Proximity Wireless Unlocking With Biometric Wake-Up Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice-assisted devices consume excessive power due to constant listening for keywords, leading to unnecessary activation of multiple devices in proximity, and proximity-based unlocking methods fail to verify user intent.
Innovation Solution
A follower device with a controller, transceiver, biometric signature memory, and authentication unit establishes a wireless link with a leader device, authenticating user input to unlock only when biometric signatures match, and disables unnecessary functional modules to conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If voice-assisted devices constantly monitor keywords to enable quick response, then responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wake-up keyword monitoring instead of continuous monitoring. Devices periodically check for wake-up keywords and only activate full processing functions when triggered, reducing power consumption while maintaining responsiveness to user commands
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and device pairing before enabling full voice processing capabilities. This preliminary setup phase establishes trusted relationships, allowing devices to remain in low-power states while still providing responsive service through pre-configured authentication mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If multiple devices in proximity monitor the same keyword, then user access convenience is improved, but unpredictable device activation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the authentication process into distinct phases: wake-up keyword detection, device identification, biometric verification, and authorization. This segmentation allows each device to independently process authentication steps, ensuring predictable activation based on verified user intent rather than mere proximity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication layer between keyword detection and device activation. Instead of direct activation upon keyword detection, an authentication unit verifies user identity through biometric signatures, serving as a mediator that ensures only authorized devices activate in response to user commands
3Speed
If proximity-based unlocking is implemented without user intent verification, then unlocking speed is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary device pairing and authentication setup before unlocking operations. During this preliminary phase, biometric templates are securely stored and authentication protocols are established, enabling fast unlocking without compromising security since the heavy verification work was done in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or simple proximity-based unlocking with biometric authentication using fingerprint, facial recognition, or other biometric signatures. This substitution maintains fast unlocking speeds while significantly enhancing security by verifying actual user identity rather than just device proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A very short range wireless communication system and method is disclosed. The communication system includes a leader device and one or more follower devices. The leader device may establish a link only when the follower devices are in proximity. A user may provide authentication to one of the leader or follower devices which may then unlock the other of the leader or follower devices. Alternatively, the authentication may be provided to the other of the leader or follower devices as part of a two-factor authentication process.