Body Area Network Authentication for Smartphone Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security methods for unlocking smartphones, such as fingerprint scanning, are cumbersome and not entirely secure, failing to provide a high enough security level for user authentication.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a Body Area Network (BAN) communication method that pairs a wearable device with a smartphone by using the user's body as a transmission medium, combining biometric data from a fingerprint scanner with authentication data from a peripheral device to securely unlock the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fingerprint scanning is used for device access, then security is improved, but the unlocking process becomes cumbersome due to manual initiation through menu settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidunlocking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically initiating the authentication process when the wearable device is detected on the user's body. The unlock sequence is triggered in advance without requiring manual menu navigation, while still executing fingerprint scanning and authentication verification to maintain security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If traditional authentication methods are used, then the unlocking process is simple, but security level is insufficient and can be easily compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking processVSAvoidsecurity level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple authentication mechanisms into a unified process: wearable device detection, fingerprint scanning, and authentication data verification are combined and executed automatically. This integration maintains operational simplicity while significantly enhancing security through layered verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual password entry is used, then security can be strengthened with longer passwords, but the unlocking procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidunlocking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical action of manual password entry with automatic electronic authentication. The wearable device and fingerprint scanner electronically verify authentication data without requiring the user to physically type or input a password, thereby maintaining security while eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If fingerprint scanning alone is used for access, then the process is quick, but security is not 100% proof and can be spoofed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunlocking speedVSAvoidsecurity level

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by adding an additional authentication layer through the wearable device verification. This preparatory security measure is in place before the fingerprint scan, creating a buffer that prevents spoofing attacks while maintaining the quick unlock speed through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3078136B1A system and method for allowing access to electronic devices using a body area network

Publication Date: 2020.01.22 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

A method, system and devices for creating access to a wireless communication device by using BAN, comprising detecting the presence of a user's body by using a BAN enabled access module connected to the wireless communication device, collecting biometric data of the user and receiving authentication data from a BAN enabled peripheral device through BAN by using the BAN enabled access module and allowing access to the wireless communication device if the collected biometric data and the received authentication data are valid.