Electrode-Based Personal Authentication Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional authentication methods are burdensome and inadequate for security, as they often require frequent PIN entry and are vulnerable to hacking, lacking robustness and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A target authentication device equipped with electrodes that detect unique electrical signals associated with a user, which are then processed to authenticate identity, eliminating the need for frequent PIN entry and enhancing security through biometric-like verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional PIN authentication is used, then device access control is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent manual entry requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs authentication automatically by detecting electrical signals from the user's body through electrodes, eliminating the need for manual PIN entry. The authentication process serves itself by continuously monitoring electrical characteristics without requiring active user participation, thus resolving the contradiction between security and convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually typing a PIN with an automatic electrical signal detection system. Electrical electrodes detect the user's unique electrical characteristics (such as ECG, EEG, or skin conductance) and use these signals for authentication, substituting the mechanical keyboard entry process with an automated electrical measurement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If conventional PIN authentication is used, then basic access control is achieved, but security robustness deteriorates due to vulnerability to hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication simplicityVSAvoidsecurity robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the authentication parameter from a user-chosen PIN (which can be guessed or hacked) to unique physiological electrical parameters such as heart rate variability, brain wave patterns, or skin conductance. These biological parameters are inherently difficult to replicate or hack, thus improving security robustness while maintaining operational simplicity through automatic detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on something the user knows (PIN), the system uses something the user is (biological electrical characteristics). The unique electrical signature of the user's body serves as an unforgeable copy of their identity, making authentication both simple and secure against hacking attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If frequent PIN re-entry is required, then security maintenance is achieved, but time efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous security verificationVSAvoidauthentication time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the user's electrical signals without interruption, maintaining constant authentication verification rather than requiring periodic re-entry. The electrodes continuously detect physiological parameters, and the system maintains security through ongoing automatic verification, eliminating the time loss associated with frequent manual PIN re-entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a more secure and user-friendly authentication method by leveraging personal electrical signals for continuous verification, reducing the burden on users and enhancing resistance to hacking attempts.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode configured to detect an electrical signal associated with a user of the target authentication device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11741771B2Personal authentication apparatus system and method

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD

AI summary

A target authentication device includes an electrode to detect an electrical signal associated with a user of the device. The electrical signal represents an authentication code for the device. An authentication receiver module is coupled to the electrode. The module receives the electrical signal from the electrode and determines whether the electrical signal matches a predetermined criterion to authenticate the identity of the user based on the electrical signal. An authentication module is also disclosed. The authentication module includes one electrode to couple an electrical signal associated with a user to a user of a target authentication device, the electrical signal represents an authentication code for the device. An authentication transmission module is coupled to the electrode. The authentication transmission module transmits the electrical signal from the electrode. A method of authenticating the identity of a user of a target authentication device also is disclosed.