Biometric Image-Based Key Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric security systems face the risk of permanent data loss and identity theft due to the storage of actual biometric images, making them vulnerable to compromise and unable to securely grant or deny access once the data is stolen.
Innovation Solution
The system converts biometric images into temporary keys for encryption and decryption purposes, discarding the images and keys after use, thereby preventing permanent storage and potential theft of sensitive biometric data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biometric images are stored in a database for access control, then access control functionality is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to data compromise and permanent identity theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional property from the biometric image (a unique identifier or template) while discarding the actual image data. This allows the system to perform access control based on extracted features without storing the vulnerable original biometric images, thereby enabling functionality while reducing security risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporary, disposable cryptographic keys derived from biometric data that are discarded after use. Instead of permanently storing valuable biometric images, the system generates ephemeral keys for authentication that are destroyed after serving their purpose, making data compromise less impactful.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If actual biometric images are permanently stored, then data can be retrieved for future access, but the individual is permanently at risk of identity theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a functional copy or representation of the biometric data (such as a cryptographic hash or template) that preserves the authentication capability without containing the actual biometric image. This copy can be stored and retrieved for future access control while the original sensitive data remains unstored and thus unprotected from theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the biometric image into a different parameter representation (such as a numerical template, hash value, or cryptographic key) that maintains the unique identification property but eliminates the visual and personal information content, thereby changing the data form to reduce vulnerability to identity theft.
3Reliability
If biometric data is stored for security verification, then access control is possible, but the security system can no longer use compromised identifiers after theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where cryptographic keys are generated fresh for each authentication session or can be regenerated if compromise is detected. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to security threats by replacing compromised credentials, maintaining both verification reliability and system reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems according to the present disclosure improve upon known biometric security systems by not permanently storing (e.g., for later comparison as in known systems) the actual image of the biometric characteristic. Instead, an image of a biometric identifier (e.g., retina, fingerprint, etc.) may be used to form a key which may be used to secure and provide access to data. The key may be formed, in embodiments, using a neural network and/or a random input (e.g., a vector of random characters), for example. The image of the biometric identifier may be discarded, and thus may not be vulnerable to theft. In an embodiment, the key may be used in a key-based encryption system.