Distributed Biometric Identification for Mobile Device Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device biometrics systems create friction during consensual sharing of devices, as they automatically lock when the authorized user is no longer present, making the device unusable for borrowing users.
Innovation Solution
A method and mobile device system that uses a distributed identification system to determine if a current user is trusted by obtaining a biometric sample and matching it against a database of known users, keeping the device unlocked for authorized users and locking it for unauthorized ones, with the option to set a timer for re-authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the device automatically locks when the authorized user is no longer present, then security is improved, but usability deteriorates during consensual sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed identification system as an intermediary between the device owner and borrowing users. When the device detects the owner is absent, it queries this network of trusted devices to verify if the current user is authorized. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling security verification without requiring the owner to be physically present, thus maintaining both security and usability during consensual sharing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If device biometrics are used to automatically lock when owner is absent, then unauthorized access is prevented, but friction is created for trusted borrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by establishing a distributed network of trusted devices before borrowing occurs. When the owner enrolls their device, they pre-approve specific devices or users in the distributed identification system. During borrowing, this pre-established trust relationship allows immediate access without real-time authentication friction, while still preventing unauthorized access through the distributed verification network.
3Reliability
If the device requires owner presence for authentication, then security is maintained, but device sharing becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal distributed identification system that serves multiple functions: it maintains security verification, enables consensual sharing, and supports various authentication scenarios (owner present, owner absent, trusted borrower). This multi-functional system resolves the contradiction by allowing the same authentication infrastructure to adapt to different usage contexts without compromising security or sharing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and mobile device for identifying a current user of the mobile device as a trusted user is provided. The mobile device determines that a current user of the mobile device is not the owner of the mobile device. The mobile device obtains a biometric sample of the current user and transmits an identification request message to a distributed identification system. The distributed identification system includes a group of mobile devices, each one that includes biometric data the owner of the device. The identification request message includes the biometric sample of the current user. If the biometric sample matches the sample of one of the mobile devices in the distributed identification system, that device sends an identity response to the originating mobile device. Upon receiving the identity response, the original mobile unit determines if the identity in the identity response matches a known identity of the mobile device, such as a member in the contact list. If so, the original mobile device remains unlocked. If there is no match, the mobile device assumes that the current user is unauthorized and locks the phone or performs other defensive measures.