Vein Pattern Authentication Using Near-Infrared LED and Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knowledge-based authentication methods, such as ID and password, are vulnerable to unauthorized access as they can be exposed and used by malicious users, necessitating a more secure user authentication method.
Innovation Solution
A terminal authentication method using vein pattern recognition, where a near-infrared (NIR) ray is projected onto a user's vein using a light emitting diode (LED), and the reflected light is captured by an image sensor to generate and verify a vein pattern, matching it against a pre-stored pattern for authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If knowledge-based authentication (ID and password) is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to information exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces knowledge-based authentication (ID/password) with biometric authentication using vein patterns. The LED projects near-infrared light onto the user's vein, and the image sensor captures the reflected light to generate a vein pattern image. This substitutes the mechanical input method (typing password) with a biological characteristic verification system, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from user-provided knowledge (password) to inherent biological characteristics (vein pattern). The system captures the vein pattern by projecting near-infrared light and detecting reflected light intensity variations, converting physical biological parameters into authentication data. This parameter change makes authentication both easy (automatic capture) and secure (unique biological traits).
2Reliability
If biometric authentication using vein patterns is implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the LED and image sensor serve dual functions: they are used for both display/notification purposes and for vein pattern authentication. The LED projects near-infrared light for authentication, and the image sensor captures reflected light for vein pattern generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated authentication hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's existing light source (LED) and sensor (image sensor) to perform authentication without requiring external dedicated components. The LED serves as both the display element and the illumination source for vein pattern capture, while the image sensor serves both as the display controller and the authentication sensor. This self-service approach minimizes additional hardware requirements.
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
Enhances security by providing a unique and difficult-to-replicate biometric authentication method, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and improving the security of both the terminal and interconnected devices.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a near infrared (NIR) ray using a light emitting diode (LED) of a terminal
Implementation Method 2
receiving a light reflected by a vein of a user using an image sensor of the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication method includes projecting a near infrared (NIR) ray using a light emitting diode (LED) of a terminal, receiving a light reflected by a vein of a user using an image sensor of the terminal, verifying whether an image generated using the received light exhibits a vein pattern, in response to the image generated using the received light being verified as exhibiting the vein pattern, generating a vein pattern of the vein based on an image generated using the received light, and in response to the generated vein pattern being determined to match a pre-stored vein pattern, authenticating the user as a registered user corresponding to the pre-stored vein pattern.