Watch Function Access Management with Periodic Biometric Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watch authentication methods allow unauthorized access once the wearer is authenticated, lacking robustness and transparency in maintaining user identity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a multispectral biometric skin sensor to periodically verify the wearer's identity through vascular network and skin texture, ensuring automatic and non-intrusive access control by comparing digital identification elements generated from biometric information with a reference, and optionally using thermal imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional authentication steps are implemented to strengthen authentication criteria, then security is improved, but device complexity and user interaction requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic periodic re-authentication using biometric data from the skin sensor without requiring user intervention. The watch independently verifies the wearer's identity through vascular network and skin texture analysis, eliminating the need for manual re-authentication while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual authentication interactions with automatic biometric verification. Instead of requiring users to repeatedly enter passwords or use physical authentication mechanisms, the system uses optical sensors to capture skin characteristics and automatically verifies identity through digital identification element comparison.

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

2Reliability

If manual re-authentication is required periodically, then security is maintained, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentity verification securityVSAvoiduser interaction requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The watch system autonomously performs identity verification by continuously monitoring biometric parameters through the skin sensor. The system self-manages the authentication process without requiring user initiation or participation, maintaining security while providing seamless access to functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous identity verification through periodic automatic authentication using biometric data. Instead of discrete manual authentication events, the verification process operates continuously in the background, ensuring security is maintained without interrupting the user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If biometric sensors are added to the watch, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric verification accuracyVSAvoiddevice assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The skin sensor is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects vascular network patterns for authentication, monitors skin temperature for health tracking, and captures skin texture information. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the sensor while reducing the relative impact on device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a digital identification element as an intermediary that bridges the biometric sensor and the authentication system. This digital representation simplifies the processing and comparison of biometric data, making the integration of complex sensing capabilities more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures continuous, discreet, and reliable identity verification of the watch wearer, preventing unauthorized access by automatically re-authenticating based on biometric data without requiring repeated user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

linked to the absorption and reflection characteristics at different wavelengths (spectrum) of the components of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption spectrum: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

linked to the absorption and reflection characteristics at different wavelengths (spectrum) of the components of the skin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a phase of capturing images of the portion of skin illuminated at different wavelengths... or without illumination for example when it is a question of carrying out a capture of thermal images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3832404B1Method for managing use of the functions of a watch
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TISSOT SA
  • EP3832404B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing the use of the functions of a watch (100) comprising: - an authentication step (10) of the wearer of the watch (100) in order to authorize access to said functions, and - a control step (12) at a determined period of the identity of the wearer of the watch by a verification of the validity of a digital identification element determined from at least one biometric information element of the wearer, and - an unlocking step (24) of access to said functions of the watch (100) once this access has been locked said step comprising the following sub-steps: • presentation (25) of a graphic representation (41) on a visual information dissemination interface (3) of said watch (100);• selection (28) within a limited time interval of a sequence of at least two identification portions included in said graphical representation (41) intended to identify said bearer, said sequence corresponding to an identification code of the bearer, and • validation (30) of the selected sequence.;