Apple Inc. Gets Patent for Bio-Authentication Sensor

Apple Inc. is again in the news. This time, it is not because of the launch of any iPhone, Mac, Airpods, etc. The new bio-authentication sensor of Apple Inc. has got patent approval from the US Patent & Trademark Office. The consumer electronics giant applied for the patent in April 2020. Apple Inc. will integrate these sensors into its next-gen Airpods and over-ear headphones. The patent application covers configurations and operation methods of the bio-authentication sensors. It is essential to understand what makes these sensors so unique that they will deliver a better audio experience.

What are Bio-authentication sensors?

The bio-authentication or biometric sensors use the biological characters of a person by collecting measurable physiological attributes. These attributes are related to the human body. E.g.:                     

• Fingerprint
• Palm veins
• Iris and Retina
• Face recognition
• Voice
• DNA sampling

Using the algorithms, they try to authenticate the data provided and the data available in the database. These sensors either output the raw signal or convert the raw signal into a set of convenient features that can differentiate between signals from separate individuals.

Benefits of Bio-authentication sensor

The significant benefit related to bio-authentication sensors is their security. These sensors are robust, and with the database, they ensure that there is zero data breach. Because the biological attributes are non-transferrable, the sensors do not give anyone’s data access and ensure their privacy. The complex traits of the human render resilience and are spoof-proof. Hence, those with malicious intent cannot steal the data or use it to break into the system.

What’s there in Apple’s new sensors?

The new sensors of Apple are taking input from the voice and silent gestures command. The device can work on the principles of wearable electronics that have a self-mixing interferometry sensor. The user may have to wear it on his or her head. A self-mixing interferometry sensor uses a laser beam. Its reflection from an object induces optical and electrical changes in the device. A beam of light directed towards the user’s head will help read the sensor’s motion. Skin deformations and vibrations, along with silent gestures, will give a signal to the sensor. Any voice command to the device will verify the voice data with the stored voice pattern. Once validated, the device will process the voice command and initiate the operation.

Apple’s plans

Apple Inc. is planning to use these sensors in their next-gen Airpods and over-ear headphones. Apart from this, Apple Inc. is trying to build a VR/AR headset with these bio-authentication sensors. Apple uses different principles of bio-authentication to design their devices. They will be using Subepidermal Imaging for their next-gen Apple Watch. With time, Apple Inc. is moving ahead to enhance the consumer experience by working on their next-gen equipment. But, considering that it is a patent application, it is difficult to state when Apple Inc. will bring these products to the market. The users should wait to see what Apple Inc. brings next and how the bio-authentication technique will improve their privacy, security, and audio experience.

Eva winget is a Microsoft Office expert and has been working in the technical industry since 2006. As a technical expert, Bella has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites.

SOURCE: Apple Inc. Gets Patent for Bio-Authentication Sensor