Mobile Terminal Iris Authentication Using Infrared Camera Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals face challenges in user authentication due to varying recognition rates based on environmental conditions and the need for users to adjust their distance to optimize iris recognition, leading to inconvenience and potential personal information leakage.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal equipped with an infrared light-emitting unit and an improved camera filter that allows both visible and infrared light to pass through, enabling iris recognition without the need for separate cameras, and providing real-time feedback to users on optimal iris image focus, allowing for flexible authentication distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a recognition module for user body element is added to mobile terminal, then user authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authentication securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to serve multiple functions: standard photography and user authentication. By making the camera universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated authentication hardware, thus improving security functionality while minimizing increases in device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the mobile terminal's existing camera to capture and process authentication images, eliminating the need for separate authentication devices. The terminal itself performs the authentication function using its own resources, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If user body needs to approach mobile terminal in prescribed range to raise recognition rate, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition rateVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback through the camera preview screen, showing users whether their iris is properly focused and visible. This feedback mechanism guides users to adjust their position or the camera focus without requiring them to guess the optimal distance, thereby maintaining high recognition rates while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of precise manual distance adjustment with an automated focus system. The camera's autofocus mechanism automatically adjusts to capture the iris at the correct distance, eliminating the need for users to manually position themselves in a prescribed range

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

3Measurement precision

If separate camera for iris recognition is provided, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiris recognition accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is designed to serve multiple functions: standard photography and user authentication. By making the camera universal, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated authentication hardware, thus improving security functionality while minimizing increases in device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the authentication function with the existing camera system, merging two functions into one component. This integration eliminates the need for separate authentication cameras, reducing device complexity while maintaining iris recognition accuracy through software-based authentication algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If user adjusts proper distance by guessing focus while watching camera preview, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocus accuracyVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback through the camera preview screen, showing users whether their iris is properly focused and visible. This feedback mechanism guides users to adjust their position or the camera focus without requiring them to guess the optimal distance, thereby maintaining high recognition rates while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary focus adjustment automatically before authentication begins. The camera's autofocus mechanism pre-adjusts to the optimal focusing distance, so users do not need to spend time guessing and adjusting focus manually during the authentication process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enhances user convenience by eliminating the need for precise distance adjustments and reducing the risk of personal information leakage, while also potentially reducing costs associated with dedicated iris recognition cameras.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared light-emitting unit so as to enable a user's iris to be recognized through an existing camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared light emission: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a camera filter that allows both visible and infrared light to pass through, enabling iris recognition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3118761B1Mobile terminal and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3118761B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3118761B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3118761B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

ABSTRACT: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same, the mobile terminal comprising: a camera; a display unit for displaying an image inputted through the camera; and a control unit which performs a user authentication on the basis of a received first facial image when the first facial image including facial features necessary for the user authentication is received through the camera, and which performs a user authentication by using at least one facial feature included in a received second facial image when the second facial image which lacks a part of the facial features is received.