Biometric Authorization Using Composite Physiological Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authorization systems are insecure due to reliance on tokens, knowledge-based codes, or biometrics, as they can be stolen, forgotten, or easily replicated, leading to unauthorized access and identity theft, with biometric systems having high error rates and susceptibility to fraud.

Innovation Solution

A biometric authorization system utilizing a biometric input device and database to compare biometric specimens from two physiologically distinct portions of an individual, using correlating factors and probability distribution functions to determine matches, eliminating the need for tokens and codes, and enhancing security with a low false error rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If token-based authorization systems are used, then authorization can be performed, but the token may be stolen and used by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization securityVSAvoidtoken theft and unauthorized use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authorization system is segmented into multiple independent biometric modalities (e.g., fingerprint, iris, facial recognition) that work together. Each biometric factor provides a separate layer of security, and the combination of multiple factors creates a segmented defense against unauthorized access. This segmentation ensures that compromise of one biometric modality does not lead to complete system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite biometric authentication by combining multiple different biometric modalities (such as fingerprint, iris, voice, or facial recognition) into a unified authorization system. This composite approach creates a more robust security mechanism where the authentication strength is derived from the combination of diverse biometric characteristics, making it significantly harder for unauthorized persons to gain access compared to single-factor authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If knowledge-based authorization systems are used, then authorization can be performed, but many people have trouble remembering the authorization code and it may be discovered by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization securityVSAvoiduser memory burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/memory-based authorization system (where users must remember codes) with a biometric-based system that automatically captures and verifies physiological characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for users to memorize authorization codes, as the biometric data (fingerprints, iris patterns, facial features) is inherently stored in the user's body and can be captured non-invasively during the authentication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If purely biometric-based systems are used, then no token or code is required, but a rubber duplicate of fingerprint may be made and used by unauthorized person

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveno token or code requiredVSAvoidbiometric fraud susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Productivity

If biometric systems use single factor authentication, then authorization can be performed, but the false error rate is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthorization speedVSAvoidfalse error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple biometric authentication methods into a unified system that evaluates several biometric factors simultaneously or in sequence. By combining the results from multiple biometric modalities (such as fingerprint matching, iris pattern recognition, and facial feature analysis), the system achieves a more accurate determination of identity with reduced false error rates compared to single-factor biometric systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7773780B2Augmented biometric authorization system and method

Publication Date: 2010.08.10 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Systems and methods of authorizing an activity, such as a financial transaction, are disclosed. Authorizing the activity may be accomplished by comparing a biometric sample to a biometric specimen. The sample is stored in a database and includes biometric information corresponding to two physiologically distinct portions of an individual. When that individual later is a person desiring to authorize an activity, he provides a specimen that includes biometric information corresponding to two physiologically distinct portions of his person. A comparison between the sample and the specimen is performed, and if a match is determined then the activity is authorized. If the comparison is performed and a match is not determined, then the activity is not authorized.