The Next Generation Apple Watch Could Identify Users by Their Heart Rate

[MacRumors]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an invention today that suggests the next Apple Watch could identify its owner simply by checking their heart rate.

Apple's patent application is titled "User identification system based on plethysmography" and describes how a pulse oximeter is used to determine the biometric signature of a user's cardio rhythms. This data could then be used to identify the wearer and unlock the watch in a manner similar to Touch ID on the iPhone.

The system works similarly to existing monitors, by projecting light on the user's skin and measuring how much of it is absorbed and reflected back to the device. The measurement can then be used to determine the amount of blood present in the vasculature. According to the patent, the data gathered by the two photosensors is either stored or compared against previously saved information to positively identify the user.

In an associated patent also published today, the invention is extended to take in data from motion sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine user movement. Certain gestures, for example raising the device from waist height to head height, trigger the authentication process.

AppleInsider notes that the system could replace Touch ID during Apple Pay payments and further reduce the watch's reliance on iPhone, although it's unclear if heart rate data can be a unique enough identifier to ensure the same level of security.

Article Link: The Next Generation Apple Watch Could Identify Users by Their Heart Rate

 

[BrodieApple]

I like it! Probably the only inconvenience of my Watch is putting the passcode in on that tiny screen but even that hardly bothers me.

 

[keysofanxiety]

That's deliciously clever technology. The Star Trek future gets ever closer.

 

[cincinnatils1]

AppleInsider notes that the system could replace Touch ID during Apple Pay payments and further reduce the watch's reliance on iPhone, although it's unclear if heart rate data can be a unique enough identifier to ensure the same level of security.

I see no way this reduces the watch's reliance on iPhone. Please explain.

 

[gabriel193755]

I like it! Probably the only inconvenience of my Watch is putting the passcode in on that tiny screen but even that hardly bothers me.

You can set your watch to unlock when you unlock your iPhone.

 

[Pagemakers]

Another "super feature" that will probably work sometimes.

 

[timmyh]

I see no way this reduces the watch's reliance on iPhone. Please explain.

As I understand it, if you don't like using a passcode on your watch the only other way to lock/unlock it is to link it to your iPhone's Touch ID/passcode lock. With this invention you wouldn't need to do either.

 

[gucciipad]

I like it! Probably the only inconvenience of my Watch is putting the passcode in on that tiny screen but even that hardly bothers me.

I don't have to type in my password. When I have my watch on my wrist the watch unlocks. When it's off my wrist there is a password.

 

[radiology]

this is just NOT possible. Your heart rate can change a lot in many normal and abnormal conditions. I call this BS.

 

[JosephAW]

How about an Apple Watch Air for $99 without all the health options.

 

[8692574]

I like it! Probably the only inconvenience of my Watch is putting the passcode in on that tiny screen but even that hardly bothers me.

Why do you do that... I unlock it with my phone

How about an Apple Watch Air for $99 without all the health options.

There....there is already a brand that makes that kind of watches....lol....

 

[acctman]

And now Samsung will take this rumored feature and add it into there watch...

 

[iapplelove]

That's deliciously clever technology. The Star Trek future gets ever closer.

You would be amazed at the technology our secret space programs keep from us. Stuff we already have, things us normal people won't ever get to experience.

 

[keysofanxiety]

You would be amazed at the technology our secret space programs keep from us. Stuff we already have, things us normal people won't ever get to experience.

Your profile picture and signature are both perfect for what you said.

"The truth is out there, Scully!!"

 

[Fozziebear71]

I would just like to be able to buy this generation of the Apple Watch that was "released" more than a month ago.

Pathetic, Apple, pathetic.

 

[marine0816]

I rather a bigger screen and a big battery

 

[manu chao]

this is just NOT possible. Your heart rate can change a lot in many normal and abnormal conditions. I call this BS.

What this sensor measures is how you blood vessels expand as a pressure pulse is travelling through your veins when the heart contracts. The blood pressure (and thus the size of the blood vessel) follows a periodic fluctuation not unlike a sine curve. The heart rate is given by only looking at the frequency of that periodic fluctuation. Studying the whole shape of the curve gives you much more information than just looking at the frequency.

 

[sailingjason]

Cool idea! But why not integrate finger print scanning right into the display?

I'm blown away by how fast the iPhone 7 unlocks using Touch ID so I imagine it'll only get faster in the future. And implemented into more devices (trackpads on the Mac suite?)

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/10/04/new-apple-patent-touch-id/

 

[Return Zero]

this is just NOT possible. Your heart rate can change a lot in many normal and abnormal conditions. I call this BS.

I think it probably has more to do with the overall rhythm patterns rather than just the simple 'rate'. Micro-palpitations or what not.

 

[sailingjason]

The technology that would be really cool is voice recognition which confirms your identity, so when you say "hey Siri" you don't also have to put in your password or use touch ID and the feature can be truly hands free. ( useful for washing dishes, doing repairs, etc.)

 

[NT1440]

this is just NOT possible. Your heart rate can change a lot in many normal and abnormal conditions. I call this BS.

But your heartbeat signature is unique. This isn't about heart rate, it's about the extremely minute differences in how every persons heart beats, it's as identifying as a fingerprint.

 

[BMcCoy]

But your heartbeat signature is unique. This isn't about heart rate, it's about the extremely minute differences in how every persons heart beats, it's as identifying as a fingerprint.

Except it's not.
It's nowhere near as individual as a fingerprint.
And fingerprints don't change moment-to-moment depending on your breathing, activity, and environment.

Yeah, something not adding up here...!

 

[NT1440]

Except it's not.
It's nowhere near as individual as a fingerprint.
And fingerprints don't change moment-to-moment depending on your breathing, activity, and environment.

Yeah, something not adding up here...!

You don't understand micro palpitations do you? The way your heart operates doesn't change moment-to-moment.

https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/06/heartbeat-may-soon-password/

"
Yury: I didn’t realize that people’s heartbeats are different. Is the heartbeat really a reliable biometric?

D’Souza: Yes, it is! Everybody’s got a unique heartbeat. It’s based on the size and shape of your heart and the orientation of your valves, your physiology. It doesn’t change unless you have a major cardiac event like a heart attack.

Yury: What about when you’re nervous and your heart rate goes up? Will it still work?

D’Souza: Your heart can beat faster but electrically your beats look the same. So, whether it beats faster or slower, it doesn’t really matter. It’s really about the shape of the waves, and what that signal looks like when it comes off your heart.
"

 

[BMcCoy]

absolute nonsense.

 

[enthusiastic]

You would be amazed at the technology our secret space programs keep from us. Stuff we already have, things us normal people won't ever get to experience.

Avatar checks out.