Capacitive Area Sensor Multi-Factor Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods on capacitive area sensors, such as those used in smartphones and touchpads, face challenges in providing a high level of security while maintaining user-friendliness, particularly in preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the security of authentication data.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a capacitive area sensor that combines an electrically conductive structure on a non-conductive substrate as a first authentication factor with secret information for executing an input sequence as a second authentication factor, where the signal detected during the input sequence is compared to reference data to determine the likelihood of successful authentication, requiring both physical possession of the device and knowledge of the secret information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional authentication methods (PIN codes or TANs) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened because coded information can be easily copied or misused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple authentication factors into a single authentication process. The first factor is the physical device with conductive structure, and the second factor is the secret information for executing input sequences. This merging of authentication factors resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation (single device interface) while improving security (multi-factor verification).
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure with an electrically conductive structure on a non-conductive substrate. This composite material approach enables the device to be detected by capacitive area sensors while maintaining physical security properties that prevent copying, thus improving security without compromising ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a device with electrically conductive structure is used as authentication factor, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into distinct components: the physical device with conductive structure (first factor) and the secret information for input sequences (second factor). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system security, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and complexity increase.
3Reliability
If multi-factor authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device with electrically conductive structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication token (first factor) and the input interface (second factor). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate authentication devices or complex interactions, thereby improving security while maintaining ease of operation.
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 approach provides a highly secure and user-friendly authentication method by ensuring that the device cannot be easily copied or stolen, as both physical possession and secret information are required, significantly increasing the security of the authentication process.
Implementation Method 1
a device with a capacitive area sensor... exploiting the ability of capacitive area sensors to detect conductive patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A method for multi-factor authentication on a device with a capacitive area sensor is provided in which a device with an electrically conductive structure on a non-conductive substrate represents a first authentication factor and information for the execution of an input sequence on the device represents a second authentication factor. Authentication can be performed by means of a comparison with reference data, in accordance with the likelihood with which a signal detected by the area sensor was generated by a combination of the first and second authentication factors. A device, a system and a kit for executing the method for multi-factor authentication on a capacitive area sensor. are provided.