Biometric Sensor Hardwired to Trusted Execution Environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computing devices face challenges in securely distinguishing a truly secure user interface (UI) controlled by a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) from an imitation secure UI manipulated by malware, particularly in scenarios where user-selected images can be replicated by malicious software, and the addition of dedicated LEDs increases hardware costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biometric sensor hardwired to the TEE, which generates a candidate biometric representation, processes it to emphasize features, and uses this representation within the UI to enhance user authentication, thereby ensuring the secure presentation of sensitive information without requiring additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user-selected images are used in the secure UI, then user customization and ease of operation are improved, but security deteriorates because malware can replicate these images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses biometric data (fingerprint, face, or iris) to generate a unique visual representation that is displayed in the secure UI. This biometric-based image serves as a copy of the user's physical characteristics, which malware cannot replicate. The biometric data is processed to create a visual pattern that appears in the UI, providing authentication verification without exposing the actual biometric data to malware.
2Reliability
If dedicated LEDs are added to indicate secure UI status, then reliability and user confidence are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display screen serve multiple functions: it both presents the user interface and provides security indication through the biometric-based visual representation. The same display hardware that shows UI content also displays the unique biometric pattern, eliminating the need for separate indicator LEDs. This multi-functional use of the display reduces device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining security indication capabilities.
3Reliability
If biometric sensor is hardwired to TEE, then security is improved by preventing malware access, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into secure and non-secure portions, with the biometric sensor hardwired to the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). This segmentation isolates biometric data collection and processing within the secure TEE, preventing malware in the non-secure environment from accessing raw biometric data. The TEE processes the biometric data and generates visual representations that can be safely displayed through the non-secure display interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The security of a personal image in an apparently trusted UI is improved through the use of a fingerprint sensor hardwired to a Trusted Execution Environment. The personal image may be a complete or partial representation of a fingerprint sensed by the fingerprint sensor enhanced through emphasis of features of the fingerprint. Alternatively, the personal image may be an object whose movement within the UI is controlled responsive to data received from the fingerprint sensor.