Wearable Device Biosignal Authentication with Multi-Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for secure user authentication methods in wearable devices to protect personal information from unauthorized access, especially in scenarios where the device is lost or detached from the user.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device equipped with sensors to detect biosignals such as electromyogram (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), voice, and impedance signals, which are processed and stored to authenticate the user by comparing detected signals to stored information within a predetermined error range, providing feedback and controlling access rights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple biosensors are used to detect different biosignals for authentication, then user authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authentication securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules, each detecting a specific biosignal type (EMG, ECG, PPG, voice, impedance). This segmentation allows the system to achieve high security through multiple verification layers while maintaining manageable device complexity by organizing sensors as separate functional units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple different types of biosensors (electromyogram, electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, voice, and impedance sensors) are combined into a single authentication system. This merging of diverse biosignal detection capabilities creates a robust multi-factor authentication mechanism that significantly enhances security reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If biosignal detection and processing is performed to authenticate users, then access security to personal information is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess securityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Biosignal data is pre-processed and stored during initial user setup and registration phases. When authentication is required, the system compares current biosignals against pre-stored reference data, significantly reducing processing time compared to real-time analysis from scratch. This preliminary preparation balances security verification with efficient access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensuring only authorized users can access personal information and functions on the device, even when detached, through a multi-signal authentication process that provides secure and efficient user verification.

Implementation Method 1

a first biosignal generated in response to a muscle movement performed by a user to input the gesture, and a second biosignal of the user, wherein the first biosignal is at least one of an electromyogram (EMG) signal generated before and after the muscle movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromyogram signal generation:

Implementation Method 2

a light signal penetrating a muscle of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight penetration through muscle:

Implementation Method 3

a force signal generated by the muscle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce generation by muscle:

Implementation Method 4

at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal, a voice of the user, and an impedance signal generated by a body of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocardiogram signal detection:

Implementation Method 5

a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoplethysmogram signal detection:

Implementation Method 6

an impedance signal generated by a body of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance signal generation:

Implementation Method 7

The processor may be configured to determine whether a difference between the detected second biosignal and the stored information is within a predetermined error range, and authenticate the user based on a result of the determining of whether the difference is within the predetermined error range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal comparison within error range:

Data Source

PatentEP3044715B1Wearable device performing user authentication using bio-signals and authentication method of the same

Publication Date: 2020.10.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A wearable device includes a first sensor configured to detect a first biosignal generated in response to a gesture performed by a user, and a second sensor configured to detect a second biosignal of the user. The device further includes a memory configured to store, with respect to at least one user, information of the first biosignal and the second biosignal, and a processor configured to initiate user authentication based on a result of determining whether the detected first biosignal corresponds to the stored information, and authenticate the user by comparing the detected second biosignal to the stored information.