Watch Authentication With Timed Graphical Selections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securely connecting a watch to a remote server face security vulnerabilities due to the storage of authentication elements in unprotected environments, such as paper or digital files, which can lead to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses a connected mechanical watch with a hybrid display to securely connect to a remote server through a graphical representation of identification elements, where the user selects a sequence of identification portions within a limited time interval, validated against a reference sequence, ensuring secure authentication without direct entry of authentication codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If authentication elements are stored in unprotected environments such as paper or digital files, then ease of access is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture authentication elements from a document or display, eliminating the need to directly handle or store sensitive information. The camera acts as a mediator between the authentication element source and the processing system, allowing secure capture without exposing the actual credentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing or directly using the original authentication elements, the system creates a digital copy through camera capture. This copy can be processed and verified without exposing the original sensitive information, allowing secure authentication while maintaining ease of access through digital reproduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If traditional authentication methods are used requiring direct entry of codes, then simplicity is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidunauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera serves as an intermediary that captures authentication elements without requiring the user to manually type or enter sensitive information. This eliminates the security risk of keystroke logging while maintaining user-friendly operation through automatic capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of manually entering authentication codes with an automated optical capture system. The camera-based system substitutes the manual typing mechanism with automatic image capture and processing, reducing human intervention and associated security risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If authentication elements are managed manually, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic processing of captured authentication elements, including extraction, verification, and validation, without requiring manual intervention. The automated workflow handles the complex security protocols while the user simply needs to capture the authentication element with the camera.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual authentication management processes are replaced with automated digital processing systems. The system automatically captures, processes, validates, and manages authentication elements through software algorithms, eliminating manual handling while enhancing security through consistent automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3832402B1Method for secure connection of a watch to a remote server
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 TISSOT SA
  • EP3832402B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for securely connecting a watch (100) to a remote server (200) of a service provider comprising the following steps: - authentication (10) of the wearer of the watch (100) authorizing access to the use of functions of this watch (100), and - selection (11) of one of said functions from an input interface of said watch aimed at establishing a connection between said watch (100) and the remote server (200); - identification (12) of the wearer of the watch (100) from an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphical representation included in said watch (100);- transmission (22) to the remote server (200) of an authentication element relating to the selected function as soon as the wearer is identified, and - carrying out an authentication (24) of the wearer by the remote server (200) from said authentication element in order to authorise an exchange of data between the watch (100) and this remote server (200).;