Audio Reflection Authentication for Seamless Electronic Device Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require separate user authentication operations, such as fingerprint or password inputs, making it difficult to seamlessly use the device and its functions, and limiting intuitive and fast service provision.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that uses an audio output device connected via an interface to perform user authentication by transmitting a test signal and receiving a feedback signal, unlocking the device when the user wearing the audio output device is authenticated based on stored user authentication information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate authentication operations (fingerprint, password, utterance) are required for user authentication, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication automatically without requiring user actions. The audio output device plays a test signal that is reflected by the user's ear, and the processor automatically analyzes the reflected signal to determine authentication result, making the system serve itself for authentication purposes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical interaction systems (fingerprint sensors, password keyboards, voice utterance microphones) with an acoustic reflection-based authentication system using audio signal processing to achieve automated authentication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple authentication procedures are required for device access and function execution, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication in advance automatically when the audio output device is connected, so that when the user wants to use functions, authentication has already been completed, enabling immediate access without waiting for additional authentication steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines device authentication and function authentication into a single automated process. The same audio-based authentication mechanism is used for both device access and subsequent function execution, merging multiple authentication procedures into one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate authentication operations are required for each function, then security is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication state is maintained continuously once established. After the initial automated authentication, the system remains in an authenticated state allowing continuous access to functions without requiring repeated authentication actions, eliminating time loss from repeated authentication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

User authentication and de-authentication are performed seamlessly without additional user actions, enabling seamless access to services and functions, even when authentication is required.

Implementation Method 1

obtain an audio signal reflected on a part of the user of the outputted audio signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3707628B1Electronic device for authenticating user by using audio signal and method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3707628B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3707628B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3707628B1 patent drawingFigure 1d

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes an interface, and a processor, wherein the processor may receive an input of a user, output an audio signal by using a first external device connected to the electronic device through the interface, in response to the input of the user, obtain an audio signal reflected on a part of the user of the outputted audio signal, by using the first external device, authenticate the user by using the reflected audio signal and execute a specified function in a unlocked state of the electronic device when the user is a user authenticated for the electronic device.