Biometric Authentication for Tamperproof Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in securely storing and accessing multiple usernames and passwords across various accounts due to the difficulty in remembering different credentials and the risk of unauthorized access when using the same credentials for multiple accounts, necessitating a secure method for storing sensitive information in a tamperproof storage device within a wireless communication device.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a wireless communication device equipped with a biometric sensor, memory device, and processing circuit to capture and authenticate biometric samples, allowing access to a tamperproof storage device for storing and presenting sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers, while preventing unauthorized access by using a biometric authentication mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users store multiple usernames and passwords in a tamperproof storage device, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the complexity of the authentication system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a biometric sensor as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the user and the tamperproof storage device. Instead of directly managing multiple credentials, the system uses biometric data (fingerprint, iris, facial recognition) as a mediator to verify user identity and grant access to stored credentials, thereby improving security without significantly increasing user-facing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical authentication methods (keyboards, password entry) with biometric authentication systems. The biometric sensor captures physiological characteristics and converts them into digital templates for comparison, substituting the mechanical act of typing passwords with automated biometric verification, thus enhancing security while maintaining ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If users change passwords frequently to maintain security, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the loss of time for users to remember and change passwords increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtime to remember and change passwords

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service authentication system where the user's biometric characteristics serve as permanent, unchangeable credentials stored in the tamperproof storage device. The system automatically compares captured biometric data against stored templates, eliminating the need for users to manually remember or change passwords while maintaining high security standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary authentication by storing biometric templates in advance during device setup or initial registration. These pre-stored templates are used for rapid comparison during subsequent authentication attempts, eliminating the need for users to spend time remembering or resetting passwords while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If users use the same username and password for multiple accounts, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access to all accounts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of using credentialsVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments credential management by storing credentials for multiple different accounts within the secure tamperproof storage device. Each account's username and password are stored as separate, isolated entries, allowing the user to access different credentials for different accounts without reusing passwords, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal authentication system where a single biometric credential provides access to multiple different account credentials stored in the tamperproof device. The biometric sensor serves multiple functions: capturing biometric data, comparing templates, and authorizing access to various account credentials, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing password reuse risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8943326B2Systems and methods for accessing a tamperproof storage device in a wireless communication device using biometric data

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A novel system and method for accessing data stored in a secure or tamperproof storage device in a wireless communication device is provided. The wireless communication device may include a biometric sensor for capturing a biometric sample of the user. The captured biometric sample may be compared to known biometric samples of users stored in a memory device of the wireless communication device. If the captured biometric sample matches one of the known biometric samples, the user is allowed access to the tamperproof storage device for a preset amount of time. The user may delete existing data, add new data, modify existing data or view existing data stored in the tamperproof storage device.