Eye Movement Authentication for Secure Device Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen unlocking methods on smart devices, such as character password, fingerprint recognition, and face unlocking, fail to address all aspects of privacy challenges due to issues like password forgetfulness, finger injuries, and changes in appearance.

Innovation Solution

A device unlocking method based on eye recognition, where a processor captures images, identifies users, and uses a challenging icon system with animated patterns to verify pupil movements, determining a combined moving vector to authenticate users and unlock the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If character password unlocking is used, then device security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to password forgetfulness and theft risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidunlocking convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical authentication systems (passwords, fingerprints) with an optical-based eye movement recognition system. The camera captures eye movement images, and the processor analyzes pupil movements to determine unlocking patterns, substituting physical authentication mechanisms with optical field-based recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from static data (password characters) or static biometrics (fingerprint patterns) to dynamic physiological parameters (pupil movement trajectories, eye movement vectors). This allows for both high security through complex movement patterns and convenience since eye movements are natural and无需 memorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fingerprint recognition unlocking is used, then device security is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to finger injuries and inability to provide fingerprints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidauthentication availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal authentication system based on eye movements that can be used by all users regardless of physical condition. Unlike fingerprints that may be injured or unavailable, eye movements remain functional for users with various physical limitations, making the authentication method universally applicable.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces eye movements as an intermediary authentication mechanism that bridges the gap between security requirements and user accessibility. The eye movement recognition system serves as a mediator that maintains security while accommodating users who cannot provide traditional biometric data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If face unlocking is used, then device security is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to changes in user appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoidappearance change tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static facial recognition to dynamic eye movement analysis. While facial features change over time due to aging, weight changes, or intentional modification, the fundamental patterns of eye movements and pupil responses remain relatively stable, providing more consistent authentication across different appearance states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If eye recognition with challenging icons is used, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple challenging rounds and icon management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidunlocking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic challenging rounds with multiple icons presented in sequence. The system cycles through different challenging items and icons, requiring the user to follow specific pupil movement patterns for each. This periodic structure enhances security through multiple verification stages while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic icon rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10977357B2Method of device unlocking and device utilizing the same
Publication Date: 2021.04.13 NANNING FUGUI PRECISION IND CO LTD
  • US10977357B2 patent drawing
  • US10977357B2 patent drawing
  • US10977357B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device unlocking method. The method shows challenging icons in challenging rounds and traces user pupils. The method requires a right user to have his pupil movement conform to a challenging icon through the challenging rounds. A device unlocks when a combined moving vector representing the pupil movement passes the challenging rounds and matches an unlocking condition.