Biometric Profile Switching with Hysteresis Timer

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Solution Overview

Problem

User devices lack a convenient and dynamic method to switch between user profiles when shared among multiple users, often requiring a lengthy process of logging out and logging in, and may inadvertently switch profiles when handed over, leading to potential access issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating biometric sensors around the device to detect and compare user biometric information with stored profiles, using a hysteresis timer to determine when to switch profiles, allowing immediate or delayed switching based on user identity and configured settings, and providing options to prevent profile changes or store new biometric data for future access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual logging out and logging in is used to switch user profiles, then user access control is secure, but the switching process is time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile switching convenienceVSAvoidtime required for profile switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects biometric information and switches user profiles without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously identifying the user and activating the appropriate profile, eliminating the need for manual logging out and in.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of logging out and logging in is replaced with an automated biometric recognition system. The biometric sensor and processing system substitute for the manual authentication steps, enabling rapid and convenient profile switching.

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

2Productivity

If automatic profile switching based on biometric detection is implemented, then profile switching is convenient and rapid, but the device may inadvertently switch profiles when handed over to others

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile switching speedVSAvoidaccuracy of profile switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection threshold and timing based on usage patterns. The biometric detection is activated only during specific states (e.g., when the device is locked or at specific moments), preventing inadvertent switching during casual handovers while enabling rapid switching when intended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates confirmation mechanisms and feedback loops where the detected biometric information is verified before triggering a profile switch. This feedback process ensures that only legitimate switching actions are executed, preventing false activations during device handovers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If biometric sensors are continuously active to detect user identity, then profile switching is rapid and seamless, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile switching response timeVSAvoidenergy consumption of biometric detection
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous biometric detection, the system employs periodic or event-triggered detection. The biometric sensors are activated only at specific intervals or when certain events occur (e.g., device unlock, profile switch request), reducing energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary biometric detection in low-power modes or pre-processes biometric data when the device is in idle states. This allows the system to be prepared for rapid profile switching without requiring continuous high-power sensor operation, thus reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3140977B1Dynamic activation of user profiles based on biometric identification
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3140977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for biometric identification are provided. The apparatus may be a user device. The apparatus may detect biometric information for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be set by a hysteresis timer. The apparatus may compare the detected biometric information with stored biometric information associated with a stored user profile of a plurality of user profiles. The apparatus may then determine whether to display the stored user profile based on the comparison after the predetermined period of time has elapsed.