Biometric Authentication System Using Location-Based User Narrowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

1:N biometric authentication systems face challenges in reducing the value of N, leading to higher false recognition risks, and existing methods require users to input IDs or manage strict entrance and exit processes, which are not convenient or secure.

Innovation Solution

A biometric authentication system utilizing wireless communication between an information terminal and a biometric information acquisition terminal, where biometric information is acquired and authenticated without the need for user ID input, using beacons to narrow down the number of potential users through location-based associations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 1:N biometric authentication is performed with a large N value, then the authentication system can serve more users, but the risk of false recognition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of users servedVSAvoidfalse recognition risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct stages: first 1:1 authentication using user ID to verify identity, then 1:N authentication using biometric information to verify authorization. This segmentation allows the system to handle large numbers of users while maintaining security by narrowing down the comparison scope in the second stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary 1:1 authentication using user ID before conducting the 1:N biometric authentication. This preliminary action filters the user base to a specific individual, thereby reducing the effective N value in the subsequent biometric comparison and lowering false recognition risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If 1:1 authentication with user ID input is required, then authentication security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to automatically present their biometric information through their information terminal without manual ID input. The terminal self-service functionality enables the user to authenticate by simply presenting their biometric data, which the system then verifies through the two-stage authentication process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of manual ID input with automated biometric information presentation through an information terminal. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically type or enter their ID, improving convenience while maintaining security through the automated authentication process.

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

3Reliability

If strict entrance and exit management is implemented, then authentication control is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication controlVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its authentication requirements based on the service context. For services requiring strict control (e.g., secure facilities), both 1:1 and 1:N authentication are enforced. For services with flexible access needs (e.g., shopping malls), the system can adjust its authentication depth, allowing biometric verification without strict entrance-exit protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system changes its operational parameters based on service type and security requirements. It can adjust the stringency of authentication, the scope of 1:N comparison, and the enforcement of entrance-exit management to match the specific needs of different services, thereby balancing control and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3196792B1Biometric authentication system, biometric authentication processing device, biometric authentication method, biometric information acquisition terminal, and information terminal
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 HITACHI LTD
  • EP3196792B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196792B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196792B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Provided is a highly-secure yet convenient 1:N biometric authentication system achieved by a biometric authentication method using a combination of wireless communication by an information terminal, such as a smartphone, and biometric information acquired by a biometric information acquisition terminal. Specifically, provided is a biometric authentication system including an information terminal that has ID information, a biometric information acquisition terminal that acquires biometric information, and a biometric authentication processing apparatus. The biometric authentication processing apparatus includes: a first communication part that communicates with the information terminal and thereby acquires the ID information and location information on the information terminal; a second communication part that communicates with the biometric information acquisition terminal and thereby acquires the biometric information; a location information storage part that stores therein an indication that the information terminal having the ID information and the biometric information acquisition terminal are located within a predetermined range; a biometric reference information storage part that associates and stores the ID information and biometric reference information to be used for comparison in biometric authentication; and a control part that controls these parts. The control part controls the following operations: acquiring the ID information on the information terminal and the location information indicating a location of the information terminal using the first communication part, when the location information indicates that the information terminal is within the predetermined range from a location of the biometric information acquisition terminal, storing, in the location information storage part, an indication that the information terminal and the biometric information acquisition terminal are located within the predetermined range, and upon acquisition of the biometric information from the second communication part, performing a comparison process on the biometric information using the biometric reference information stored in the location information storage part in association with the ID information on the information terminal.