Palm Vein Recognition System for Frictionless User Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional user identification and authentication methods in computing devices are often cumbersome and require users to carry or use traditional forms of identification, such as ID cards or personal devices.

Innovation Solution

A user-recognition system that utilizes biometric-recognition techniques, specifically by enrolling users through image data of their palms, which is then used for identification and authentication within a facility, allowing for streamlined checkout processes and access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional user identification methods (username/password, biometric data) are used, then user authentication is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires users to carry traditional forms of identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser authentication processVSAvoididentification system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from traditional carriers (ID cards, phones) and embeds it directly into the environment through palm vein recognition. The system removes the need for users to carry physical or digital identification by using their body's natural biometric characteristics as the key.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's own palm veins as the authentication mechanism, eliminating the need for external identification carriers. The user's body itself serves as the authentication medium, making the system self-sufficient and removing dependency on external devices or cards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If palm vein recognition is implemented, then user identification efficiency is improved and traditional ID methods are eliminated, but the system requires image data capture and processing capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser identification efficiencyVSAvoidsystem infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical identification systems (physical ID cards, manual verification) with an optical-biometric system that captures palm vein images and processes them electronically. This substitution eliminates physical carrier requirements while enabling automated, efficient recognition.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the user's palm and the identification system. Image capture devices capture palm vein patterns, which are then processed through recognition algorithms to identify users, creating a bridge between physical presence and digital identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If biometric data collection is used, then authentication security is enhanced, but user privacy concerns and data protection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser privacy risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system focuses on a specific localized feature (palm veins) rather than collecting comprehensive biometric data. By targeting only the unique vascular patterns in the palm, the system achieves secure authentication while minimizing the scope of data collection and potential privacy risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the authentication approach by changing from traditional username/password or surface-level biometric verification to deep-tissue vascular pattern recognition. This parameter change in the type of biometric data used provides enhanced security while the non-invasive nature of the measurement reduces privacy concerns compared to more invasive biometric collection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12315288B1Automated user-identification systems
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US12315288B1 patent drawing
  • US12315288B1 patent drawing
  • US12315288B1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating identification data of these users over time. The user-recognition system may include a user-recognition device having projector(s) and/or camera(s) aimed substantially downwards. The device may include a projector that projects a visible light ring downwards, which the user may use to place their upward-facing palm in the appropriate location. For instance, the user may place their palm face-up with the light ring substantially centered thereon, after which a camera of the user-recognition device may generate image data of the palm, which in turn may be used to identify the user.