Wearable Device Persistent Authentication via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-sale systems require frequent authentication of wearable devices during transactions, which can be inconvenient and may lead to unauthorized transactions if the device is not properly authenticated after being removed from the user.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a persistent authentication mechanism for wearable devices using sensors such as electrical circuits, accelerometers, and capacitive sensors to determine continuous use by the user, allowing multiple transactions without re-authentication as long as the device is in contact with or being used by the user, and revoking authentication when the device is no longer in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent authentication is required for wearable devices during transactions, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication before the wearable device is removed from the user, establishing an authentication state that persists during continuous use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated authentication during subsequent transactions while the device remains on the user, resolving the contradiction between security and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication state is made dynamic rather than static - it is established initially and then maintained conditionally based on continuous use detection. The system dynamically adjusts authentication requirements based on whether the device remains on the user, providing security when needed and convenience when appropriate.
2Ease of operation
If authentication is maintained after device removal, then user convenience is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor whether the wearable device remains on the user and provides feedback on the authentication state. When the device is removed, the system detects this change and automatically revokes authentication, preventing unauthorized transactions while maintaining convenience during legitimate continuous use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages authentication status based on sensor data without requiring manual user intervention. The authentication is maintained or revoked automatically based on whether continuous use is detected, making the security mechanism self-regulating and transparent to the user.
3Device complexity
If persistent authentication is implemented without sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of continuous use detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors act as intermediaries between the wearable device and the authentication system, providing objective data about continuous use. Rather than relying on complex software algorithms or user input, simple sensor measurements directly indicate whether the device remains on the user, achieving reliable detection with minimal added complexity.
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 user convenience by eliminating the need for repeated authentication during continuous use while preventing unauthorized transactions after the device is removed, ensuring secure and efficient payment processing.
Implementation Method 1
The wearable device can include an electrical circuit or other appropriate sensor to determine whether the wearable device has been in continuous contact with, or in continuous use by, the wearer of the wearable device.
Implementation Method 2
An accelerometer can detect when the wearable device has been motionless for a predetermined amount of time and determine that the wearable device has not been in continuous use.
Implementation Method 3
A capacitive sensor can also be used to detect human skin, such that when human skin is no longer detected by the capacitive sensor, this indicates that the wearable device is no longer worn by the buyer.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for maintaining authentication of a user of a wearable device. The wearable device can include an electrical circuit, an accelerometer, a capacitive sensor, or other wearable detection module that can determine that the wearable device has been in continuous contact with, or continuous use by, the wearer. A first payment transaction can be initiated between the wearable device and a first payment terminal. A user credential is then received at either the wearable device or a mobile device coupled to the wearable device. The user credential is verified and the first payment transaction is authorized. A second payment transaction is then initiated between the wearable device and a second payment terminal. If the wearable device is determined to have been in continuous use by the user, then the second payment transaction can be completed without requiring re-authentication of the user.