Credential Access Interface Using Fingerprint and Secure Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing access to credentials on electronic devices are often cumbersome, inefficient, and less secure, particularly in battery-operated devices, leading to wasted user time and energy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic device with an integrated fingerprint sensor and a secure element, which detects fingerprints to transition between accounts and release credentials based on predefined criteria, enhancing security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex user interface with multiple key presses is used for credential access, then security may be improved through multiple verification steps, but user time and device energy are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring credential access rules and storing authentication data in advance. When a user needs to access credentials, the system has already prepared the verification logic and can quickly match the fingerprint against stored templates, eliminating the need for multiple sequential verification steps during actual credential access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical keyboard input systems with biometric fingerprint sensing. Instead of requiring users to physically press multiple keys or type passwords, the system uses optical or capacitive fingerprint sensors to automatically capture and verify biometric data, dramatically reducing the physical actions required while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If multiple key presses are required for credential access, then authorization verification may be more thorough, but device energy is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces energy-intensive mechanical input methods (keyboard processing, multiple button presses) with low-power biometric sensing. Fingerprint sensors require minimal energy to capture and process biometric data compared to the cumulative energy consumption of multiple keyboard interactions, maintaining verification thoroughness while conserving battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing the captured fingerprint against stored authentication templates without requiring user intervention for multiple verification steps. The biometric data inherently contains unique identifying information that enables automatic verification, eliminating the need for repeated user actions and reducing energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If traditional password entry methods are used, then users can provide authorization, but they cannot be sure their password is not being misappropriated
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces password-based authentication with biometric fingerprint verification. Fingerprint sensors capture unique physiological characteristics that cannot be easily replicated or misappropriated unlike passwords. The biometric data is processed locally and verified against stored templates, providing users with confidence that their unique biological identifier is being used for authorization rather than a vulnerable password.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the authentication parameter from a user-created password (which can be guessed, stolen, or mistyped) to a unique biometric parameter (fingerprint patterns). This parameter change fundamentally improves security because biometric characteristics are inherent to the user and cannot be misappropriated in the same way passwords can, while still maintaining ease of operation through automatic verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to managing access to credentials. In some examples, an electronic device authorizes release of credentials for use in an operation for which authorization is required. In some examples, an electronic device causes display of one or more steps to be taken to enable an input device for user input. In some examples, an electronic device disambiguates between commands to change the account that is actively logged-in on the device and commands to cause credentials to be released from the secure element.