Touchscreen Signal Coupling Through the User for Secure Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication systems face challenges in efficiently and effectively transmitting sensed data between computing devices, particularly in scenarios involving user interaction with touchscreens, where seamless integration and secure biometric authentication are required.

Innovation Solution

A system is developed that facilitates the transmission of data between computing devices through user interaction with touchscreens, utilizing drive-sense circuits to convert physical inputs into electrical signals, and incorporating biometric authentication for secure communication pathways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wired or wireless communication methods are used for data transmission between computing devices, then data can be transmitted, but the user experience is interrupted and security vulnerabilities exist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiduser interaction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the user's body (specifically the hand/finger) as an intermediary medium to transmit data between computing devices. Instead of direct wired/wireless connections or traditional touchscreen interactions, the user's body acts as the communication channel, enabling seamless data transfer while maintaining user engagement and eliminating interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical communication mechanisms (wires, wireless signals) with a biometric-based communication system that uses the user's body properties (capacitance, conductivity) to establish communication pathways, thereby improving both reliability and user experience continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If biometric authentication is implemented for secure communication, then security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own body characteristics (biometric data) as the authentication mechanism, eliminating the need for external authentication devices or complex verification systems. The user's body naturally provides the security credential, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from traditional methods (passwords, PINs, cards) to biometric parameters (electrical properties of the user's body). This parameter change enables secure authentication through naturally occurring physiological characteristics, reducing system complexity while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If touchscreen interaction is used for data input, then user interface is improved, but data transmission efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface usabilityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the user's body serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the input interface for data entry and the transmission medium for data communication. This multi-functionality eliminates the separation between input and transmission operations, thereby improving both usability and transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the data input function and data transmission function into a single unified process. Instead of separate steps for inputting data via touchscreen and then transmitting it, the system combines these operations by using the user's body to directly transmit data between devices, thereby enhancing efficiency while maintaining interface usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient data transmission and secure user interaction with touchscreens, enhancing the integration of computing devices and ensuring secure communication pathways.

Implementation Method 1

A change in an electrical characteristic of the sensor signal may be indicative of a user contact with the touchscreen display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12498818B2Touchscreen data reception from user device via user

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 SIGMASENSE LLC

AI summary

A computing device includes signal generation circuitry and also includes a location on the computing device that is operative to couple a signal generated by the signal generation circuitry into a user. For example, the computing device includes signal generation circuitry that generates a signal that includes information corresponding to a user and/or an application that is operative within the computing device. The signal generation circuitry couples the signal into the user from a location on the computing device based on a bodily portion of the user being in contact with or within sufficient proximity to the location on the computing device that facilitates coupling of the signal into the user. Also, the signal may be coupled via the user to another computing device that includes a touchscreen display that is operative to detect and receive the signal.