CH716903A2 - Method for secure connection of a watch to a remote server. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for securely connecting a watch (100) to a remote server (200) of a service provider comprising, among other things, a step of identifying the wearer of the watch (100) from 'an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphic representation included in said watch (100), and a step of carrying out authentication of the wearer by the remote server (200) from said authentication element with a view to authorize an exchange of data between the watch (100) and this remote server (200). The watch (100) comprises a processing unit (2), an input interface (34), an interface for broadcasting visual information (3) and a wireless communication interface (5) linked together.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for securely connecting a watch to a remote server and a system implementing such a method.

[0002] The invention also relates to a computer program.

Prior art

[0003] A watch includes a set of functions which can be used by the wearer. Such functions can make it possible to access remote servers implementing services such as banking services, commercial services (online shops, electronic commerce companies), electronic messaging or instant messaging services. In such a context, the wearer of the watch must manage and store an increasing number of identifiers, passwords and access codes which are elements of authentication. Such authentication elements are often to be worn by the bearer when he has to initiate a connection to a remote server in order to benefit from a service provision. To do this, it is common for the bearer, failing to memorize all this confidential data, prefers to group them together on a paper medium or in a standard computer file of the spreadsheet type archived on media allowing the storage of digital data, whether hard disks, flash memory, a USB key, etc. This situation has the drawback that the documents / files containing these authentication elements can be stored in an environment with little or no protection. This introduces a major security flaw in the management of authentication elements.

[0004] Under these conditions, it is understood that there is a need to find an alternative solution, in particular which does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

[0005] An aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for securely connecting a watch to a remote server which is reliable and robust.

[0006] With this in mind, the method of securely connecting a watch to a remote server of a service provider comprising the following steps: authentication of the wearer of the watch authorizing access to the use of functions of this watch, and selecting one of said functions from an input interface of said watch aimed at establishing a connection between said watch and the remote server; identification of the wearer of the watch from an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphic representation included in said watch; transmission to said remote server of an authentication element relating to the selected function as soon as the bearer is identified, and carrying out authentication of the wearer by the remote server from said authentication element in order to authorize an exchange of data between the watch and this remote server.

[0007] In other embodiments: the transmission step comprises a sub-step of selecting the authentication element relating to said selected function in anticipation of its sending to the remote server and this, from among the authentication elements archived in the memory elements of the watch processing unit; the step of performing an authentication comprises a sub-step of comparison between the authentication element received from the watch and a reference authentication element archived in the server; the identification step comprises a sub-step of presenting a graphic representation on an interface for broadcasting visual information from said watch; the presentation sub-step comprises a phase of generating the display of the graphic representation on the interface for broadcasting visual information; the presentation sub-step comprises a phase of triggering a countdown as soon as the generation phase is carried out; the identification step comprises a sub-step of selecting, within a limited time interval, a sequence of at least two identification portions included in said graphic representation aimed at identifying said carrier, said sequence corresponding to a code d identification of the carrier; the identification step comprises a validation sub-step of the selected sequence; the validation sub-step comprises a phase of checking that the selection of the sequence of identification portions has been carried out within the limited time interval defined by a countdown.

[0008] The invention also relates to a system for secure connection of a watch to a remote server implementing this method, the watch comprising the following elements linked together: a processing unit, an input interface, a data interface. broadcasting of visual information and a wireless communication interface for data exchanges with said remote server.

[0009] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method when said program is executed by the processing units of a watch and of a remote server.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for secure connection of a watch to a remote server, according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to a method for securely connecting the watch to the remote server, according to the embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a system 1 for secure connection of a watch to a remote server 200. In this system 1, the watch 100 is preferably a mechanical watch 100 connected to a hybrid display. In this context, the watch 100 comprises a body such as a watch case, and an attachment element such as a bracelet making it possible to fix this body, for example to the wrist of the wearer. This watch 100 more precisely comprises in a non-limiting and / or non-exhaustive manner: a processing unit 2 comprising hardware and software resources, in particular at least one processor cooperating with memory elements 6; an interface for broadcasting visual information 3 such as a hybrid display dial provided with a first analog display component and a second digital and / or alphanumeric display component; an interface for broadcasting sound information 4 such as a loudspeaker; a wireless communication interface 5 (e.g. cellular, WLAN Bluetooth, etc.), and an input interface 34 such as a keyboard or even a touch interface included, for example, in the interface for broadcasting visual information 3.

In this watch 100, the processing unit 2 is connected, among other things, to the interfaces for broadcasting visual and sound information 3, 4, to the input interface 34 and the wireless communication interface 5.

In this system 1, the server 200 comprises a processing unit 210 and a communication interface 220. This server 200 is a remote server from a service provider, for example a server from a banking service provider or commercial services (online shops, e-commerce companies), electronic messaging or instant messaging services. In this context, the processing unit 210 of this server 200 comprises memory elements comprising a reference authentication element 32. This reference authentication element 32 is able to participate in the creation of a secure connection between the remote server 200 and said watch 100 and can include keys, certificates, authentication codes, passwords and personal codes, etc.

In this watch, the memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 of the watch 100 include data relating to authentication elements 9 specific to each remote server 200 to which the watch 100 is made to connect. In other words, these authentication elements 9 are specific to the wearer and / or to the watch 100, and thus allow the wearer to connect to the server 200 he wishes by means of a selection of a function of the watch. 100.

These memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 also include at least one graphic representation 7 making it possible to identify the wearer, as will be seen below. This graphic representation 7 can for example be an image comprising at least one object. By way of example, this image defines a scene comprising a plurality of objects such as dwellings, vehicles and / or a star such as the moon, etc. It is obviously understood that this image can define other types. scene comprising at least one object. These memory elements 6 also include data relating to a reference sequence 8 comprising reference identification portions of this graphic representation 7, said portions having been previously selected by the wearer of watch 100 during a configuration process. relating to the identification of the bearer.

The system 1 is able to implement a secure connection method to the remote server 200 of a service provider, shown in Figure 2. Such a server 200 of a service provider can be for example a server of a provider of banking or commercial services (online shops, e-commerce companies), electronic messaging or instant messaging services.

This method comprises an authentication step 10 of the wearer of the watch 100 authorizing access to the use of functions of this watch 100. This authentication step 10 therefore makes it possible to identify with certainty the wearer of the watch. watch so that he can have access to the use of all the functions of this watch 100. In other words, it allows the wearer to provide proof of his identity by providing for the entry of an authentication code or a secret code by means of an interaction between the bearer and the input interface 34.

In addition, it is understood that the functions can be implemented by computer programs executed by the processing unit 2 of the watch 100 when these programs are activated / selected following an interaction between the wearer and the 'input interface 34 of this watch 100. These computer programs thus executed allow the wearer to benefit from services, for example of the banking, commercial or even instantaneous or electronic messaging type.

Following this authentication step 10, the method comprises a step 11 of selecting one of said functions from the input interface 34 of said watch 100 aimed at establishing a connection between said watch 100 and the remote server 200. It will be understood that the functions can be implemented by computer programs executed by the processing unit 2 of the watch 100 as soon as these functions which are displayed on / in the interface of dissemination of visual information 3, are activated / selected following an interaction between the wearer and the input interface 34 of this watch 100. These computer programs thus executed allow the wearer to benefit from services, for example of the banking type , commercial or even instant or electronic messaging.

The method then comprises a step 12 of identifying the wearer of the watch 100 from an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphic representation included in said watch 100 more particularly a graphic representation displayed on / in the 'interface for broadcasting visual information 3 of said watch 100. Such a step 12 is carried out systematically following the selection of a function in order in particular to allow the processing unit 2 to check that the wearer of the watch 100 is still in possession of the latter and that it is indeed at the origin of the selection of the function. This step 12 comprises a sub-step 13 of presenting a graphic representation 7 on / in the interface for broadcasting visual information 3 of said watch 100. This sub-step 13 comprises a generation phase 14 of the display, on / in the interface for broadcasting visual information 3, of the graphic representation 7 provided for the implementation of this identification. This phase 14 can comprise a sub-phase of selection by the wearer from among a sample of at least two graphic representations 7 displayed on the interface for broadcasting visual information 3, of the graphic representation 7 provided for the implementation. of this identification. It will be noted that the wearer is the only one to know the graphic representation 7 that he has chosen during a configuration process relating to this identification.

This presentation sub-step 13 then comprises a trigger phase 15 of a countdown as soon as the generation phase 14 is carried out. In other words, the preconfigurable countdown is triggered once the graphic representation 7 is presented on the broadcast interface 3. Such a phase 15 participates from a limited time interval defined by this countdown, to be counted down. the estimated time required to enter the sequence of identification portions of the graphic representation 7 displayed on / in on the broadcast interface 3.

Subsequently, the identification step 12 comprises a selection sub-step 16 within the limited time interval of a sequence of at least two identification portions of said graphic representation 7 aimed at identifying said carrier, said sequence corresponding to an identification code of the carrier. Such identification portions are not directly visible in the graphic representation 7 presented on / in the broadcasting interface 3. Under these conditions, the selection sub-step 16 comprises a display phase 17 of at least one of said. identification portions of the sequence in said graphic representation 7. This visualization phase 17 comprises a sub-phase for selecting at least one zone of interest of the graphic representation 7 capable of comprising said at least one identification portion . During this sub-phase, the wearer selects for example a first zone of interest or a second zone of interest by carrying out an enlargement of this first zone or this second zone from the input interface 35. Once this first or second selected area of interest, the identification portions then become visible. In this configuration, each identification portion useful for carrying out / constituting the sequence can be selected from the input interface 35.

It should be noted that the sequence comprises an ordered number of identification portions and that the selected area of interest may for example comprise three identification portions of which only two are ordered successively one after the other in the sequence. In this context, the remaining identification portion requires, in order to be part of the sequence, the selection of an identification portion included in another zone of interest of the graphic representation 7.

Next, the identification step 12 comprises a validation sub-step 18 of the selected sequence. This validation sub-step 18 includes a control phase 19 that the selection of the sequence of identification portions has been carried out within the limited time interval defined by the countdown. Insofar as this selection has not been carried out within the limited time interval, the validation sub-step 18 comprises a renewal phase 20 of the presentation 13 and selection sub-steps 16. If subsequently, the selection of the sequence has not been carried out again within the limited time interval, the establishment of the connection to the remote server is suspended or even deleted. In addition, access to watch 100 is also removed and in particular access to the functions of this watch 100. In this context, the wearer of the watch is invited to re-authenticate in order to provide proof of his identity by entering an authentication code or a secret code, through an interaction between the bearer and the input interface 34.

Insofar as this selection has been made within this limited time interval, the validation sub-step 18 then comprises a comparison phase 21, implemented by the processing unit 2, between said selected sequence and the reference sequence 8. This comparison phase 21 comprises a sub-phase for rejecting the identification of the carrier if said sequence is significantly different or different from the reference sequence 8. In this case, the establishment of the connection to the remote server is suspended or even deleted. In addition, access to watch 100 is also removed and in particular access to the functions of this watch 100. In this context, the wearer of the watch is invited to re-authenticate in order to provide proof of his identity by entering an authentication code or a secret code, through interaction between the wearer and the input interface 34. In fact, the wearer and owner of the watch 100 may no longer be in its possession.

Conversely, the comparison phase 21 also comprises a sub-phase for successfully identifying the carrier if said sequence is substantially similar or similar to the reference sequence 8. In this case, the method then provides for the implementation of a transmission step 22 to said remote server 200 of the authentication element relating to the selected function as soon as the bearer is identified, said authentication element being specifically defined to participate in an authentication of the bearer with remote server 200. This step 22 comprises a sub-step 23 for selecting the authentication element relating to said selected function in anticipation of its sending to the remote server 200. During this sub-step 23, the selected function is identified, and on the basis of this identification a selection of the authentication element is made from among the authentication elements archived in the memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 of the watch 100. As we have already mentioned previously, the authentication elements 9 can be keys, certificates, authentication codes, passwords and personal codes which are each dedicated to the. authentication of the wearer of the watch 200 with the corresponding service provider and therefore with the remote server included in a technical platform of this supplier. It is understood here that the authentication element is dedicated to authenticating the bearer to a remote server from a given service provider. In addition, the authentication elements are archived in the memory elements 6 of the processing unit 2 of the watch 100, each being associated with a digital identification element of a corresponding function.

The method then comprises a step of performing an authentication 24 of the bearer by the remote server 200 from said authentication element in order to authorize an exchange of data between the watch 100 and this remote server 200. In In this context, it can be understood that this data exchange which is authorized here corresponds to the data exchanged between the watch 100 and the server 200 within the framework of the provision of service from which the wearer can benefit once he is authenticated with the remote server 200 therefore from the service provider. Such a step 24 comprises a comparison sub-step 25, carried out by the processing unit 210 of the server 200, between the authentication element received from the watch and a reference authentication element 32 archived in the server 200. This comparison sub-step 25 comprises a phase of rejecting the identification of the bearer 22 if the authentication element is significantly different or different from the reference authentication element 32. In this case, the establishment of the connection to the remote server 200 is suspended or even deleted.

The comparison sub-step 25 also includes a phase of successfully identifying the bearer if the authentication element is substantially similar or similar to the reference authentication element 32. In this context, an exchange data between the watch 100 and this remote server 200 in connection with the provision of service is then authorized.

[0029] Thus, the invention allows the wearer and owner of the watch 200 to be able to be authenticated with all the remote servers of the service providers on the sole basis of his identification from an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphic representation included in said watch 100, without having to directly enter the authentication element specific to each of these servers 200 in order to be able to authenticate with the corresponding service provider.

The invention also relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for the execution of steps 10 to 25 of this method when said program is executed by the processing unit 2 of the watch 100.

Claims (11)

1. A method for secure connection of a watch (100) to a remote server (200) of a service provider comprising the following steps: - authentication (10) of the wearer of the watch (100) authorizing access to the use of functions of this watch (100), and - selection (11) of one of said functions from an input interface of said watch aiming to establish a connection between said watch (100) and the remote server (200); - Identification (12) of the wearer of the watch (100) from an interaction between the wearer of this watch and a graphic representation included in said watch (100); - transmission (22) to said remote server (200) of an authentication element relating to the selected function as soon as the bearer is identified, and - Carrying out authentication (24) of the wearer by the remote server (200) from said authentication element in order to authorize an exchange of data between the watch (100) and this remote server (200). 2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transmission step (22) comprises a selection sub-step (23) of the authentication element relating to said selected function in anticipation of its sending to the remote server. (200) and this, among the authentication elements archived in the memory elements (6) of the processing unit (2) of the watch (100). 3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of performing an authentication (24) comprises a comparison sub-step (25) between the authentication element received from the watch ( 100) and a reference authentication element (32) archived in the server 200. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification step (12) comprises a sub-step of presentation (13) of a graphic representation (7) on a broadcast interface of visual information (3) of said watch (100). 5. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the presentation sub-step (13) comprises a generation phase (14) of the display of the graphic representation (7) on the interface for broadcasting visual information. (3). 6. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the presentation sub-step (13) comprises a trigger phase (15) of a countdown as soon as the generation phase (14) is performed. 7. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that, the identification step (12) comprises a selection sub-step (16) within a limited time interval of a sequence of at least two identification portions. included in said graphic representation (7) aimed at identifying said carrier, said sequence corresponding to an identification code of the carrier. 8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the identification step (12) comprises a validation sub-step (18) of the selected sequence. 9. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the validation sub-step (18) comprises a control phase (19) that the selection of the sequence of identification portions has been carried out within the limited time interval defined by a countdown. 10. System (1) for secure connection of a watch (100) to a remote server implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the watch (100) comprising the following elements linked together: a control unit. processing (2), an input interface (34), an interface for broadcasting visual information (3) and a wireless communication interface for data exchanges with said remote server (200). 11. A computer program comprising program code instructions for the execution of the steps (10 to 25) of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when said program is executed by the processing units (2) d 'a watch (100) and a remote server (200).