Multimodal Biometric Profiling via Steganographic Embedding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current biometric profiling technologies face challenges such as unauthorized interception and modification of biometric data during transmission, limited storage capacity, and bandwidth constraints, which compromise the security and usability of biometric templates.

Innovation Solution

A multimodal biometric profiling system that employs steganography to encrypt and conceal biometric templates based on security requirements, reducing the size of biometric information and enabling secure storage and transmission by embedding template bits in cover images using a threshold determination module and error encoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If biometric data is transmitted through networks, then authentication functionality is enabled, but security is compromised due to unauthorized interception and modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication functionalityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds biometric template data within cover images using steganography, creating a nested structure where the biometric data is concealed inside the image file. This allows the biometric information to be transmitted and stored without being exposed to network interception, as it is hidden within the innocuous cover image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses cover images as intermediary carriers to transmit biometric template data. Instead of transmitting biometric data directly through vulnerable networks, the data is embedded within cover images that serve as mediators, protecting the biometric information from unauthorized access while enabling transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If biometric templates are stored in databases, then authentication capability is provided, but storage capacity is limited and bandwidth is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric data storage capacityVSAvoidstorage infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables cover images to serve multiple functions: they act as both the cover object and the carrier for biometric template data. This multi-functionality allows the same image file to be used for visual purposes while simultaneously storing biometric information, eliminating the need for separate storage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the biometric template data and embeds it within the cover image. This allows the biometric information to be stored in the image file itself rather than requiring separate database storage, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If biometric data is concealed using steganography, then security is improved, but data embedding capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidembedding capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies parameters of the cover image, specifically altering pixel values and color components to embed biometric template data. By changing image parameters such as luminance and chrominance values, the system can embed larger amounts of biometric information while maintaining the visual quality and imperceptibility of the cover image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2930639B1Multimodal biometric profiling
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LTD
  • EP2930639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2930639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2930639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Multimodal biometric profiling may include receiving a cover image and a biometric template for a person. An indication of a security requirement related to biometric profiling for the person may be received. A threshold value may be determined based on the indicated security requirement. The threshold value may be used to limit a number of biometric template bits of the biometric template that are embedded in a predetermined bit position of a cover image pixel of the cover image based on cover image intensity associated with the predetermined bit position.