Decentralized Biometric Authentication via Distributed Ledger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biometric authentication frameworks are vulnerable to code hacking, lack auditability, and rely on centralized servers, which are prone to machine failure and adversary attacks. Additionally, biometric templates are not recorded in immutable form, making it difficult to prove authenticity in disputes.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized biometric authentication platform using fault-tolerant distributed computing, where biometric samples are matched against stored templates in a distributed user ledger, and the results are recorded in a separate distributed authentication ledger, providing an immutable history log for proof of authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If centralized server is used for biometric matching, then matching speed is improved, but system reliability and security deteriorate due to vulnerability to attacks and machine failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized biometric authentication system into multiple distributed nodes that independently perform matching operations. Each node maintains a portion of the biometric templates and can process authentication requests autonomously, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized systems while maintaining matching speed through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger as an intermediary layer between biometric templates and authentication requests. The ledger stores immutable records of biometric data and authentication outcomes, providing a trusted verification mechanism that enhances system reliability without compromising matching speed, as the ledger can be queried in parallel with the matching process.
2Ease of operation
If centralized server is used for biometric matching, then ease of operation is improved, but auditability and trustworthiness deteriorate due to lack of transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing biometric templates and authentication logic in the distributed ledger before any authentication occurs. This allows the system to maintain simplicity of operation while ensuring that all matching operations are pre-auditable through the immutable ledger records, eliminating the need for complex post-authentication auditing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the distributed ledger continuously records and verifies authentication outcomes. Each matching operation generates feedback that is immediately recorded in the ledger, providing real-time auditability while maintaining ease of operation through automated verification processes that require no additional user action.
3Productivity
If biometric templates are stored in centralized database, then access efficiency is improved, but data security and user control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized biometric template storage into distributed nodes across the network, with each node holding a portion of the templates. This segmentation maintains access efficiency through parallel query processing while reducing data security risk, as compromise of one node does not expose the entire biometric database.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates immutable copies of biometric authentication records in the distributed ledger. These copies serve as permanent verification records that enhance user control and data security, allowing users to verify their own authentication history without relying on centralized authority, while maintaining access efficiency through the replicated ledger structure.
4Reliability
If immutable ledger is implemented for biometric records, then authenticity proof is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal distributed ledger that serves multiple functions: storing biometric templates, recording authentication outcomes, providing audit trails, and enabling authenticity verification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into a single immutable ledger infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service functionality where the distributed ledger automatically verifies and records authentication outcomes without requiring complex external validation systems. The immutable nature of the ledger provides self-evident authenticity proof, reducing the need for additional verification layers and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric authentication platform uses fault-tolerant distributed computing to determine if a supplied biometric live scan and template are from the same person. Features provide additional protection for biometric data. The template and live scan may be encrypted using a symmetric encryption key. The encrypted template and live scan may be sent with copies of the symmetric key, each copy further encrypted by a public key associated with one processor's public-private key pair. Each processor may decrypt a copy of the symmetric key, which may then be used by the processor for decrypting the live scan and template for matching. A decentralized user ledger may store an encrypted copy of the biometric template, with the key stored locally in a registered device. Alternatively, a decentralized user ledger may store a hash of the biometric template, for verification of a template that is maintained on a registered device.