Apple patent application for biometric authentication system to unlock multiple devices published

A patent application from Apple that describes a system to authenticate multiple user devices using authenticated device assisted user authentication has been published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, writes Patently Apple. The patent was filed in Q2 2019.

The system would support an authenticated device worn by the user to grant access to a secured, access-based function, and a proximate device with a locked and unlocked state that restricts or allows user access. The authenticated device recognizes the proximate device and establishes user intent while in locked state. Authentication data will enable the proximate device to recognize and authenticate the user.

One of the diagrams shows a head-mounted wearable which may be equipped with multiple biometric sensors that users can wear to authenticate their identities for access to a device. The patent says intent can be determined by analyzing “body-motion-gesture” commands that the device detects. The authenticated device could ask for audio or video intent confirmation such as a “nod to unlock.”

Since this is a patent application, it is uncertain if the system will make it to market.

In February, Apple added FIDO-compliant biometric security layers to upgrade operating systems’ security. Apple is the latest member of the FIDO Alliance.

Article Topics

Apple  |  authentication  |  biometrics  |  patents