Magnetic signatures in air for mobile devices

Abstract

Recently, a new authentication method based on 3D signatures created in air is proposed for mobile devices [4]. The 3D signature is created in air using a properly shaped magnet (a rod or ring) taken in hand. It is based on influencing compass sensor embedded in the new generation of mobile devices. In this paper, we present implementation of this technology on a mobile device (iPhone 3GS). It can demonstrate authentication process using a gesture in the form of a 3D signature freely created in the space around the device by a magnet held in hand. Movement of the magnet in the from of a signature produces a temporal change in the magnetic field sensed by the embedded compass sensor, and can be used as a basis for authentication. As magnetic signatures are performed in 3D space, they can provide a wider choice for authentication, and they can not be easily hardcopied.

Performance of Eyes-Free Mobile Authentication

“…glare or distraction), social factors, interface design, and deliberate disregard by the user [28]. More specifically, the threat of observer attacks may motivate users to hide the screen from view and interact from memory, either shielded by the hand [18] or placed within a garment or accessory [1]. Without visual feedback, conventional input processes are often inaccurate and frustrating for users.…”

“…This type of real-world eyes-free authentication behavior, whether motivated by user distraction (e.g needing to look elsewhere while unlocking), or the screen being out of view (e.g. screen glare, or interacting with the device under the table [12]), or deliberate obfuscation by the user (e.g., attempting to hide the screen in a bag [18] or a pocket [1] from a shoulder surfing attack), is not well understood. While eyes-free interactions for different types of users and mobile devices have been studied by researchers in the past [3], [4], [7], [8], [11], [15], [16], [19], [20], [24], [29], studies have yet to investigate the performance with common authentication mechanisms when the phone is outof-view, and user coping strategies to enter passcodes in an eyes-free manner.…”

Leveraging directional antenna capabilities for fine-grained gesture recognition

“…Wearable or near-body sensing devices can provide a rich set of signal features for gesture recognition. For example, magnetic sensors can extract gesture patterns from a moving hand attached with metal objects [8] [7]. Motion sensors (accelerometer and gyroscope) can identify fine-grained gestures, such as virtual characters made by moving a smartphone in the air [2,13].…”

“…Furthermore, since video cameras may leak sensitive private information, people often consider them to be obtrusive. Alternative solutions use wearable sensing devices [7,2,13] that attach to the users' hand or body, but impose extra burden and inconvenience on users.…”

Portallax

“…The capability of these devices to process 3D video contents has also been demonstrated [37]. Finally, 3D gestural input can be used to interact with the 3D contents shown on these devices, either using magnets attached to the users' hands and fingers [17,22,23] or even with the bare hands [6,35]. However, the acceptance of these stereo 3D mobile devices has been low.…”