Electronic Device Voice Unlock via External Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to access voice recognition services on an electronic device locked with physical contact requirements, especially when the device is in a locked state and not readily accessible, such as when it is in a bag or pocket or being used while driving.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method that allow unlocking using an external device connected via communication module, where a user utterance can trigger a change in unlocking type to an external device-based method, using authentication information from the external device to unlock the device and execute tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact unlocking is required for security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when device is inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external device as an intermediary for authentication when the electronic device is inaccessible. The external device receives voice input, performs preliminary authentication, and communicates with the electronic device to enable task execution without requiring physical contact with the locked device. This mediator resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through authenticated access while enabling operation when the device is in a bag, pocket, or otherwise inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical contact-based unlocking system with a voice-based authentication system through external devices. Instead of requiring physical interaction with the device (touching, typing PIN, fingerprint contact), the system substitutes this with voice commands transmitted through external devices like earphones or smartphones, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining security through voice biometrics or authenticated access.
2Ease of operation
If voice recognition service is provided without unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial authentication through external devices that can execute certain tasks without full device unlocking. The external device performs sufficient authentication to allow specific voice-activated tasks (like checking weather, setting alarms, or playing music) while maintaining security restrictions for more sensitive operations. This partial action approach provides ease of operation for routine tasks while preserving security for critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service authentication where the external device and voice recognition system work together to authenticate and execute tasks without requiring full device unlocking. The voice recognition service performs self-verification through voice biometrics or authenticated voice commands, allowing the system to serve itself in the authentication process while maintaining appropriate security levels.
3Ease of operation
If external device authentication is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of external devices that users already possess (smartphones, earphones, wearables) to provide authentication functionality. Rather than requiring a dedicated authentication device, the system works with multiple types of existing external devices that can serve the same authentication purpose. This multi-functionality approach improves ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity, as it utilizes already-deployed hardware with added software capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an electronic device comprising a memory; a communication module; and a processor, operatively connected to the memory and the communication module, and configured to, if a locked state of the electronic device and a first state of the electronic device are identified, when a first user utterance is acquired that requests a task executable in an unlocked state of the electronic device, change an unlocking type of the electronic device to an unlocking type of an external device, based on first information of the external device, the external device being communicatively connected to the electronic device through the communication module, unlock the electronic device, which is configured with the unlocking type of the external device, based on user authentication information acquired from the external device, and execute the task corresponding to the first user utterance. Various other embodiments may be provided. Meanwhile, a method of performing an authentication operation by the electronic device may be performed using an artificial intelligence model.