Wearable Optical Detection System for Hands-Free Identity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for identity checks and object authentication require the use of handheld devices, which can be cumbersome and obstructed by clothing, and do not allow for hands-free operation, especially in situations requiring discreet or simultaneous security checks.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a camera into augmented reality glasses with a processor unit communicating via a smartwatch, enabling optical detection and biometric authentication without a smartphone, allowing hands-free operation and secure authentication through fingerprint scanning and QR/barcode reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile device is used for identity checks, then authentication functionality is provided, but the inspector's hands are occupied and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoiddevice integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides functionality across multiple components: camera in glasses for optical capture, smartwatch for fingerprint scanning and display, and server for complex authentication processing. This segmentation allows hands-free operation while distributing device complexity across separate wearable components rather than requiring a single handheld device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple authentication functions (optical face scanning, fingerprint capture, display output) into an integrated wearable system consisting of glasses and smartwatch that work together as a unified authentication device, eliminating the need for separate handheld devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a camera is integrated into a garment, then optical capture is enabled, but the device may be covered by overlying clothing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical capture reliabilityVSAvoidclothing obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is positioned in the glasses worn on the face, utilizing the spatial dimension of the head/face area rather than being embedded in clothing on the body. This dimensional relocation ensures the optical capture device remains exposed and accessible without being covered by overlying clothing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If complex authentication processing is performed locally, then authentication accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts complex authentication processing functions from the local wearable devices (glasses and smartwatch) and relocates them to a remote server. The wearable devices only perform data capture and basic communication, while the server handles computationally intensive authentication algorithms, thereby reducing local power consumption while maintaining authentication accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3621288B1Arrangement and method for optically detecting objects and / or persons to be checked
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3621288B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3621288B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3621288B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement (100) for optically detecting an object and/or a person to be checked, comprising a camera (102) which is incorporated or integrated into a garment (104) or an accessory, a processor unit (106) which is configured to communicate with the camera (102) via a communication link, and an evaluation unit (108) which is configured to further process data captured by the camera (102) from the object and/or from the person to be checked and subsequently transmit a resulting processing result to an output unit (110) which is configured to also communicate with the processor unit (106) via a communication link.The output unit (110) is incorporated or integrated into the accessory or a second accessory and is thus designed to be attached to a person or at least temporarily fixed in place in such a way that the person's hands remain free during optical scanning. The invention also relates to a method for optically scanning an object and/or a person to be checked.