Ultrasonic Sensor System for Anti-Spoofing via Shear Wave Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biometric systems, such as fingerprint-based authentication in smartphones, are vulnerable to spoofing attacks using fake finger-like objects that mimic the elastic modulus of human tissue, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake inputs.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic sensor system that transmits both compressional and shear waves to detect and authenticate targets by estimating the target object's elastic modulus and comparing it with human tissue moduli, and extracts sub-epidermal features for enhanced spoof detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fingerprint-based authentication systems are implemented, then authentication capability is provided, but vulnerability to spoofing attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical fingerprint sensing with ultrasonic wave-based detection. The ultrasonic sensor system transmits ultrasonic waves through the finger and analyzes the reflected waves to detect sub-epidermal features, thereby substituting optical detection with acoustic detection to achieve more reliable authentication that is resistant to spoofing attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from surface optical patterns to subsurface acoustic properties. By measuring the time of flight, amplitude, and phase of ultrasonic waves reflected from sub-epidermal structures, the system captures unique acoustic fingerprints that are difficult to replicate, thus changing the authentication parameter from easily spoofed surface patterns to hard-to-replicate subsurface acoustic characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensor system transmits both compressional and shear waves, then spoof detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines compressional wave and shear wave transmission and detection into a single integrated ultrasonic sensor system. The same sensor array is used to transmit both types of waves and detect their reflections, merging multiple detection functions into one system to achieve high spoof detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting compressional waves for general authentication, transmitting shear waves for enhanced spoof detection, and analyzing sub-epidermal features. This multi-functional design allows a single system to address multiple detection needs without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
Effectively differentiates between genuine human inputs and spoofing attempts by leveraging the varying elastic moduli of human tissue, providing robust authentication and reducing the likelihood of successful spoofing attacks.
Implementation Method 1
The control system may be configured for controlling the ultrasonic sensor system to transmit a first ultrasonic compressional wave and for receiving first signals from the ultrasonic sensor system. The first signals may, in some examples, include signals corresponding to reflections of the first ultrasonic compressional wave from a target object proximate a surface of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
the control system may be configured for controlling the apparatus to transmit a shear wave. The control system may be configured for receiving second signals from the ultrasonic sensor system. The second signals may, in some instances, include signals corresponding to reflections of the shear wave from the target object.
Implementation Method 3
According to some examples, the apparatus may include a haptic feedback device. In some such examples, controlling the apparatus to transmit the shear wave may involve activating the haptic feedback device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an apparatus that includes an ultrasonic sensor system may involve controlling the ultrasonic sensor system to transmit a first ultrasonic compressional wave and receiving first signals from the ultrasonic sensor system. The first signals may include signals corresponding to reflections of the first ultrasonic compressional wave from a target object proximate a surface of the apparatus. The method may involve performing an authentication process based, at least in part, on the first signals. The method may involve controlling the apparatus to transmit a shear wave and receiving second signals from the ultrasonic sensor system. The second signals may include signals corresponding to reflections of the shear wave from the target object. The method may involve performing a spoof detection process based, at least in part, on the second signals.