Methods for protecting access to the watch

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for protecting access to a watch (100), comprising the following steps: authenticating (10) the wearer of the watch (100) in order to authorize access to functions of the watch (100) based on an interaction between the wearer of the watch and a graphical representation included in said watch (100), and periodically checking (20) the identity of the wearer of the watch by verifying the validity of a digital data item determined based on at least one biometric data item of the wearer of said watch in order to retain / remove authorization to access said functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for protecting access to a watch and a system for implementing such a method.

[0002] The invention also relates to a watch comprising such a system and a computer program. Background Art

[0003] The watch comprises a set of functions that can be used by the wearer. In addition to setting the time or date, such functions may also involve the use of confidential or private data that is specific to the wearer and useful for accessing customized services. These data are, for example, keys, certificates, authentication codes, passwords and PINs that are used to securely connect the watch to a private company network, authentication to a secure server (such as a bank server) or a secure messaging system for sending and receiving signed and / or encrypted emails. Thus, it can be understood that it is important to be able to protect the use of functions that access such a watch.

[0004] To this end, in the prior art, methods are known that envisage protecting access to a watch and in particular to the functions of this watch by enhancing the authentication criteria authorizing this access, for example by implementing an additional authentication step.

[0005] However, one of the main drawbacks of such methods is associated with the fact that once the wearer of the watch has been authenticated, anyone can gain access to the watch's functions, especially if the watch is stolen.

[0006] As can be appreciated, there is a need to find an alternative solution, particularly one which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a reliable and robust method for protecting access to a watch.

[0008] This method has the advantage of automatically, transparently and non-intrusively ensuring the identity of the wearer of the watch to the wearer.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a method for protecting access to a watch, comprising the following steps:

[0010] - authenticating the wearer of the watch in order to authorize access to functions of said watch based on an interaction between the wearer of the watch and a graphical representation included in the watch, and

[0011] - Periodically checking the identity of the wearer of the watch in order to retain / remove authorization for access to said functions by verifying the validity of a digital data item determined on the basis of at least one biometric data item of the wearer of said watch.

[0012] In other embodiments:

[0013] - the authentication step comprises a sub-step of presentation of a graphical representation on the visual data broadcasting interface of said watch;

[0014] - the authentication step comprises a sub-step of selection of a sequence of at least two identification parts included in said graphic representation intended to identify said wearer within a limited time interval, said sequence corresponding to an identification code of the wearer;

[0015] - the authentication step includes a verification sub-step of the selected sequence;

[0016] - the checking step comprises a sub-step of acquiring, by the watch, a plurality of images of a portion of the wearer's skin adjacent to said sensor, made by at least one multispectral biometric skin sensor, said images comprising said at least one biometric data item included in this skin portion;

[0017] - the checking step comprises a sub-step of generation of a digital identification item based on said at least one biometric data item;

[0018] - the checking step comprises a sub-step of verification of the digital identification item generated during the identity check of the intended wearer;

[0019] - If the digital identification item is substantially similar or similar to the reference digital identification item, the verification sub-step comprises a comparison phase including a sub-phase of reservation of the authorization of access to said functions of the watch.

[0020] - the acquisition sub-step comprises an illumination phase of the skin portion along different wavelengths;

[0021] - the acquisition sub-step comprises a capture phase of images of the skin portion illuminated at different wavelengths;

[0022] - the generation sub-step comprises a characterization phase with respect to said at least one biometric data item comprised in the acquired image of said skin portion;

[0023] - the generation sub-step comprises a design phase of a digital identification item based on the characterization of said biometric data item;

[0024] - Biometric data items are related to the vascular network or texture of the skin.

[0025] The invention also relates to a system for protecting access to a watch, the system being adapted to implement the method, the system comprising the following interconnected elements: a processing unit, a biometric sensor, an input interface and a visual data broadcasting interface.

[0026] Advantageously, the biometric sensor is a multispectral biometric skin sensor.

[0027] The invention also relates to a watch, in particular a networked mechanical watch comprising such a system.

[0028] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the method when said program is executed by a processing unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge clearly from the following description given by way of indication and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a watch including a system for protecting access to the watch according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0031] - Figure 2 is a logic diagram relating to a method for protecting access to a watch according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A watch 100 is shown, which includes a system for protecting access to the watch 100 and in particular the use of the functions of the watch 100. Such a system 1 is included in the watch 100, which is preferably a hybrid display networked mechanical watch 100. In this context, the electronic device 100 includes a main body such as a watch case, and an accessory element such as a bracelet, which allows the main body to be fastened to the wrist of the wearer, for example. The system 1 more specifically includes, in a non-limiting and / or non-exhaustive manner:

[0033] - a processing unit 2 comprising hardware and software resources, in particular at least one processor cooperating with a memory element 6;

[0034] - a visual data broadcast interface 3, such as a hybrid display dial having a first analog display component and a second digital and / or alphanumeric display component;

[0035] - an audio data broadcast interface 4, such as a speaker;

[0036] - Wireless communication interface 5 (e.g., cellular, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.);

[0037] - an input interface 34, such as a keypad or indeed a touch-sensitive interface, for example included in the visual data broadcast interface 3, and

[0038] - A biometric sensor 35, in particular a multispectral skin sensor in this embodiment, comprising at least one photographic sensor 36, at least one multispectral light source 37 and at least one thermal image sensor 38, the light source 37 being capable of emitting light radiation with a wavelength between 300 nm and 1100 nm, and furthermore, the light source 37 being of the laser type.

[0039] In this system 1, the processing unit 2 is connected in particular to the visual and audio data broadcasting interfaces 3, 4, to the input interface 34 and to the wireless communication interface 5 and the biometric sensor 35. It should also be noted that the biometric sensor 35 is arranged in the body of the electronic device 100 and / or in a firmware element.

[0040] This system 1 implemented in the electronic device 100 is able to discreetly check the identity of the authenticated wearer of the watch without the need for the wearer's direct intervention / interaction with the watch 100, so that they can always use the functions of the watch 100 while wearing it, without having to authenticate again. The wearer is then transparently and discreetly identified based on at least one biometric data item. Within the scope of this embodiment, the biometric data item is included in a part of the wearer's skin and can be the vascular network of the skin or indeed the texture of this skin. This skin of the wearer covering his body has the particularity that it is not naturally visible to the human eye for a person skilled in the art, which is related to the absorption and reflection characteristics of the skin components located at different depths at different wavelengths (spectra). In a simplified model, the skin consists of a translucent layer called the "epidermis" located on the surface and then a layer called the "dermis" below the epidermis and including in particular blood vessels (or vascular networks), wherein hemoglobin is highly reflective at high wavelengths close to red, included for example between 760nm and 930nm, which makes it possible herein to reveal or detect the vascular network of the wearer's skin. In other words, the light absorption spectra of the components forming the epidermis and dermis of the skin are inhomogeneous along the electromagnetic wavelengths, and the appearance and color of the skin are the result of a complex combination of these phenomena. Therefore, when it is necessary to detect or reveal a biometric data item, such as the skin texture of the wearer, a texture essentially formed by cracks and cavities, the skin can be illuminated by a light source limited to wavelengths near the red, which is intended to make the shadow phenomenon at the bottom of the cracks disappear. In fact, by reflecting these near-red wavelengths onto the dermis and through the epidermis, a reverse projection effect is generated, while illuminating the skin by a colorimetric spectral source at a certain distance from the red, generally in the band between violet (400 nm) and orange-yellow (600 nm), on the other hand, makes it possible to significantly contrast these skin cracks by the appearance of shadows at the bottom of these cracks. It should be noted that the use of the thermal image sensor 38, preferably in the absence of illumination, can enhance the recognition of the biometric data items included in the skin. For example, to detect skin texture, particularly when the relevant portion of the wearer's skin has hair, the use of the thermal image sensor 38 makes it possible to reveal cracks in the skin texture, which are generally warmer than the surrounding skin, and hair is cooler than the surrounding skin. Thus, in this configuration, hair can be thermally distinguished from cracks in the skin texture due to the difference between their respective temperatures.

[0041] It should be noted that thermal images may be captured under illumination of a given wavelength depending on the biometric data item to be detected or revealed.

[0042] It will thus be understood that, according to the principles of the invention, the periodic identification of the wearer is performed based on at least one biometric data item included in an image of a portion of the wearer's skin which can, where appropriate, be illuminated along different wavelengths in order to capture images comprising the biometric data item sought. Thus, for example, when it comes to capturing thermal images, the biometric data item included in these images can be detected by illumination performed at different wavelengths or in the absence of illumination.

[0043] In this system 1, the memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 include data related to previously defined / generated reference digital identification items. These memory elements 6 also include a digital image processing algorithm 39 that makes it possible to characterize at least one biometric data item related to the skin of the wearer and included in an image relative to a portion of the skin of the wearer. These memory elements 6 also include a generation algorithm 40 of reference digital identification items and of digital identification items generated periodically within the scope of an identity check of the wearer.

[0044] These memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 also include at least one graphical representation 41, which is conceived to participate in the authentication process of the wearer, enabling the wearer to access the functions of the watch 100. This graphical representation 41 can be, for example, an image comprising at least one object. For example, the image defines a scene comprising a plurality of objects, such as a house, a vehicle and / or a celestial body (such as the moon), etc. Obviously, the image can define other types of scenes comprising at least one object. These memory elements 6 also include data related to a reference sequence 42, which includes a reference identification portion of this graphical representation 41, which has been pre-selected by the wearer of the watch during the configuration of the authentication process.

[0045] Figure 2 Such a system 1 of a watch 100 represented in is capable of implementing a method for protecting access to the watch 100 and in particular the use of the functions of the watch 100. Such a method aims to discreetly (i.e. non-invasively and automatically) check the identity of the authenticated user so that they can always use the functions of the watch 100 while wearing the watch 100 without having to authenticate again. The functions of the watch 100 may involve setting the time, date, or indeed using a timer, a navigation system, a pedometer, an activity recorder, a messaging system, accessing confidential or private data that is specific to the wearer and useful for accessing customized services, etc.

[0046] The method comprises a step 10 of authenticating the wearer of the watch 100 in order to authorize access to the functions of the watch 100, based on the interaction between the wearer of the watch and a graphical representation included in the watch 100 (more specifically, a graphical representation displayed on / in the visual data broadcasting interface 3 of the watch 100). This step 10 enables the wearer to prove his identity. More specifically, this step 10 comprises a sub-step 11 of presenting a graphical representation 41 on the visual data broadcasting interface 3 of the watch 100. This sub-step 11 comprises a display generation phase 12 of the graphical representation 41 on / in the visual data broadcasting interface 3 that is envisioned to achieve the authentication. This phase 12 may comprise a sub-phase of selection by the user of a sample of at least two graphical representations 41 from the graphical representations 41 displayed on the visual data broadcasting interface 3 that are envisioned to achieve the authentication. It should be noted that the wearer is the only one who knows the graphical representation 41 that they selected during the configuration of the authentication process for accessing the functions of the watch 100.

[0047] Once the generation phase 12 has been performed, this presentation sub-step 11 then comprises a countdown activation phase 13. In other words, a preconfigurable countdown is activated once the graphical representation 41 is presented on the broadcast interface 3. This phase 13 facilitates counting down the estimated time required for the input of the sequence of identified portions of the graphical representation 41 displayed on / in the broadcast interface 3, from a finite time interval defined by the countdown.

[0048] Subsequently, the authentication step 10 comprises a sub-step of selection 14 of a sequence of at least two identification parts of said graphical representation 41 intended to identify said wearer within a limited time interval, said sequence corresponding to the wearer's identification code. Such identification parts are not directly visible in the graphical representation 41 presented on / in the broadcast interface 3. Under these conditions, the selection sub-step 14 comprises a visualization phase 15 of at least one of said identification parts of the sequence in said graphical representation 41. This visualization phase 15 comprises a sub-phase of selection of at least one area of ​​interest of the graphical representation 41 adapted to include said at least one identification part. During this sub-phase, the wearer selects, for example, a first area of ​​interest or a second area of ​​interest by zooming in on this first area or this second area using the input interface 35. Once this first or second area of ​​interest has been selected, the identification parts become visible. In this configuration, each identification part that can be used to create / form a sequence can be selected using the input interface 35.

[0049] It should be noted that the sequence includes an ordered number of recognition parts, and the selected region of interest may include, for example, three recognition parts, of which only two recognition parts are sequentially ordered one after the other in the sequence. In this context, in order to become part of the sequence, the remaining recognition parts need to select a recognition part included in another region of interest of the graphical representation 41.

[0050] The authentication step 10 then comprises a verification sub-step 16 of the selected sequence. This verification sub-step 16 comprises a check phase 17 that the selection of the sequence of identification portions has been carried out within a time interval defined by a countdown. As long as this selection has been carried out within this limited time interval, the verification sub-step 16 comprises a comparison step 18 implemented by the processing unit 2 between said selected sequence and a reference sequence 42. If said sequence is substantially different or different from the reference sequence 42, this comparison phase 18 comprises a sub-phase of prohibiting access to the functions of the watch 100. If, on the contrary, said sequence is substantially similar or similar to the reference sequence 42, this comparison phase 18 comprises a sub-phase of authorizing access to the functions of the watch 100.

[0051] As long as this selection has not been performed within this limited time interval, the verification sub-step 16 comprises a repetition step 19 of presentation 11 and a selection 14 sub-step. If the sequence is not subsequently performed again within a limited time interval, the verification sub-step 11 will envisage a sub-step for blocking / locking access to the functions of the watch 100. In this context, a specific unlocking / unblocking procedure is then required to restore access to said watch.

[0052] The method then comprises a periodic check step 20 of the identity of the wearer of the watch, in order to retain / remove the authorization to access said functions, by verifying the validity of a digital data item determined based on at least one biometric data item of the wearer of said watch. Such a step is also called a periodic cautious check step. Within the scope of this embodiment, the biometric data item North Pole is included in a part of the wearer's skin. During this step 20, the time period associated with the check is regular or irregular and can be automatically configured by the processing unit 2 or defined by the wearer. For example, the time period can be a few seconds or a few minutes. Such a check step 20 makes it possible to verify that the wearer of the watch is always the same by checking the "biometric" identity of the wearer of the watch after each time period based on a digital identification item established based on at least one biometric data item included in the skin of the wearer.

[0053] This checking step 20 then comprises a sub-step 21 of acquisition of a plurality of images of a portion of the skin of the wearer, arranged adjacent to said sensor, said image comprising at least one biometric data item included in this portion of skin, performed by the sensor 35. This sub-step 21 comprises a phase 22 of illumination of the portion of skin along different wavelengths. More specifically, during this phase 22, the processing unit 2 controls the multispectral biometric sensor 35, and in particular the light source 37, so that the light source 37 emits light radiation towards the portion of skin along a specific wavelength suitable for detecting or revealing said at least one specific biometric information item of the skin, which is here sought within the scope of the wearer identity check and is included in this portion of the wearer's skin. Once the illumination has been configured, the acquisition sub-step 21 comprises a phase 23 of capture of an image of this portion of skin illuminated at at least one wavelength suitable for detecting or revealing said at least one biometric data item. During this phase 23, the processing unit 2 controls the multispectral biometric skin sensor 35, and in particular the photographic sensor 36, synchronously with the activation / deactivation of the light source 37, so as to perform the capture of at least one image related to the illuminated portion of skin for at least one wavelength.

[0054] This acquisition sub-step 21 may also comprise a capture phase 24 of at least one thermal image of the skin portion. Such phase 24 is preferably performed without illumination, but in other alternatives, illumination of the portion may be performed at at least one given wavelength, obviously depending on the biometric data item to be detected or revealed. This phase 24 may be performed before or after the illumination 22 phase and the image capture 23 phase.

[0055] Then, the checking step 20 comprises a sub-step 25 of generating a digital identification item based on said at least one biometric data item included in the image of the skin portion acquired. Such sub-step 25 comprises a characterization phase 26 of said at least one biometric data item included in the image relative to said skin portion. During this phase 26, the processing unit 2 implements an algorithm 39 for processing the acquired images aimed at identifying / detecting, from each acquired image, said at least one biometric data item included therein. As mentioned above, this may involve, for example, data items related to the skin texture of the wearer's skin or to the vascular network included in this portion of the wearer's skin. The implementation of these algorithms 39, 40 by the processing unit 2 may, for example, envisage a segmentation process of these images. It should be understood in this context that each image acquired gives an overview of a portion of the wearer's skin and then comprises a variable correlation area for identifying said at least one biometric data item. Such a segmentation process helps to extract the portions of these images to be processed and remove the portions not to be processed. These algorithms 39 may then envisage generating an index for these image segments comprising features relating to said at least one specific biometric data item to be identified by localizing an area in a skin portion, so as to be able to assign to each area an appropriate treatment for the morphological topology of the features of this geometric area of ​​the portion. In this context, these algorithms 39 detect the data carried by the pixels in each of these images by performing image analysis operations of the processing, transformation and detection type, so as to process each segment of these images. Subsequently, these algorithms 39 perform feature filtering and extraction operations or vectorization operations, so as to convert the image data relating to said at least one identified and extracted biometric data item into parametric data, generally relative numerical values, for example expressed as an index or a percentage.

[0056] It is understood herein that the acquisition of several images representing the same skin portion helps to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the characterization stage 26 .

[0057] Subsequently, the generation sub-step 25 comprises a design phase 27 of a digital identification item based on the characterization of said at least one biometric data item. During this phase 27, the processing unit 2 implements a generation algorithm 40 of such a digital identification item, particularly conceived for processing the parameter data obtained during the characterization phase 26, said parameter data relating to the biometric data item.

[0058] The checking step 20 then comprises a verification sub-step 28 of the digital identification item generated in the intended wearer identity check. This verification sub-step 28 comprises a comparison phase 29 implemented by the processing unit 2 between the generated digital identification item and a reference digital identification item. In the method, during a definition step 11 of this reference digital identification item envisaging sub-steps similar to the acquisition 21 sub-step and the generation 25 sub-step implemented during the checking step 20, the reference digital identification item can be created once the wearer has been properly authenticated and their identity has been confirmed. In the method, once the wearer of the watch 100 has been authenticated, the processing unit 2 implements this definition step 11 and then archives the reference digital identification item obtained in the memory element 6 of the processing unit 2. Thus, this reference digital identification item can be determined automatically by the processing unit 2 or configured by the wearer during a setup process intended to guide the wearer in defining this reference digital identification element.

[0059] If the generated digital identification item is substantially different or different from the reference digital identification item, this comparison phase 29 comprises a sub-phase 30 of removing the access authorization to said functions of the watch 100. In this scenario, access to the functions of the watch 100 is then removed, since the wearer and owner of the watch 100 may no longer have the watch 100. Thus, in this context, in order to use the functions of the watch 100 again, an authentication must be performed.

[0060] If the generated digital identification item is substantially similar or similar to the reference digital identification item, the comparison phase 29 also comprises a sub-phase 31 of the retention of the access authorization to said functions of the watch 100. In this case, the checking unit 2 performs again the sub-steps of acquisition 21 and generation 25 of the checking step 20 according to the determined period so as to perform the comparison phase 29 again.

[0061] The invention thus makes it possible to continuously, automatically and non-intrusively check the identity of the wearer of the watch, in particular once they have been authenticated.

[0062] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing steps 10 to 31 of the method when the processing unit 2 of the watch 100 executes the program.

Claims

1. A method for protecting access to a watch (100), comprising the following steps: - authenticating (10) the wearer of the watch (100) based on an interaction between the wearer of the watch (100) and a graphical representation included in the watch (100) in order to authorize access to functions of the watch (100), and - periodically checking (20) the identity of the wearer of the watch, by verifying the validity of at least one digital data item determined on the basis of at least one biometric data item of the wearer of the watch, in order to retain / remove the authorization for accessing the functions, wherein the at least one digital data item comprises features of a surface of the wearer's skin, and the features of the skin are obtained by detecting hairs and cracks on the surface at a portion of the wearer's skin where the watch is worn, wherein the periodic inspection (20) further comprises verifying the validity of one of the plurality of digital data items from the thermal imaging, the digital data item comprising the crack and the hair in the skin texture, by thermally imaging the crack and detecting a skin portion as being hotter than other portions of the skin, wherein the periodic checking (20) further comprises a sub-step (21) of acquiring, by at least one multispectral biometric skin sensor (35) included in the watch (100), a plurality of images of a skin portion of the skin adjacent to the sensor (35), the images comprising the at least one digital data item included in the skin portion, and The multispectral biometric skin sensor (35) is configured to detect the crack by comparing a first image of the image of the skin portion obtained by illuminating the skin portion with one or more first wavelengths with a second image of the image of the skin portion obtained by illuminating the skin portion with one or more second wavelengths different from the first wavelengths, and to detect the crack based on detecting a shadow that appears in one of the first image and the second image but not in the other of the first image and the second image by comparing the first image with the second image.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The authentication step (10) comprises a presentation sub-step (11) of a graphical representation (41) on a visual data broadcast interface (3) of the watch (100).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The authentication step (10) comprises a sub-step of selection (14) of a sequence of at least two identification parts of the graphical representation (41) intended to identify the wearer within a limited time interval, the sequence corresponding to the identification code of the wearer.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The authentication step (10) comprises a verification sub-step (16) of the selected sequence.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Said checking step (20) comprises a sub-step (25) of generating a digital identification item based on said at least one biometric data item.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The checking step (20) comprises a verification sub-step (28) of the digital identification item generated in anticipation of the wearer's identity check.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that If said digital identification item is substantially similar or similar to a reference digital identification item, said verification sub-step (28) comprises a comparison phase (29) including a sub-phase (30) of retaining authorization of access to said functions of said watch.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The acquisition sub-step (21) comprises an illumination phase (22) of the skin portion along different wavelengths, including the first wavelength and the second wavelength.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The acquisition sub-step (21) comprises a capture phase (23) of images of the skin portion illuminated at different wavelengths.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Said generating sub-step (25) comprises a characterization phase (26) of said at least one digital data item comprised in the acquired image with respect to said skin portion.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The generating sub-step (25) comprises a designing sub-step (27) of the digital identification item based on the representation of the digital data item.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The at least one digital data item relates to the texture of the skin at the skin portion.

13. A system for protecting access to a watch (100), the system implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the system (1) comprising the following interconnected elements: a processing unit (2), a biometric sensor (35), an input interface (34) and a visual data broadcast interface (3).

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that The biometric sensor is the multispectral biometric skin sensor.

15. A watch (100) comprising a system (1) according to any one of claims 13 and 14.

16. The watch according to claim 15, characterized in that The watch comprises a networked mechanical watch.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when the program is executed by a processing unit (2).

18. A computer program product comprising a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when the program is executed by a processing unit (2).

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