pertaining to informing the user have been demonstrated, as exemplified in relation to figure 3, the invention may additionally allow the user to unlock the display device without displaying the content or application falling within the predetermined category. This aspect of the invention is described in detail in the following paragraphs.

As indicated with reference to figure 3, the method comprises receiving a first input and an unlocking pattern; unlocking the display module associated with the electronic device; and presenting content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device. By way of non-limiting examples, four different techniques for the above are illustrated in figures 14 to 17.

Method 1: Swipe on mechanism and unlocking
With reference to figure 14(a), there is illustrated a locking mechanism with a changed display property (as mentioned in figure 11). Because of the changed display properties (1401), the user is now aware of the fact that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module is in the predetermined category. In case the user wishes to unlock the display device without displaying the content or application falling within the predetermined category, the user makes a swipe (1402). This will result in a reversal of the display properties i.e. the colour is changed from the second colour as shown in figure 14(a) to the first colour (1403) as shown in figure 14(b). Now the user proceeds to providing the unlocking pattern (1404), which will result in unlocking of the screen with a content or application which is NOT in the predetermined category.

Method 2: Hold on mechanism and unlocking
With reference to figure 15(a), there is illustrated a locking mechanism with a changed display property (as mentioned in figure 11). Because of the changed display properties (1501), the user is now aware of the fact that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module is in the predetermined category. In case the user wishes to unlock the display device without displaying the content or application falling within the predetermined category, the user provides the unlocking pattern (1502) and provides a HOLD action (1503). This will result in a reversal of the display properties i.e. the colour is changed from the second colour as shown in figure 14(a) to the first colour (1504) as shown in figure 15(b) and thereafter the screen will be unlocked with a content or application which is NOT in the predetermined category.

Method 3: Entering unlocking data and select app to open from panel
With reference to figure 16(a), there is illustrated a locking mechanism with a changed display property (as mentioned in figure 11). Because of the changed display properties (1601), the user is now aware of the fact that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module is in the predetermined category. In case the user wishes to unlock the display device without displaying the content or application falling within the predetermined category, the user provides the unlocking pattern (1602) and provides a HOLD action (1603). This will result in a reversal of the display properties i.e. the colour is changed from the second colour as shown in figure 16(a) to the first colour (1604) as shown in figure 16(b). Additionally, a panel (either horizontal or vertical) with a list of background applications (1605) will be displayed. The background applications thus contained in the panel can include applications that are in the predetermined category as well as those applications that are NOT in the predetermined category. In an aspect of the invention, the applications that are in the predetermined category can be made to be visual distinction (for example on basis of colour or size or any other visual demarcation) from the applications that are NOT in the predetermined category. The user can now drag (1606) the finger to any of the application as listed in the panel to open the application.

Method 4: Entering unlocking data to open from an auto scrolling list
With reference to figure 17(a), there is illustrated a locking mechanism with a changed display property (as mentioned in figure 11). Because of the changed display properties (1701), the user is now aware of the fact that the type of content or the type of application that will be displayed post unlocking of the display module is in the predetermined category. An auto scrolling list (1702) containing the applications which can be displayed is also provided as a scrollable horizontal panel or as a scrollable vertical panel. The auto scrolling list (1702) will include an active application (1703) i.e. an application which will be opened in response to receiving the unlocking pattern and one or more inactive applications (1704). As shown in figure 17(b), in response to receiving the unlocking pattern (1705), the screen will be unlocked with the active application (1703). As scrolling from one application to another application will occur automatically, the active application will be automatically changing. Thus, when the desired application is becoming the active application, the user can provide the unlocking pattern to unlock the screen with that particular application.

It may be noted that there is no restriction on the type of electronic device in which the invention can be implemented. However, without wanting to be limited, some of the non-limiting examples of the electronic include a mobile phone, a wearable electronic gadget, a laptop, a notebook, a television, a projector system, a home theater system, etc.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A method (100) for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device, said method comprising:
detecting (101) a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device;
detecting (102) whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category; and
informing (103) the user, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about the detection.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein informing the user is in the form of at least one of:
a. changing (202), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, an unlocking mechanism from a first unlocking mechanism to a second unlocking mechanism;
b. changing (203), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a graphical user interface for receiving an unlocking mechanism from a first graphical user interface to a second graphical user interface;
c. displaying (204), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, information pertaining to the content / application on the display module; and
d. changing (205), prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, a display property from a first display property to a second display property.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display property is at least one of a colour, a size, a shape, an orientation and an opaqueness level.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: receiving (206) user input designating one or more content as forming part of the predetermined category.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: receiving (206) user input designating one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
receiving (301) a first input and an unlocking pattern;
unlocking (302) the display module associated with the electronic device; and
presenting (303) a content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.

7. The method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined category is at least one of:
a. a critical category;
b. a non-critical category;
c. a general category;
d. an official category;
e. an unofficial category;
f. a restricted category;
g. an unrestricted category;
h. a secured category; and
i. an unsecured category.

8. A device for unlocking a display module associated with an electronic device, said device comprising:
a detection module (401) for detecting a type of content or a type of application that will be displayed upon unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device;
the detection module (401) being further adapted to detecting whether the type of content or the type of application is in a predetermined category; and
a processing module (402) for informing the user, prior to unlocking of the display module associated with the electronic device, about the detection.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the device further comprises an input unit (403) for receiving user input designating one or more content as forming part of the predetermined category and the input unit is further adapted to receiving user input designating one or more application as forming part of the predetermined category.

10. The device as claimed in claim 8 further comprising:
an input unit (403) for receiving a first input and an unlocking pattern;
an electronic unlocking mechanism (404) for unlocking the display module associated with the electronic device; and
a display unit (405) for presenting a content or application not falling within the predetermined category on the display module associated with the electronic device.