Biometric Authentication Fallback Using Accessory Device State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric authentication methods on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient when a portion of the biometric feature is covered, leading to increased user time and device energy consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
Implement methods and interfaces that utilize both biometric data and accessory device states to authenticate users, allowing secure operations when biometric data is insufficient, and provide alternative authentication methods when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biometric authentication is used, then security is improved, but user time and device energy consumption increase when biometric feature is covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accessory device as an intermediary authentication mechanism. When biometric authentication fails or is unavailable (e.g., face covered by mask), the system automatically falls back to accessory-based authentication, eliminating the need for users to manually try alternative methods and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple authentication methods (biometric and accessory-based) during setup. When authentication is needed, the system checks conditions in advance and automatically selects the appropriate method, preventing time-wasting manual intervention by users.
2Reliability
If biometric authentication is used, then security is improved, but device energy consumption increases when biometric authentication fails
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system dynamically switches between biometric and accessory-based methods based on real-time conditions. When biometric authentication fails or is unavailable, the system automatically transitions to accessory-based authentication, avoiding repeated failed biometric attempts that waste energy on battery-operated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device serves as an energy-efficient intermediary authentication path. When biometric sensors cannot authenticate (consuming significant power), the system uses the lower-power accessory device to complete authentication, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining security.
3Productivity
If biometric authentication is used, then authentication speed is improved, but cognitive burden on user increases when alternative methods are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines which authentication method to use based on sensor data and device state, without requiring user cognition or manual selection. The system self-manages the authentication process by checking conditions and selecting the appropriate method, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining fast authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures authentication methods and automatically selects the appropriate one based on current conditions, eliminating the need for users to think about which method to use. This preliminary setup and automatic selection maintains authentication speed while reducing cognitive burden.
4Reliability
If biometric authentication is used, then security is improved, but number of unnecessary inputs increases when biometric authentication fails
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary that can complete authentication without requiring additional user inputs. When biometric authentication fails, the system uses the accessory device's state (e.g., connected state, unlocked state) as the authentication credential, eliminating the need for users to provide repeated biometric inputs or manually select alternative methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically uses the accessory device's existing state information for authentication without requiring users to perform additional actions. The accessory device's connected or unlocked state serves as the authentication credential, reducing unnecessary user inputs while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to methods and user interfaces for authentication, including providing and controlling authentication at a computer system using an external device in accordance with some embodiments; providing and controlling biometric authentication at a computer system in accordance with some embodiments; and managing the availability of different types of biometric authentication at a computer system in accordance with some embodiments.