Cross-Device Authentication for Secure Multi-Screen Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for unlocking a device during multi-screen collaboration are inefficient and inconvenient, requiring direct user interaction on the locked device.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device unlocking method that allows unlocking a first electronic device on a second electronic device through authentication information input on the second device, utilizing collaborative authentication and projection modules to facilitate secure and convenient unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fingerprint recognition module is added to provide fingerprint unlocking function, then user authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authentication securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fingerprint recognition module with the existing camera module, allowing the fingerprint sensor to be integrated into the camera assembly. This merging approach enables dual functionality (photography and biometric authentication) from a single integrated component, improving security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a photography device and a fingerprint recognition sensor. By making the camera module universal, the system achieves fingerprint unlocking capability without adding a separate dedicated fingerprint sensor, thus improving authentication security while avoiding significant complexity increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple unlocking methods (password, pattern, PIN) are provided, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking system is designed with multi-functionality, supporting multiple authentication methods (fingerprint, password, pattern, PIN) through a unified interface. This universal approach allows users to choose their preferred method while the system manages all options through a single centralized unlocking mechanism, improving convenience without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects and switches between different unlocking methods based on user input. When a fingerprint is detected, the system automatically activates fingerprint recognition; otherwise, it presents other authentication options. This self-service capability reduces the burden on users to manually select unlocking methods while keeping the underlying complexity managed through automated logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If fingerprint recognition module is integrated into camera module, then device integration level is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice integration levelVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fingerprint recognition module into the camera module assembly, combining two functional components into a single integrated unit. This merging improves device versatility and space utilization, though it requires coordinated manufacturing processes to ensure both the camera and fingerprint sensor meet their respective precision requirements within the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4273721B1Electronic device unlocking method and device related thereto
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4273721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4273721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4273721B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device unlocking method and a related device are provided, applied to a first electronic device. The method includes: receiving operation information sent by a second electronic device; sending first information to the second electronic device when determining, based on the operation information, to unlock a to-be-unlocked object of the first electronic device, where the first information is used by the second electronic device to collect authentication information required for unlocking the to-be-unlocked object; obtaining authentication information from the second electronic device to perform authentication of a user; and unlocking the to-be-unlocked object of the first electronic device when the authentication of the user succeeds. According to the method, the first electronic device can be unlocked on the second electronic device, thereby ensuring unlocking security and convenience.