Continuous Biometric Authentication via Motion and Light Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices lack continuous biometric authentication mechanisms that ensure only authorized users can access the device, especially after initial unlocking, and fail to re-secure the device in case of theft or unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
Implement a method using a biometric sensor to continuously authenticate users by detecting triggering events, such as changes in acceleration or light, and requiring periodic biometric verification, with the option to lock the device if unauthorized access is detected, and sending location information if the device is stolen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one-time authentication is used to unlock the device, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened because the device remains unlocked even if lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic biometric authentication checks at predetermined intervals after initial unlocking. The processor continuously monitors whether the user's biometric characteristics match the registered data, requiring re-authentication periodically to maintain unlocked state, thus balancing convenience with continuous security verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor data (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) to detect device state changes and provides feedback by triggering additional authentication requirements. When sensors detect unusual movements, drops, or orientation changes, the system responds by requiring re-authentication, creating a feedback loop that adapts security based on physical device conditions
2Reliability
If continuous biometric verification is implemented, then security is improved, but use of energy is worsened due to continuous sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous verification, the system performs biometric checks at predetermined time intervals and only when sensor-triggered events occur. This periodic approach maintains security while allowing the device to operate in lower-power states between authentication checks, significantly reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts authentication frequency based on device state. During normal operation, checks occur at predetermined intervals; when sensors detect triggering events (drops, unusual movements), the system intensifies monitoring by requiring immediate re-authentication. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy usage based on actual security needs
3Reliability
If additional sensors are added for triggering events, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing multi-functional sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) that serve both standard device operations and security authentication purposes. These sensors already exist for motion tracking and orientation detection, but the patent repurposes them to detect triggering events that initiate additional authentication, avoiding the need for dedicated security sensors and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple sensor inputs (accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer) into a unified security monitoring mechanism. Rather than adding separate sensors for each function, the patent merges the capabilities of existing sensors to detect device state changes and trigger authentication events, reducing component count while maintaining security effectiveness
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 solution ensures continuous and secure access to electronic devices by periodically verifying user identity and automatically locking the device in case of unauthorized use or theft, providing an additional layer of security beyond traditional one-time authentication.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an acceleration value of the electronic device from the device sensor, determine the acceleration of the electronic device is above a gravitational acceleration
Implementation Method 2
receive biometric information from a user of the electronic device, generate a digital representation of the biometric information
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may describes systems and methods for continuous biometric authentication for an electronic device. A continuous biometric authentication may include biometric sensors, processing systems, biometric data, an accelerometer, and other input/output devices. An accelerometer or other input/output devices may be configured to capture information concerning an electronic device, such as an acceleration of the electronic device, and/or information concerning an area surrounding the electronic device, such as ambient light intensity. Based on captured information, a triggering event associated with, for example, a theft, a change in location, or a transfer of possession may be detected by a processing system. Once a triggering event occurs, systems of the present disclosure may initiate additional biometric authentication procedures.