Multifunctional input device for authentication and security applications

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined sensor device. In some implementations, the combined sensor device may enable a single touchscreen to perform additional functions such as handwriting input and fingerprint recognition. In some implementations, these multiple features allow increased security through user authentication, and allow better capture of handwriting and a more interactive approach to user interfaces. A handheld mobile device such as a cell phone with the combined sensor device can enable an array of applications, such as using the mobile device as a gateway for user authentication to enable transactions and physical access; using the handwriting input function for signature recognition and transmittal for transaction applications; and/or using the handwriting input feature to automatically capture notes and other documents of students in an academic setting or employees in a corporate setting.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 394,054, entitled “COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045P / 102908P1) and filed on Oct. 18, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference and for all purposes. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045A / 102908U1) and filed on Oct. 10, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “FABRICATION OF TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045B / 102908U2) and filed on Oct. 10, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR WITH ELASTOMERIC SPACER LAYER” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045C / 102908U3) and filed on Oct. 10, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “TOUCH SENSOR WITH FORCE-ACTUA...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]The apparatus may include a display and a processor that is configured to communicate with the display and with the control system. The processor may be configured to process image data. The apparatus may include a second memory device that is configured to communicate with the processor. The apparatus may include a driver circuit configured to send at least one signal to the display and a controller configured to send at least a portion of the image data to the driver circuit. The apparatus may include an image source module configured to send the image data to the processor, wherein the image source module includes at least one of a receiver, a transceiver, and a transmitter. The apparatus may include an input device configured to receive input data and to communicate the input data to the processor.

[0017]Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in an alternative apparatus including an interface configured for wireless communication and a first substantially transparent substrate. A first plurality of substantially transparent electrodes may be formed in a touch and handwriting sensor zone of the first substantially transparent substrate. A second plurality of substantially transparent electrodes may be formed in a fingerprint sensor zone of the first substantially transparent substrate. In some implementations, the second plurality of electrodes may have a smaller pitch than the first plurality of electrodes. In alternative implementations, the second plurality of electrodes may have a pitch that is substantially the same as that of the first plurality of electrodes.

[0018]The apparatus may include a memory and a control system configured for communication with memory, the interface, the first plurality of substantially transparent electrodes and the second plurality of substantially transparent electrodes. The control system may be configured to receive fingerprin

Problems solved by technology

The increased use of touch screens in handheld devices causes increased complexity and cost for modules that now include the display, the touch panel and a cover glass.

Each layer in the device adds thickness and requires costly glass-to-glass bonding solutions for attachment to the neighboring subst

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