Wrist Vein Biometric Authentication for Rugged Mobile Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current biometric authentication methods, such as face recognition, fingerprint identification, and voice analysis, are inadequate for ruggedized mobile applications due to adaptability and spoofing issues, and 2-factor authentication cannot verify the identity of the user beyond possession of a card and PIN.

Innovation Solution

A three-factor authentication system utilizing a wrist-worn vein-image capturing device that captures unique vein images, processes them using a microprocessor, and combines this data with a user PIN and device ID to verify user identity through a remote database server and certificate authority, providing secure access to systems and devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 2-factor authentication (Smart Card and PIN) is used, then access control is improved, but the ability to verify user identity is weakened because it cannot distinguish between authorized user and someone possessing the card and PIN

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoiduser identity verification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a biometric verification step as an intermediary between possession of credentials (card/PIN) and actual user identity. The biometric sensor captures physiological data (fingerprint, retina, or other biometrics) that serves as a mediator to confirm the person presenting the card and PIN is indeed the authorized user, resolving the ambiguity of 2-factor authentication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional biometric methods (face recognition, fingerprint, retina/iris, voice analysis) are used, then user identity verification is improved, but adaptability to ruggedized mobile applications deteriorates due to complexity and spoofing vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identity verificationVSAvoidruggedized mobile application adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into distinct components: credential verification (card/PIN), biometric verification (physiological data capture), and device authentication (unique device ID). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the biometric sensor designed specifically for mobile ruggedness while maintaining verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the biometric data and stores it in a secure database. During authentication, the system compares the captured biometric data against the stored copy rather than requiring physical presentation of the original biometric feature. This copying approach enables verification in ruggedized mobile environments where physical biometric sensors must withstand harsh conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If facial recognition technology is used, then user identification is improved, but adaptability to ruggedized mobile applications deteriorates due to complex visualization and validation methodology

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identificationVSAvoidvisualization and validation methodology

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential biometric verification function from complex face recognition systems. Instead of using computationally intensive facial recognition with complex visualization and validation methodology, the system uses simpler biometric sensors (fingerprint, retina, or other physiological sensors) that can be integrated into ruggedized mobile devices without requiring complex processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If fingerprint identification is used, then user identification is improved, but security deteriorates because fingerprints are left everywhere making technology easier to spoof

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identificationVSAvoidspoofing vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional fingerprint authentication approach by using retina or other physiological data capture methods that are more difficult to replicate. Instead of relying on fingerprints that can be easily copied and distributed, the system uses biometric characteristics that are more challenging to spoof, thereby reducing the harmful effect of fingerprint being 'left everywhere' and easily copied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11120112B1Biometrics authentication for secure access to system

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A three-factor authentication system for restricting and securing user-access to a system. The authentication system that includes a vein-image-capturing device for capturing and processing wrist-vein images. The unique biometric data is one factor of a three-factor authentication system, along with unique device identification data and a user PIN, all three used to validate and provide secure access to a user. This system can be used to restrict and provide secure access to information systems, physical spaces, personal computer devices, and any other device or system requiring controlled user access.