Samsung has had some problems with their fingerprint scanner over time, and while they're working on improving that feature for smartphones and tablets, they've also been working on how to perform user authentication on their Gear smartwatch. This is particularly important in light of the fact that they've acquired LoopPay and want to use their smartwatch for financial transactions in the future. Samsung's invention specifically relates to a smartwatch performing user authentication using unique biosignals.
Samsung's Patent Background
Amid the proliferation of smart phones, a variety of mobile devices are being developed, and a wearable type mobile device has been emerging. A mobile device may provide a great deal of convenience for modern life. A growing computing power of the mobile device may enable users to handle tasks previously performed using a personal computer (PC). However, due to widespread use of the mobile device, protecting personal information stored on the mobile device, such as, contact information, personal multimedia contents, for example, photos and videos, messages, and financial information has become more important. In a case in which a user loses a mobile device and another unspecified user uses the mobile device, there is a high risk of personal information of the user being unintentionally exposed. Accordingly, there is a desire for a method of authenticating a user for whom use of a mobile device is intended and controlling an access to various types of personal information stored on the mobile device.
Samsung's Invention: Biosignal Sensors and an Authentication Method
Samsung's invention relates to a wearable device performing user authentication using biosignals and an authentication method of the wearable device.
In one general aspect, there is provided a wearable device in the form of a smartwatch smartphone as noted below in FIG. 1 below that includes a first sensor configured to detect a first biosignal generated in response to a gesture performed by a user, and a second sensor configured to detect a second biosignal of the user. The device further includes a memory configured to store, with respect to at least one user, information of the first biosignal and the second biosignal, and a processor configured to initiate user authentication based on a result of determining whether the detected first biosignal corresponds to the stored information, and authenticate the user by comparing the detected second biosignal to the stored information.
The first biosignal may be generated in response to a muscle movement performed by the user to input the gesture. The first biosignal may be at least one of an electromyogram (EMG) signal generated before and after the muscle movement, a light signal penetrating a muscle of the user, and a force signal generated by the muscle.
The second biosignal may be at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal, a voice of the user, and an impedance signal generated by a body of the user.
The stored information may be encoded. The processor may be configured to determine whether a difference between the detected second biosignal and the stored information is within a predetermined error range, and authenticate the user based on a result of the determining of whether the difference is within the predetermined error range.
The device may further include an initial authenticator configured to receive the gesture and the second biosignal from the user, and store, in the memory, the first biosignal corresponding to the gesture, and the second biosignal.
More Gesture and Biosignal Specifics
According to Samsung, the user may generate the trigger signal by performing a predetermined gesture, for example, opening a hand, clenching a fist, rotating a wrist, and/or other gestures known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The wearable device may detect the trigger signal generated in response to the gesture using at least one of the sensors #131, #151, and #155 as noted below in FIG. 1. When the trigger signal is detected, the wearable device may initiate the process of the user authentication.
When the user performs the gesture while the user is wearing the wearable device, the sensor #155 provided on the back of the wearable device may detect a biosignal generated in response to a muscle movement of the user, which is generated by the gesture.
The second biosignal may be unique to each user, and be distinguished from the first biosignal. The second biosignal may include, for example, an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal, a voice of the user, and/or an impedance signal generated by a body of the user. Based on implementation, the second biosignal may be unique to each user, and thus, recognizing an iris or a fingerprint may be used to obtain the second biosignal.
Samsung's patent FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an authentication method of a wearable device.
Varying Access Rights
In Samsung's FIG. 8 noted below we're able to see is a diagram illustrating an example of access right information on executable functions, which are stored in a memory of a wearable device. In the memory of the wearable device, the "access right" information on the executable functions may be stored along with a command code for execution of each of the executable functions, such as performing a financial task, smartphone banking, opening a personal e-mail, using the Internet, transmitting an SMS message, and providing time (clock) and weather information.
A different access right determined with respect to each of the executable functions may be stored in the memory. For example, the access right of level 4 may be determined for functions relating to important financial information and privacy protection such as performing a financial task, smartphone banking, and opening a personal e-mail.
The access right of level 3 may be determined for functions such as using the Internet and transmitting an SMS message.
Also, the access right of level 0 may be determined for basic functions needing no security, such as, providing time or weather information. The functions for which the access right of level 0 is determined, may be provided even when a user does not undergo user authentication or fails the user authentication.
Samsung filed their U.S. patent application back in Q1 2014. Considering that this is a patent application, the timing of such a product to market is unknown at this time.
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