Acoustic Authentication via Vibration Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voice-based recognition and identification face challenges in shared acoustic spaces due to the difficulty in distinguishing between live voice inputs and recorded audio, which can be replicated, leading to security vulnerabilities.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines audio input from microphones with vibration data from sensors to verify the identity of the speaker, using a processor to correlate audio inputs with corresponding vibrations, ensuring that the audio is from the actual person and not a recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If voice-based identification is used in a shared acoustic space, then identification speed is improved, but security is worsened because recorded audio can be replicated to circumvent authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification speedVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines voice-based identification with vibration-based authentication to create a multi-factor security system. The microphone captures audio signals while the sensor detects vibrations produced by the person's body during speech. Both data streams are processed together to verify identity, merging acoustic and mechanical detection methods to prevent circumvention through recorded audio alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration sensor acts as an intermediary verification mechanism between the voice input and authentication decision. Instead of relying solely on audio analysis, the system uses vibration data as a mediating factor that confirms the physical presence and active participation of the person speaking, adding a layer of verification that recorded audio cannot replicate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple authentication methods are combined to improve security, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing microphone serve multiple functions: it continues to capture voice data for identification while also providing audio signals that can be correlated with vibration data for authentication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate systems and minimizes added complexity while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters being measured from voice alone to a combination of acoustic and vibrational parameters. By adding vibration frequency and amplitude data to the existing audio parameter set, the system enhances authentication capability through parameter expansion rather than through complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances security by preventing unauthorized access through recorded voices and allows for conditional authorization of services in shared acoustic environments, such as vehicles or public spaces, by ensuring that only the actual person can access critical or restricted services.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor located within the acoustic space and configured to detect vibrations produced by the person, wherein the vibrations are produced by the person and propagate from the person to the sensor via the person, an object, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3230915B1Identification and authentication in a shared acoustic space
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3230915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3230915B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3230915B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a memory configured to store data associated with a service that is available. The system also includes a microphone associated with an acoustic space and configured to receive an audio input produced by a person. The system further includes a sensor located within the acoustic space and configured to detect vibrations produced by the person. The system includes a processor coupled to the memory, to the microphone, and to the sensor. The processor is configured to conditionally authorize execution of the service requested by the person, the service conditionally authorized based on the audio input and the vibrations.