Wearable ECG Authentication with Continuous Wearing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices require separate user identification means like passwords or PINs, which are burdensome to manage, and existing wearable devices with ECG-based authentication methods need continuous sensing, making them inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with both a user identification sensor, such as an ECG sensor, and a wearing state detection sensor, like a heart rate monitor, that authenticates the user as long as the device is worn, eliminating the need for additional authentication methods and preventing wrongful use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ECG-based authentication is used in wearable devices, then user identification accuracy is improved, but continuous sensing is required which increases device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs ECG-based authentication in advance when the user wears the device, stores the authentication result, and reuses it for subsequent applications without requiring continuous sensing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous ECG monitoring while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously sensing ECG signals, the system creates a copy of the authentication result (authenticated/unauthenticated state) and reuses this copied information for multiple applications and time periods, reducing the need for continuous sensing operations.
2Reliability
If separate user identification means like passwords or PINs are used, then authentication security is improved, but user burden increases due to regular password changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own physiological characteristics (ECG signal) as the authentication key, eliminating the need for external password management. The user's body automatically provides the authentication credential through the ECG signal, making the system self-servicing and free from password change burdens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/password-based authentication system with a physiological/biological authentication system using ECG signals. This substitution eliminates the need for users to remember and regularly change passwords, while maintaining or improving security through unique physiological characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If authentication information is stored for multiple applications, then system versatility is improved, but security risk increases if device is removed or tampered with
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wearing state through sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, contact sensors) and uses this feedback to dynamically control the validity of stored authentication information. When the device is removed or tampered with, the feedback triggers automatic invalidation of authentication credentials, preventing unauthorized use while allowing versatile application integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system transitions from a static state (authentication information always valid) to a dynamic state where validity changes based on real-time wearing detection. The system automatically activates or deactivates authentication credentials based on whether the device is properly worn, providing both versatility and security.
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
The device maintains continuous authentication without separate user identification means, allowing seamless integration with various applications and automatic authentication as long as the device is worn, while preventing unauthorized use by discarding authentication information if the device is removed or tampered with.
Implementation Method 1
a user identification sensor that detects a body signal of the user and processes authentication of the user
Implementation Method 2
The in-use detection unit may comprise a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor that detects a wearing state of the electronic device by the user
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device having user identification function and a user authentication method are provided. The electronic devices comprises: a body; a user identification unit that detects a body signal of the user and processes authentication of the user; an in-use detection unit that detects the body signal of the user and checks whether the user uses the electronic device; and a processor that authenticates the user according to detection signals of the user identification unit and the in-use detection unit.