In-Memory Biometric Comparison Using Parallel CMOS Logic Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric identification systems face inefficiencies in reliably and efficiently comparing multiple types of biometric identifiers due to the need for varying levels of certainty, convenience, and security, which conventional methods like token-based and knowledge-based systems cannot consistently meet.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an array of memory cells with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic blocks and a controller to perform multiple layers of artificial neural network (ANN) operations for comparing different subsets of biometric identifiers to stored templates, enabling efficient and reliable identification and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biometric identifiers are stored in memory for later comparison, then the ability to verify identity is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access and data theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the biometric template data from secure memory storage and processes it directly in the sensor device. The comparison is performed locally using stored reference patterns, eliminating the need to keep detailed biometric data in vulnerable memory locations while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where biometric data is transformed into comparison-ready formats locally. Reference patterns are stored and used as intermediaries to compare against captured biometric data, allowing verification without storing the actual biometric identifiers in accessible memory.
2Measurement precision
If multiple biometric identifiers are stored for comparison, then the accuracy of identity verification is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the biometric verification process into distinct functional modules: capture, processing, reference pattern storage, and comparison. Each module handles a specific task, allowing multiple biometric identifiers to be processed systematically without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a tiered comparison approach where a subset of reference patterns is used for initial screening, and only promising matches undergo full verification. This partial action approach maintains high accuracy while reducing the computational burden of comparing against all stored identifiers.
3Speed
If biometric data is processed locally in the sensor device, then the speed of verification is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic processing where biometric data is captured and compared in discrete batches rather than continuous processing. The system activates processing circuits only when needed for verification, allowing local processing speed improvements while managing power consumption through periodic rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial processing locally, capturing and preliminarily processing biometric data in the sensor device for immediate verification needs, while more intensive computations can be deferred or performed selectively. This approach achieves speed improvements for critical path operations without sustaining high power consumption continuously.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods related to comparison of biometric identifiers in memory are described. An example apparatus includes an array of memory cells, a plurality of logic blocks in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) under the array, and a controller coupled to the array of memory cells. The controller is configured to control a first portion of the plurality of logic blocks to receive a first subset of a set of biometric identifiers from the array and to perform a first comparison operation thereon and control a second portion of the logic blocks to receive a second subset of the set of biometric identifiers from the array and to perform a second comparison operation thereon. The first and second subsets of the biometric identifiers are different biometric identifiers and the first and second comparison operations are performed to determine a match of the first and second subsets respectively to a stored template.