Dynamic Biometric Waiting Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated circuit cards with biometric sensors face issues with fixed maximum waiting times for biometric characteristic acquisition, which can be too long and lead to transaction rejection when users are unable to authenticate, especially when the sensor is defective or when wearing protective gear.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically adjust the maximum waiting time based on user reactivity by tracking the time elapsed and non-acquisition events, allowing for adaptive adjustment of the waiting period to optimize user authentication processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the maximum waiting time is fixed and chosen long to maximize the quality of the reference biometric characteristic, then the quality of the acquired biometric characteristic is improved, but the transaction processing time increases and user experience deteriorates when the user is unable or unwilling to authenticate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of reference biometric characteristicVSAvoidtransaction processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed maximum waiting time into a dynamic parameter that adapts between two states: a first maximum duration during the registration phase for optimal quality acquisition, and a second, shorter maximum duration during the use phase for faster transaction processing. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for quality when needed and for speed when the user is unable or unwilling to authenticate promptly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the maximum waiting time parameter based on the operational phase (registration vs. use) and user behavior. The system changes the parameter value from a long duration optimized for quality to a short duration optimized for speed, depending on whether the user is actively attempting authentication or has exceeded the waiting threshold, thereby resolving the quality-time trade-off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the maximum waiting time is fixed and long, then the quality of biometric acquisition is maximized, but the device complexity and control management increase when adapting to different user scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of biometric acquisitionVSAvoidcontrol management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces control management complexity by implementing a dynamic system that automatically switches between two predefined maximum duration values based on the operational phase and user response. Rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments, the system dynamically selects from a simplified set of duration options, making the adaptation mechanism more manageable while still achieving quality optimization during registration and speed optimization during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies device complexity by changing the maximum waiting time parameter between two discrete values rather than implementing continuous adjustment. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt to different user scenarios without requiring complex control algorithms, maintaining quality during registration while enabling faster processing during transactions when users are unable or unwilling to authenticate promptly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the maximum waiting time is reduced for faster transaction processing, then the productivity and user experience improve, but the quality of the acquired biometric characteristic may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidquality of biometric characteristic
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the productivity-quality contradiction by making the maximum waiting time dynamic rather than fixed. During the registration phase, the system uses a first maximum duration that allows sufficient time for high-quality biometric acquisition. During the use phase, when users are unable or unwilling to authenticate promptly, the system switches to a second, shorter maximum duration that enables faster transaction processing. This dynamic adjustment ensures that quality is optimized when it matters most (registration) while productivity is optimized during transactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between transaction speed and biometric quality. The system changes the maximum waiting time parameter from a long value optimized for quality during registration to a short value optimized for speed during use-phase transactions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve fast processing when users are unable or unwilling to authenticate promptly without permanently compromising the quality standards established during registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3660738A1Method for adjusting a maximum waiting time for acquiring biometric characteristics and device implementing said method
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP3660738A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3660738A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3660738A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

This process includes: - a step (F08) of triggering a clock upon receipt (E02) of a request to acquire biometric characteristics; - a phase of collecting representative information (BIO_ON, BIO_OFF, REAC), either: (i) of the non-acquisition (BIO_OFF) of said biometric characteristics for a maximum duration (T_OUT) counted from said triggering; or (ii) of the duration (REAC) elapsed between said triggering and the acquisition (BIO_ON) of said biometric characteristics before said maximum duration (T_OUT); and - upon detection (E35) of an adjustment criterion, a step (E41) of adjusting said maximum duration (T_OUT) according to said information.