Persistent User Identification via Biometric Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-user computing environments, existing login processes based on credentials are disruptive and do not allow for persistent user identification, leading to misattribution of actions and lack of continuous tracking of user identities.

Innovation Solution

The use of biometric data, collected by sensors such as cameras and microphones, to automatically and persistently identify users, with mechanisms for correcting misidentifications through interactive user interfaces, allowing actions to be attributed to specific users without manual login processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If login credentials are used for user identification, then user identity can be established, but the process becomes disruptive and does not allow for persistent tracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identity trackingVSAvoidlogin process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary user identification using biometric data before formal login is required. Sensors continuously capture biometric information (facial recognition, voice patterns, fingerprint data) and pre-establish user identity, so when login is needed, the system already knows who the user is, eliminating the need for disruptive credential entry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of typing passwords or inserting security cards with automatic biometric sensing. Optical cameras, microphones, and fingerprint sensors automatically capture and process user identity characteristics without requiring physical user action, thus eliminating the disruptive login process while maintaining secure identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual login credentials are required, then user authentication can be established, but user recognition efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authenticationVSAvoiduser recognition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous biometric data collection and processing in the background, continuously updating user identification status without interrupting workflow. Sensors operate continuously to track user presence and identity, ensuring authentication is always current without requiring periodic manual re-login, thus maintaining both security and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs user identification automatically without requiring user intervention. Biometric sensors self-service the authentication process by continuously monitoring and identifying users based on their physical characteristics, eliminating the need for users to manually enter credentials while maintaining secure authentication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9595146B2Persistent user identification

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to persistently identifying a user interacting with a computing device. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising receiving biometric data regarding the user, determining a determined identity of the user based on the biometric data, outputting a notification of the determined identity of the user, and providing a mechanism to receive feedback regarding a correctness of the determined identity of from the user.