Biometric Authentication for Computing Device Unlocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current lock mechanisms for computing devices are repetitive and time-consuming, leading to user non-compliance and increased susceptibility to unauthorized use due to the need for frequent password entry or icon manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing biometric information, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, to automatically unlock a computing device when predetermined requirements are met, eliminating the need for manual password entry or icon manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional lock mechanisms requiring password entry or icon manipulation are used, then device security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to repetitive manual inputs being time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking convenienceVSAvoidunlocking time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input methods (typing passwords, manipulating icons on screen menus) with biometric recognition technology. The biometric sensor captures physiological characteristics (fingerprint, facial recognition, iris pattern) and automatically compares them against stored data, eliminating the need for manual input operations and significantly reducing unlocking time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service unlocking by using the user's own biometric characteristics as the authentication key. The biometric sensor automatically detects and verifies the user's identity without requiring active participation from the user, making the unlocking process as convenient as simply presenting the device or placing a finger on the sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional lock mechanisms are used, then unauthorized access is prevented, but ease of operation worsens due to repetitive manual inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking convenienceVSAvoidunlocking process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical input sequences (multiple icon manipulations, password typing) with a simple biometric capture action. The system reduces the unlocking process from multiple discrete manual operations to a single biometric presentation action, significantly simplifying the user interaction model while maintaining equivalent or superior security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If users lock their devices frequently to maintain security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated unlocking requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoiddevice access efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual authentication processes with rapid biometric verification. The biometric sensor can capture and verify user identity in seconds, enabling frequent locking and unlocking cycles without impacting overall device productivity. This allows users to maintain high security postures while experiencing minimal disruption to their workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If manual password entry is required, then security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to repetitive keypresses

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidunlocking convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keyboard input with optical or capacitive biometric sensing. Instead of requiring users to physically press keys in a specific sequence, the system captures biometric data through sensors (fingerprint scanner, camera for facial recognition) and performs automated pattern matching, eliminating the need for manual keypresses entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the user's biometric characteristics and stores it for comparison. During authentication, the sensor captures a new biometric sample and compares it against the stored copy, replacing the need for users to remember and physically enter complex passwords while maintaining equivalent security verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8149089B2Method for unlocking a locked computing device and computing device thereof

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 HTC CORP

AI summary

A method for unlocking a locked computing device includes obtaining biometric information utilizing the computing device, determining whether the biometric information meets a predetermined requirement, unlocking the computing device when the biometric information obtained meets the predetermined requirement, and maintaining a locked status of the computing device when the biometric information does not meet the predetermined requirement. A computing device includes a sensor utilized for obtaining biometric information, wherein the computing device is for determining whether the biometric information meets a predetermined requirement, for unlocking the computing device when the biometric information obtained meets the predetermined requirement, and for maintaining a locked status of the computing device when the biometric information does not meet the predetermined requirement.