Wearable Device Clasp Mechanism for Continuous Identity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control methods, such as passwords, access cards, and biometrics, face challenges in preventing unauthorized sharing and ensuring continuous verification of user identity, particularly in ensuring that access devices are worn by the intended person.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device that monitors its own attachment to a person's body using a clasp mechanism, nullifying access credentials if removed, ensuring secure access only when worn, utilizing minimal electric power and potentially no power source, with encryption and unique identifiers for secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If access cards or fobs are used for login, then password memorization is eliminated, but sharing of access among multiple persons is still enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassword memorizationVSAvoidaccess security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical access card/fob system with a biometric-based wearable device system. The wearable device incorporates biological sensors that continuously verify the wearer's identity through biometric characteristics, eliminating reliance on physical tokens that can be shared or lost.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the authentication parameter from physical possession (access card/fob) to continuous biometric verification. The wearable device monitors biometric parameters in real-time to ensure the authorized person is actually wearing and using the device, preventing unauthorized sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If biometrics are used for login, then sharing of access is prevented, but continuous verification of the person wearing the device is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidcontinuous verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous biometric monitoring rather than one-time authentication. The wearable device continuously captures and verifies biometric data, ensuring ongoing confirmation that the authorized person is wearing the device, thus maintaining security throughout the access period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device performs self-verification by continuously monitoring its own usage status through integrated biometric sensors. The device automatically detects whether it is being worn by the authorized person without requiring external verification systems, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If wearable devices continuously monitor attachment status, then access security is enhanced, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of biometric data rather than truly continuous monitoring. The wearable device takes measurements at intervals, balancing the need for security verification with power conservation, allowing the device to remain functional for extended periods without frequent recharging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses passive biometric sensing that requires minimal active power consumption. By utilizing naturally occurring biometric signals (such as skin conductivity, temperature, or pulse) rather than requiring active user input or high-power sensors, the device maintains security monitoring with low energy requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3238476B1Techniques for access control using wearable devices
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 INTEL CORP
  • EP3238476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3238476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3238476B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for using little or no electric power to monitor whether a wearable device continues to be worn by a person such that it may continue to be used to access a secured item. An apparatus may include a processor component; a storage to store an access credential; a presentation component to wirelessly transmit the access credential to an access device to enable a grant of access to a secured item; a power source; and a clasp coupled to a wearable portion to prevent removal of the wearable portion unless the clasp is operated to change state from a clasped state to an unclasped state, the clasp to cause loss of electric power from the power source to the processor component and the storage when in the unclasped state to nullify the access credential. Other embodiments are described and claimed.