Auxiliary Processor Fingerprint Authentication Power Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic devices face challenges in securely accessing personal information and applications due to the complexity and frequency of required passcodes, while biometric sensors introduce security concerns regarding the protection of biometric data.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a fingerprint sensor with an auxiliary processor to provide state outputs for authentication, allowing the application processor to remain in a low power mode, while the auxiliary processor performs necessary functions, thus conserving power and protecting fingerprint data by keeping it within the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passcodes are used to access device and applications, then security is improved, but complexity of remembering passcodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a biometric template (a simplified representation or copy of the fingerprint data) instead of the actual fingerprint data for authentication. This template is stored securely and used to verify identity without requiring users to remember complex passcodes, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/passcode-based authentication system with a biometric authentication system. Instead of manually entering and remembering passcodes, the system uses fingerprint recognition, eliminating the need for users to remember multiple passcodes while maintaining strong security
2Reliability
If application processor is activated for fingerprint authentication, then authentication function is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication system into two separate processors: an auxiliary processor that handles initial fingerprint authentication and a application processor that handles secure operations. The auxiliary processor can perform basic authentication functions independently, allowing the application processor to remain in low-power mode and thus reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an auxiliary processor as an intermediary between the fingerprint sensor and the application processor. This auxiliary processor handles preliminary authentication tasks and only activates the application processor when authentication is successful or secure operations are needed, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of high-power operation
3Productivity
If fingerprint data is transferred to application processor, then processing capability is improved, but security of biometric data worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the fingerprint data within the secure element of the auxiliary processor, preventing it from being transferred to the application processor. Only authentication results (accepted/rejected) are communicated, while the actual biometric data remains confined to the secure environment, thus maintaining security while still enabling processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporary, volatile memory within the auxiliary processor's secure element to store fingerprint data only during the authentication process. The data is automatically cleared after use, eliminating the need for long-term storage and reducing security risks associated with data persistence and transfer to less secure processors
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a fingerprint sensor, an application processor, and an auxiliary processor. The application processor is operable to arm the fingerprint sensor prior to the application processor entering a low power or sleep mode. The auxiliary processor is to receive a state output from the fingerprint sensor. The state output is to cause activation of one or more functions of the auxiliary processor upon fingerprint authentication while leaving the application processor in the low power or sleep mode.