Impairment-Dependent User Authentication for Secure Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication methods fail to consider user impairments, making it cumbersome or impossible for users with handicaps or injuries to securely access data objects.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that provides impairment-dependent authentication options, allowing users to select and configure authentication methods based on their impairment status, using biometric features, security certificates, and keys, and enabling secure access to data objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional authentication methods (passwords, biometrics) are used, then security is improved, but accessibility for users with impairments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidaccessibility for users with impairments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts authentication methods based on user impairment status. Users can switch between different authentication objects (biometric, password, PIN, pattern) depending on their current physical or mental state, making the authentication process flexible and accessible while maintaining security through multiple verification layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system provides multiple authentication objects that serve different user needs and capabilities. Each authentication object (biometric data, password, PIN, pattern) can function independently or in combination, allowing users with various impairments to access secured data objects through the most suitable method for their situation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple authentication objects are provided, then flexibility for impaired users is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication flexibilityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Users pre-configure their authentication objects and define impairment scenarios in advance. The system stores multiple authentication methods and automatically selects the appropriate combination based on the user's declared impairment status, eliminating the need for complex real-time decisions and simplifying the authentication process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system is divided into separate authentication objects, each handling a specific verification method (biometric, password, PIN, pattern). This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating each authentication method as an independent module that can be selectively activated based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260003990A1Method of authenticating a user for accessing a data object, as well as respective security program, computer-readable data carrier, security application, user device, and server device

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH

AI summary

A method, a security program, a computer-readable data carrier, a security application, a user device, and a server device are provided for securing a data object within communications between a first participant and a second participant. At least two authentication objects are provided for authenticating the user. At least one of the at least two authentication objects is configured as an impairment dependent authentication option to be used for the authentication in case of an impairment of the user.