Biometric Sensor Human Presence Detection via Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CAPTCHA systems are inefficient in verifying human presence, as they require manual intervention, are prone to attacks, and can be inconvenient for users, especially those with disabilities, while also generating significant network traffic due to repeated challenges.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a biometric sensor and controller that performs biometric spoof detection, allowing for faster and more accurate human presence verification by bypassing traditional CAPTCHA methods through impedance sensing and direct finger biometric authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional CAPTCHA methods are used for human presence verification, then the system can distinguish between humans and automated software, but the verification process requires manual intervention and generates significant network traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman presence verification accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually solving CAPTCHA puzzles with a biometric sensing system that automatically detects human presence through electrical impedance measurements. The biometric sensor circuitry eliminates the need for manual verification actions while maintaining reliable human-computer distinction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting human presence through the biometric sensor without requiring external manual input. The circuitry continuously monitors impedance changes and autonomously determines whether a human is present, eliminating the need for users to actively solve CAPTCHA challenges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If visual CAPTCHA methods are used, then the system can verify human presence, but users with visual disabilities or reading difficulties are unable to complete the verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehuman presence verification accuracyVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visual-based verification mechanisms with a tactile biometric sensing system. The electrical impedance-based detection method does not require visual input or cognitive processing, making it inherently accessible to users with visual disabilities or reading difficulties while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed pool of CAPTCHA images is used, then the implementation is simple, but the CAPTCHA can be broken by attackers who collect solutions over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidCAPTCHA security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of verification from visual puzzle solving to electrical impedance measurement. This parameter change creates a new verification modality that is not susceptible to traditional CAPTCHA attacks, as the biometric characteristics measured are unique to each human user and cannot be easily replicated or cracked through solution collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If users must reenter CAPTCHA letters or solve CAPTCHA again during inactivity, then security is maintained, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous verification through the biometric sensor that remains active without requiring periodic re-verification. The electrical impedance-based detection continuously monitors human presence, eliminating the need for users to re-solve CAPTCHA challenges during sessions or after periods of inactivity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces user interaction and verification time, enhances accuracy, and minimizes false positives, providing a more accessible and efficient method for human presence verification.

Implementation Method 1

The controller may perform biometric spoof detection based upon impedance sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance sensing: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9092606B2Biometric sensor for human presence detection and associated methods

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device may include a communications interface, a user prompting device, a biometric sensor, and a controller. The controller may perform biometric spoof detection with the biometric sensor, and receive a request for human presence verification from a remote device via the communications interface. The controller may also prompt the user for a verification action using the sensor based upon receiving the request, and determine that the user has completed the verification action in response to the prompting and based upon the biometric spoof detection. The controller may further send a response to the remote device via the communications interface and based upon determining that the user has completed the verification action. The controller may send a notification to the remote device that there is a biometric sensor.