Biometric Safe Locking via Unique Code Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for securing valuable containers, such as ATMs, require storing user-specific PINs and fingerprints, which is time-consuming and raises data protection concerns, and there is a risk of unauthorized access due to the need for physical keys or PINs.

Innovation Solution

A method where biometric data is recorded once and translated into a numerical code, which is used to generate a one-time opening code, eliminating the need for storing sensitive biometric data and allowing secure access without external validation, using a combination of fingerprint scanners and a computing unit to compare codes for unlocking the safe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user-specific PINs and fingerprints are stored on the safe, then user authentication is enabled, but data protection is compromised and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authenticationVSAvoiddata protection risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the biometric data (fingerprint) from the safe system. Instead of storing the actual fingerprint data on the safe, the system only stores a generated code that is mathematically linked to the fingerprint. The fingerprint itself is captured and processed externally, and only the resulting code is retained on the safe, thereby removing the harmful element of storing sensitive biometric data while preserving authentication functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - a generated code - that mediates between the biometric data and the authentication process. This code acts as a placeholder that connects the user's fingerprint to the safe's locking mechanism without requiring the safe to store or process the actual biometric information. The code serves as an intermediate representation that enables authentication while protecting data privacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If physical keys or PINs are carried by users, then access to the safe is enabled, but the risk of unauthorized theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to safeVSAvoidunauthorized theft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical authentication system (physical keys and PINs) with a biometric-based system. Instead of relying on physical objects that can be lost or stolen, the system uses fingerprint recognition - a biological characteristic that cannot be easily replicated or stolen. The mechanical key/PIN system is substituted with an optical/biometric scanning system that captures and processes fingerprint data

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

3Ease of operation

If biometric data is stored on every safe, then user authentication is simplified, but the complexity of data management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authenticationVSAvoiddata management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication system into distinct functional components: biometric data capture, code generation, and code verification. Each safe only needs to implement the code verification function, while the code generation can be performed externally. This segmentation allows multiple safes to authenticate users without each one needing to store or manage complex biometric databases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3425598B1Method for managing an opening state of a container using a unique code based on biometric data
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 INSYS MICROELECTRONICS
  • EP3425598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3425598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3425598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing the open state of a safe by means of a suitable system comprising the safe and a computing unit with a first detection unit, wherein the safe comprises a lockable and unlockable security device and a second detection unit.