Touch-Screen Authentication Token Using Body-Conducted Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user authentication methods on touch-screen devices are either inconvenient, insecure, or compromise data security, particularly with the use of plug-in tokens, remote tokens, and manual entry of authentication data, which are prone to interception and memory limitations.
Innovation Solution
A touch-screen authentication token with electrodes on both sides, controlled by a microprocessor, which changes electric resistance to simulate touch inputs, allowing secure and efficient data transmission without visual interception, using the user's body to pass signals to the touch-screen, enabling longer authentication strings and faster data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plug-in tokens are used for authentication, then authentication capability is provided, but convenience deteriorates due to frequent connection and breaking risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in connection system with a contactless electromagnetic induction system. The authentication token communicates with the mobile device through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for repeated plugging and unplugging while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the authentication token and the mobile device. This intermediary enables contactless communication, avoiding direct mechanical contact while still allowing authentication data to be transmitted securely.
2Ease of operation
If remote tokens are used for authentication, then convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to data interception risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential security vulnerability of wireless communication into a benefit by using electromagnetic induction for extremely short-range communication. The close proximity requirement actually enhances security by preventing remote interception, while still providing contactless convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from traditional wireless protocols to electromagnetic induction frequencies, creating a communication channel that is inherently more secure due to its short-range nature while maintaining the convenience of contactless operation.
3Device complexity
If manual entry of authentication data is used, then simplicity is improved, but security deteriorates due to visual interception and memory limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical entry process with automatic electromagnetic data transmission. The authentication token automatically transmits data through the touch screen using electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for users to manually type or read authentication data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the touch screen and electromagnetic fields as intermediaries to automatically transfer authentication data from the token to the device, eliminating the need for visual reading and manual entry while maintaining system simplicity.
4Device complexity
If paper cards with fixed data are used, then simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to change authentication data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed data on paper cards into dynamic changeable data stored in the electronic authentication token. The token can update and change authentication data as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining the simple card-like form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data storage parameter from fixed printed text on paper to electronically stored and modifiable data in the token, enabling data to be changed and updated while keeping the external appearance simple.
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
Provides a secure, convenient, and efficient user authentication method that eliminates visual interception and memory limitations, offering stronger authentication and faster data transmission by utilizing the user's body to simulate multiple touches on the touch-screen.
Implementation Method 1
A housing of the authentication token includes several electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is located on the upper side of the token in order for the user to hold the token. The token is applied onto a touch-screen of the user mobile device by the user holding the electrode. In the preferred embodiment, other electrodes are located on the other (lower) side of the token housing. These electrodes come in contact with the touch-screen during the authentication procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for user authentication on a touch-screen device using an authentication token. A housing of the authentication token includes several electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is located on the upper side of the token in order for the user to hold the token. The token is applied onto a touch-screen of the user mobile device by the user holding the electrode. Other electrodes are located on the other (lower) side of the token housing. These electrodes come in contact with the touch-screen during the authentication procedure. The token contains executive units connected to the electrode held by the user and to at least one of the electrodes applied to the touch-screen. Since the electric connection between the token electrodes exists, the touch-screen sensors register a touch at the point of application of the electrode(s).