Wearable device and control method thereof

Abstract

A wearable device, capable of interacting with a computing device, includes: a fingerprint recognition module, a pressure sensing module, an authentication chip, and a processor. The fingerprint recognition module receives a fingerprint signal and performs a first authentication procedure based on the fingerprint signal. The pressure sensing module receives a touch signal and generates a confirmation signal based on the touch signal. The authentication chip performs a second authentication procedure based on the confirmation signal. The processor is coupled to the fingerprint recognition module and the authentication chip, and the processor can selectively operate in a locked mode or an unlocked mode. If both the first and second authentication procedures are successful, the processor enters the unlocked mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wearable device, and more particularly to a wearable device that can provide dual authentication. Prior Technology

[0002] In the fields of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), wearable devices typically need to communicate and connect with other computing devices. However, conventional connection methods are prone to security issues. Therefore, a novel solution is needed to overcome the challenges faced by previous technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a wearable device that interacts with a computing device and includes: a fingerprint recognition module that receives a fingerprint signal, wherein the fingerprint recognition module further performs a first verification procedure on the fingerprint signal; a pressure sensing module that receives a touch signal, wherein the pressure sensing module further generates a confirmation signal based on the touch signal; a verification chip that performs a second verification procedure on the confirmation signal; and a processor coupled to the fingerprint recognition module and the verification chip, wherein the processor selectively operates in a locked mode or an unlocked mode; wherein if both the first verification procedure and the second verification procedure pass, the processor will enter the unlocked mode.

[0004] In some embodiments, the wearable device is implemented via a head-mounted display.

[0005] In some embodiments, the computing device is implemented by a smartphone or a smartwatch.

[0006] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes a multi-axis sensor, wherein if the multi-axis sensor detects that the wearable device has been moved, the multi-axis sensor will notify the fingerprint recognition module, so that the fingerprint recognition module is ready to execute the first verification procedure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the touch signal relates to a finger press event or a finger slide event.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes: a wireless communication module for communicating with the computing device.

[0009] In some embodiments, in response to the pending confirmation signal, the verification chip will perform a handshake procedure with one of the corresponding verification chips of the computing device.

[0010] In some embodiments, upon receiving a verification signal from one of the computing devices, the verification chip determines that the second verification process has passed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the computing device will only send the verification signal to the wearable device when the handshake process has been successful.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wearable device further includes: a human body communication module for receiving the verification signal from the computing device, wherein the verification signal is a human body communication signal.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a control method comprising the following steps: providing a wearable device, wherein the wearable device includes at least a fingerprint recognition module, a pressure sensing module, and a verification chip; performing a first verification procedure on a fingerprint signal using the fingerprint recognition module; generating a confirmation signal based on a touch signal using the pressure sensing module; performing a second verification procedure on the confirmation signal using the verification chip; determining whether both the first verification procedure and the second verification procedure pass; if yes, controlling the wearable device to enter an unlock mode; and if no, controlling the wearable device to enter a lock mode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: determining whether the wearable device has been moved by using a multi-axis sensor of the wearable device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: if it is determined that the wearable device has been moved, then by means of the multi-axis sensor, notifying the fingerprint recognition module so that the fingerprint recognition module is ready to execute the first verification procedure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control method further includes communicating with a computing device via a wireless communication module of the wearable device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: in response to the confirmation signal, performing a handshake procedure with a corresponding verification chip of the computing device via the verification chip.

[0018] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: after receiving a verification signal from one of the computing devices, determining, via the verification chip, that the second verification procedure has passed.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control method further includes transmitting the verification signal to the wearable device via the computing device only when the handshake procedure has been successful.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: receiving the verification signal from the computing device via a human body communication module of the wearable device, wherein the verification signal is a human body communication signal. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device and a computing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device and a computing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for detailed explanation.

[0023] Certain terms are used in this specification and the claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different names to refer to the same component. This specification and the claims do not distinguish components by differences in name, but by differences in function. The terms "comprising" and "including" used throughout this specification and the claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as "including but not limited to". The term "generally" means that within an acceptable margin of error, those skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and achieve the basic technical effect within a certain margin of error. Furthermore, the term "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device, or indirectly electrically connected to the second device via other devices or connection means.

[0024] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples to implement the different features of this application. The following disclosure describes specific examples of the various components and their arrangements for simplification. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if this disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it indicates that it may include embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, or embodiments where an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, the same reference numerals and / or markings may be repeated in different examples of the following disclosure. These repetitions are for simplification and clarity and are not intended to limit the specific relationships between the different embodiments or / and structures discussed.

[0025] Furthermore, spatially related terms, such as "below," "below," "lower," "above," "higher," and similar terms, are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) in the diagram. In addition to the orientation shown in the diagram, these spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be rotated to different orientations (90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related terms used here can be interpreted in the same way.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wearable device 100 and a computing device 190 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wearable device 100 can interact with the computing device 190. For example, the wearable device 100 can be implemented by a head-mounted display (HMD) or augmented reality glasses, while the computing device 190 can be implemented by a smartphone or a smartwatch. However, it is not limited to these. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the wearable device 100 includes: a fingerprint identification module 110, a pressure sensing module 120, a verification chip 130, and a processor 140, while the computing device 190 includes a corresponding verification chip 192. It must be understood that, although not shown in Figure 1, either the wearable device 100 or the computing device 190 may include other elements, such as a housing, a touch control module, a speaker, a display device, or (and) a power supply module.

[0027] The fingerprint recognition module 110 can receive a fingerprint signal SF, and can further perform a first verification process on the fingerprint signal SF. For example, when a user's finger touches the fingerprint recognition module 110, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can collect the relevant fingerprint signal SF. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can pre-store correct fingerprint data. Then, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can compare the fingerprint signal SF with the correct fingerprint data. If the fingerprint signal SF matches the correct fingerprint data, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can determine that the first verification process is passed; otherwise, if the fingerprint signal SF does not match the correct fingerprint data, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can determine that the first verification process is unpassed.

[0028] The pressure sensing module 120 can receive a touch signal ST, and can generate a confirmation signal SK based on the touch signal ST, wherein the confirmation signal SK can record detailed information about the touch signal ST. For example, the touch signal ST may relate to a finger press event or a finger slide event. In some embodiments, the pressure sensing module 120 includes at least one metal sense strip, which may be disposed on an outer frame (not shown) of the wearable device 100, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the aforementioned finger press event or finger slide event may be triggered by the user's finger pressing or sliding on the metal sense strip of the pressure sensing module 120.

[0029] Verification chip 130 is coupled to pressure sensing module 120. Verification chip 130 can perform a second verification procedure on the signal SK to be verified and determine whether the second verification procedure passes or fails. It should be understood that the implementation of the second verification procedure is not particularly limited, but it must be different from the first verification procedure described above. In some embodiments, verification chip 130 of wearable device 100 can be connected to the corresponding verification chip 192 of computing device 190 wirelessly or wiredly. For example, the aforementioned second verification procedure can be executed by verification chip 130 alone, or by both verification chip 130 and corresponding verification chip 192, but it is not limited to these methods.

[0030] The processor 140 is coupled to the fingerprint recognition module 110 and the verification chip 130, and can receive information related to the first verification procedure and the second verification procedure. The processor 140 can selectively operate in a locked mode (ML) or an unlocked mode (MU), which can correspond to different operating states of the wearable device 100. For example, in locked mode (ML), the user will not be able to access any data in the wearable device 100; conversely, in unlocked mode (MU), the user can operate the wearable device 100 normally and access its data. In some embodiments, the processor 140 can initially operate in locked mode (ML), and if both the first and second verification procedures have been passed, the processor 140 can leave locked mode (ML) and enter unlocked mode (MU).

[0031] Under the design of this invention, unlocking the wearable device 100 requires passing at least two different verification procedures. Therefore, the overall security of the wearable device 100 can be greatly increased. In addition, when the user is wearing the wearable device 100, they can easily operate the pressure sensing module 120 with their fingers even in the absence of visual assistance, which will also improve the ease of use of the wearable device 100.

[0032] The following embodiments will illustrate various configurations and detailed structural features of the wearable device 100. It must be understood that these figures and descriptions are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a wearable device 200 and a computing device 290 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the wearable device 200 further includes a multi-axis sensor 250, a wireless communication module 260, and a human body communication (HBC) module 270, while the computing device 290 further includes a corresponding wireless communication module 294 and a corresponding human body communication module 296.

[0034] A multi-axis sensor 250 is coupled to the fingerprint recognition module 110. The multi-axis sensor 250 measures the acceleration of the wearable device 200 and uses this acceleration to determine if the wearable device 200 has been moved. If the multi-axis sensor 250 detects that the wearable device 200 has been moved, it notifies the fingerprint recognition module 110, causing the fingerprint recognition module 110 to prepare to execute the first verification procedure. For example, after a user picks up the wearable device 200 from a table, in response to the notification from the multi-axis sensor 250, the fingerprint recognition module 110 can receive the fingerprint signal SF from the user and then execute the first verification procedure.

[0035] In the wearable device 200, the wireless communication module 260 is coupled to the verification chip 130 and the processor 140. In the computing device 290, the corresponding wireless communication module 294 is coupled to the corresponding verification chip 192. The wireless communication module 260 of the wearable device 200 can communicate with the corresponding wireless communication module 294 of the computing device 290. For example, each of the wireless communication module 260 and the corresponding wireless communication module 294 can be a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module, but is not limited to these. In some embodiments, after the first verification procedure has been passed and the pressure sensing module 120 has generated a confirmation signal SK, the wireless communication module 260 can notify the corresponding wireless communication module 294 so that the computing device 290 will assist in preparing the subsequent second verification procedure.

[0036] In the wearable device 200, the human body communication module 270 is coupled to the verification chip 130. In the computing device 290, the corresponding human body communication module 296 is coupled to the corresponding verification chip 192. The human body communication module 270 of the wearable device 200 can communicate with the corresponding human body communication module 296 of the computing device 290. In other embodiments, after the first verification procedure has been passed and the pressure sensing module 120 has generated a confirmation signal SK, the human body communication module 270 can notify the corresponding human body communication module 296 so that the computing device 290 will assist in preparing for the subsequent second verification procedure. In other words, various types of data can be easily transmitted between the verification chip 130 of the wearable device 200 and the corresponding verification chip 192 of the computing device 290 using wireless communication or human body communication, but it is not limited to this.

[0037] After the first verification process is completed and the user's finger touches the pressure sensing module 120, in response to the pending confirmation signal SK, the verification chip 130 of the wearable device 200 and the corresponding verification chip 192 of the computing device 290 will execute a handshaking process. The corresponding verification chip 192 of the computing device 290 can store a preset event, such as: finger sliding twice. If the pending confirmation signal SK indicates that the user's finger has slid twice on the pressure sensing module 120, the aforementioned handshaking process will succeed. Conversely, if the pending confirmation signal SK indicates that the user's finger has only slid once on the pressure sensing module 120, the aforementioned handshaking process will fail, but it is not limited to this. It must be understood that the aforementioned preset event is only an example, and in reality it can be adjusted according to different needs.

[0038] Only when the aforementioned handshake procedure is successful will the corresponding verification chip 192 of the computing device 290 transmit a verification signal SA to the verification chip 130 of the wearable device 200. In other words, the human body communication module 270 of the wearable device 200 is used to receive the verification signal SA from the corresponding human body communication module 296 of the computing device 290, where the verification signal SA can be a human body communication signal. In addition, after receiving the verification signal SA from the computing device 290, the verification chip 130 of the wearable device 200 can determine that the second verification procedure has passed. Conversely, if no verification signal SA is received (for example, after a predetermined time), the verification chip 130 of the wearable device 200 will determine that the second verification procedure has failed. Next, since both the aforementioned first verification procedure and the second verification procedure have passed, the processor 140 of the wearable device 200 can leave the locked mode ML and enter the unlocked mode MU.

[0039] It is important to note that because the verification signal SA is a human body communication signal, it will not be suddenly leaked, thus increasing the security of the verification process. In addition, if the human body is used as a signal transmission medium, the signal attenuation and noise interference are relatively small, which also helps to reduce the overall power consumption of the wearable device 200.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, in step S310, a wearable device is provided, wherein the wearable device includes at least a fingerprint recognition module, a pressure sensing module, and a verification chip. In step S320, the fingerprint recognition module performs a first verification procedure on a fingerprint signal. In step S330, the pressure sensing module generates a confirmation signal based on a touch signal. In step S340, the verification chip performs a second verification procedure on the confirmation signal. In step S350, it is determined whether both the first and second verification procedures are successful. If yes (i.e., both the first and second verification procedures are successful), then in step S360, the wearable device is controlled to enter an unlock mode. If no (i.e., at least one of the first and second verification procedures fails), then in step S370, the wearable device is controlled to enter a lock mode. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed in sequence, and each feature of the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2 can be applied to the control method in Figure 3.

[0041] This invention proposes a novel wearable device and its control method. Compared with traditional designs, this invention has advantages such as providing dual verification, increasing overall security, and reducing overall power consumption, making it well-suited for application in various types of devices.

[0042] It is worth noting that the component parameters described above are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these settings according to different needs. The wearable device and control method of the present invention are not limited to the states illustrated in Figures 1-3. The present invention may include only any one or more features of any one or more embodiments of Figures 1-3. In other words, not all features illustrated need to be implemented simultaneously in the wearable device and control method of the present invention.

[0043] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of this invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes a device for participating in this invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes a device for participating in this invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, combined with the processing unit, provides a unique device that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0044] The ordinal numbers in this specification and the claims, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are not sequential in any particular order; they are only used to distinguish between two different components with the same name.

[0045] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0046] 100, 200: Wearable devices 110: Fingerprint recognition module 120: Pressure sensing module 130: Verification chip 140: Processor 190, 290: Computing device 192: Corresponding verification chip 250: Multi-axis sensor 260: Wireless Communication Module 270: Human Body Communication Module 294: Corresponding wireless communication module 296: Corresponding to human body communication module ML: Locked Mode MU: Unlock Mode S310, S320, S330, S340, S350, S360, S370: Steps SA: Verification signal SF: Fingerprint signal SK: Signal pending confirmation ST: Touch signal

Claims

1. A wearable device that interacts with a computing device, and includes: A fingerprint recognition module receives a fingerprint signal, wherein the fingerprint recognition module further performs a first verification procedure on the fingerprint signal; A pressure sensing module receives a touch signal, wherein the pressure sensing module generates a confirmation signal based on the touch signal; a verification chip executes a second verification procedure for the confirmation signal; and a processor coupled to the fingerprint recognition module and the verification chip, wherein the processor selectively operates in a locked mode or an unlocked mode; wherein if both the first verification procedure and the second verification procedure pass, the processor enters the unlocked mode; wherein the touch signal relates to a finger swipe event; wherein the pressure sensing module includes at least one metal sensing strip, and the metal sensing strip is disposed on an outer frame of one of the wearable devices.

2. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the wearable device is implemented by means of a head-mounted display.

3. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein the computing device is implemented by a smartphone or a smartwatch.

4. The wearable device as described in claim 1 further includes: A multi-axis sensor, wherein if the multi-axis sensor detects that the wearable device has been moved, the multi-axis sensor will notify the fingerprint recognition module, so that the fingerprint recognition module prepares to execute the first verification procedure.

5. The wearable device as described in claim 1, further comprising: A wireless communication module communicates with the computing device.

6. The wearable device as described in claim 1, wherein in response to the pending confirmation signal, the verification chip performs a handshake procedure with a corresponding verification chip of the computing device.

7. The wearable device as described in claim 6, wherein upon receiving a verification signal from one of the computing devices, the verification chip determines that the second verification procedure has passed.

8. The wearable device as described in claim 7, wherein the computing device transmits the verification signal to the wearable device only when the handshake procedure has been successful.

9. The wearable device as described in claim 7, further comprising: A human body communication module is used to receive the verification signal from the computing device, wherein the verification signal is a human body communication signal.

10. A control method comprising the following steps: providing a wearable device, wherein the wearable device includes at least a fingerprint recognition module, a pressure sensing module, and a verification chip; performing a first verification procedure on a fingerprint signal using the fingerprint recognition module; generating a confirmation signal based on a touch signal using the pressure sensing module; performing a second verification procedure on the confirmation signal using the verification chip; determining whether both the first verification procedure and the second verification procedure are successful; if yes, controlling the wearable device to enter an unlock mode; and if no, controlling the wearable device to enter a lock mode; wherein the touch signal relates to a finger swipe event; wherein the pressure sensing module includes at least a metal sensing strip, and the metal sensing strip is disposed on an outer frame of the wearable device.

11. The control method as described in claim 10, wherein the wearable device is implemented by a head-mounted display.

12. The control method as described in claim 10 further includes: The wearable device is used to determine whether it has been moved by one of its multi-axis sensors.

13. The control method as described in claim 12 further includes: If it is determined that the wearable device has been moved, the multi-axis sensor notifies the fingerprint recognition module, so that the fingerprint recognition module prepares to execute the first verification procedure.

14. The control method as described in claim 10 further includes: The wearable device communicates with a computing device via a wireless communication module.

15. The control method as described in claim 14 further includes: In response to the pending confirmation signal, the verification chip performs a handshake procedure with a corresponding verification chip of the computing device.

16. The control method as described in claim 15 further includes: After receiving a verification signal from one of the computing devices, the verification chip determines that the second verification process has passed.

17. The control method as described in claim 16 further includes: Only when the handshake process is successful will the verification signal be transmitted to the wearable device via the computing device.

18. The control method as described in claim 16 further includes: The wearable device receives the verification signal from the computing device via a human body communication module, wherein the verification signal is a human body communication signal.

Images