Quickstarter user interface

Abstract

Methods performed by a processor of a computing device for launching a selected application on the computing device are disclosed. Various embodiments can include: authorizing a user based on a fingerprint of a finger detected on a fingerprint sensor portion of a touchscreen display matching a fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device; determining a selected application installed on the computing device from a continuous, selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion, the selective engagement providing an indication of a selection of the application by the user; and unlocking the selected application in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display. In some embodiments, the selection of the application can be based on a continuous swiping movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward an icon on the touchscreen display representing the selected application.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 046,581, filed June 30, 2020, entitled “Quick Launcher User Interface,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] Computing devices (such as smartphones and devices with secure keypads that include in-display fingerprint sensors) can be unlocked using fingerprints. However, these same devices often require a second fingerprint or other security measures to log in to certain restricted or sensitive apps and / or features. In this way, users must authenticate themselves more than once before accessing certain apps. While this repetitive authentication process makes computing devices and sensitive apps more secure, it is inconvenient and increases the time spent launching these apps. Although some modern computing devices include quick app launcher technology, this technology shortens the app launch process by eliminating security measures such as fingerprint or security code authentication.

[0005] Furthermore, mobile computing devices use small fingerprint sensors due to various factors such as cost and battery consumption. The small size of the fingerprint sensor may limit or constrain how users can interact with the touchscreen display, especially when user identity is being authenticated, which can further degrade the overall user experience; particularly when unlocking the computing device and attempting to use secure applications.

[0006] Overview

[0007] The various aspects include methods and computing devices that implement methods executed by the processor of a computing device for authenticating a user and launching an application in a single step. The various aspects may include: authorizing a user based on a fingerprint detected on a fingerprint sensor portion of a touchscreen display matching the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device; determining a selected application installed on the computing device based on successive selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion, the selective engagement providing an indication of the user's selection of the application; and unlocking the selected application in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display. In some aspects, determining a selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display may include determining the selected application in response to detecting a successive swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion along a direction toward an icon on the touchscreen display representing the selected application.

[0008] Some aspects may include an additional menu displaying security application launch icons on the touchscreen display in response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device, wherein the selected application is represented by one of the displayed security application launch icons. Some aspects may include an additional menu displaying security application launch icons on the touchscreen display in response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device, which may include displaying security application launch icons surrounding the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display. Some aspects may include displaying security application launch icons arranged in a semi-circle adjacent to the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display. Some aspects may include displaying security application launch icons arranged in at least one of columns or rows on the touchscreen display.

[0009] In some aspects, determining a selected application installed on a computing device based on selective engagement of a finger on a touchscreen display may include determining the selected application based on a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons. In some aspects, determining a selected application installed on a computing device based on continuous selective engagement of a finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion may include determining the selected application based on a displayed security application launch icon located below the finger when the finger is removed from the touchscreen display. In some aspects, determining the selected application installed on a computing device based on selective engagement of a finger on a touchscreen display may include determining the selected application based on the continuous swipe movement when the finger's removal from the touchscreen display occurs before the finger reaches a position on one of the displayed security application launch icons at the end of the continuous swipe movement from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons.

[0010] Some aspects may also include detecting the peripheral shape of the finger contact on the touchscreen display when the finger touches the fingerprint sensor portion, wherein determining the selected application mounted on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display may include determining the selected application based on an icon on the touchscreen display along the vertical axis of the peripheral shape of the finger contact on the touchscreen display.

[0011] Some aspects may also include detecting contact of a portion of a finger outside the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display, wherein determining a selected application mounted on the computing device may include determining the selected application icon on the touchscreen display in the orientation of the portion of the detected finger that is in contact outside the area of ​​the touchscreen display.

[0012] A further aspect includes a computing device comprising a processor configured with processor-executable instructions for performing operations of any of the methods outlined above. A further aspect includes a non-transient processor-readable storage medium having processor-executable software instructions stored thereon, the processor-executable software instructions being configured to cause the processor to perform operations of any of the methods outlined above. A further aspect includes a processing device for use in a computing device and configured to perform operations of any of the methods outlined above. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1A-1C This is a schematic diagram illustrating how, according to various embodiments, a user receives a scheduled notification from a computing device.

[0016] Figures 2A-2E This is a schematic diagram illustrating how, according to various embodiments, a user receives a scheduled notification from a computing device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the components of an example system used in a package in a computing device according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figure 4 A component block diagram of an example system configured to be executed by the processor of a computing device to ensure that a user receives a scheduled notification is shown.

[0019] Figure 5A , 5B 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, and 5H illustrate example flow diagrams of sample methods executed by the processor of a computing device for launching selected applications on a computing device, according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a component block diagram applicable to various embodiments of a mobile computing device.

[0021] Detailed description

[0022] Various aspects will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. References to specific examples and embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the aspects or claims.

[0023] Various embodiments provide methods executed by a processor of a computing device for quickly and securely launching selected applications on the computing device by detecting finger touches on a touch-sensitive display including a fingerprint sensor. Various embodiments can detect an authorized fingerprint from the initial engagement of the finger on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display when the detected fingerprint matches that of an authorized user of the computing device. Some embodiments may include selective engagement of the finger on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display based on a continuing engagement in a recognizable manner from the initial engagement to provide an indication of an application icon that the user seeks to launch.

[0024] As used herein, the term “fingerprint” refers to a unique pattern of ridges, threads, and lines on a finger or fingertip that can be detected by a fingerprint sensor that can be used to identify or authenticate an individual.

[0025] As used herein, the term "computing device" refers to an electronic device that is equipped with at least a processor, a touchscreen display, a fingerprint sensor, and memory configured with a fingerprint database. A computing device may include any or all of the following: cellular phones, smartphones, portable computing devices, personal or mobile multimedia players, laptop computers, tablet computers, 2-in-1 laptops / tablet computers, smartbooks, ultrabooks, handheld computers, wireless email receivers, internet-enabled multimedia cellular phones, security keypads (e.g., for unlocking doors, turning lights on / off, and / or alarms), personal electronic devices (such as cameras, lights, garage doors, door locks, smart home applications, and appliances), wearable devices (including smartwatches, smart glasses, augmented / virtual reality devices), entertainment devices (e.g., wireless game controllers, music and video players, satellite radios, etc.), and similar electronic devices that include memory, a touchscreen display, and a programmable processor. In various embodiments, the computing device may be configured with memory and / or storage. Additionally, the computing device cited in the various example embodiments may be coupled to or may include wired or wireless communication capabilities implementing the various embodiments, such as network transceivers and antennas configured to communicate with wireless communication networks.

[0026] The term "System-on-a-Chip (SOC)" is used herein to refer to a single integrated circuit (IC) chip containing multiple resources and / or processors integrated on a single substrate. A single SOC may contain circuitry for digital, analog, mixed-signal, and radio frequency functions. A single SOC may also include any number of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processors (digital signal processors, modem processors, video processors, etc.), memory blocks (e.g., ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), and resources (e.g., timers, voltage regulators, oscillators, etc.). Each SOC may also include software for controlling the integrated resources and processors, and software for controlling peripheral devices.

[0027] The term "System-in-Package" (SIP) may be used herein to refer to a single module or package containing multiple resources, computing units, cores and / or processors on two or more IC chips, a substrate, or a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). For example, a SIP may comprise a single substrate on which multiple IC chips or semiconductor dies are stacked in a vertical configuration. Similarly, a SIP may comprise one or more multi-chip modules (MCMs) on which multiple ICs or semiconductor dies are packaged into a unified substrate. A SIP may also comprise multiple independent SoCs coupled together and packaged adjacently (e.g., on a single motherboard or in a single wireless device) via high-speed communication circuitry. The proximity of the SoCs facilitates high-speed communication and the sharing of memory and resources.

[0028] Most fingerprint sensors incorporated into touchscreen displays (i.e., in-display fingerprint sensors) are relatively small (e.g., 5mm x 8mm), which limits the types of user interactions a user can have during or as part of the authentication process. For example, various embodiments may use one or more ultrasonic and / or optical fingerprint sensors located within the touchscreen display and configured for use during user authentication. Furthermore, some embodiments may combine one or more ultrasonic and / or optical fingerprint sensors with one or more capacitive sensors, all located within the touchscreen display and configured for use during user authentication.

[0029] Various embodiments expand the types of user interaction with the in-display fingerprint sensor by having the rest of the user interface work in conjunction with the fingerprint sensor, thereby avoiding the need for a larger or expanded fingerprint sensor. Specifically, various embodiments use a single, consecutive finger engagement on a touchscreen display with an in-display fingerprint sensor to both authenticate the user and detect the security application the user wants to launch. This single, consecutive finger engagement can use one or more fingers for authentication and application selection.

[0030] In some embodiments, a user's application selection may be determined by the processor based on a directional swipe movement that begins on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display (thus authenticating the user) and extends beyond the fingerprint sensor area toward a specific application icon presented on the touchscreen display. The direction of the swipe movement toward the selected application launch icon can provide an indication of which application has been selected. In some embodiments, application selection may be determined based on the removal of the finger from the touchscreen display, where the removal ends selective engagement at or near one of the security application launch icons displayed on the touchscreen display, thereby indicating the application selected by the user for launch. In some embodiments, application selection may be determined based on the peripheral shape of the fingerprint in the area of ​​the finger contact, wherein the detected peripheral shape defines a vertical axis extending toward the icon on the touchscreen display representing the application selected for launch. In some embodiments, application selection may be determined based on contact of a portion of the finger extending beyond the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display.

[0031] In some embodiments, the selected app for launch can be unlocked while other apps on the computing device remain locked, providing additional security. In this way, a quick launcher method is provided that securely accesses the functionality of a selected secure app from the unlock screen while other apps on the computing device remain locked.

[0032] In some embodiments, if no selective engagement of a finger on the touchscreen display (e.g., swipe movement) is detected within a threshold time following the initial engagement on the fingerprint sensor, the processor may unlock all functions and applications of the computing device, except for the selected application.

[0033] Various embodiments can be used with mobile computing devices (such as smartphones), but can also be used to control cameras, lights, garage doors, home door locks, etc., without unlocking all smartphone features. In this way, using a smart home app on a mobile phone, a user can remotely control a home camera without unlocking the entire smart home app or other smart home devices. Similarly, a user can access emails, calendars, text messages, or photo galleries without unlocking payment transfers or banking apps. As another example, according to various embodiments, the touchscreen display of a home alarm system can unlock side doors while keeping the front door and / or other doors locked.

[0034] Various embodiments can increase the interaction area of ​​the fingerprint sensor, regardless of the sensor's size. Furthermore, various embodiments can provide users with secure login combined with the selection of a secure application to launch, without requiring the computing device to be fully unlocked. In this way, various embodiments can reduce login time for specific secure applications by combining user device unlocking functionality with application selection functionality into a single secure step.

[0035] Figure 1A-1C This is a schematic diagram of a computing device 110 (i.e., the computing device used by user 5) that is suitable for implementing the form of a cellular phone in various embodiments.

[0036] Figure 1A The description covers a computing device 110 held by user 5 in environment 100. Environment 100 may include remote computing devices 155. Computing device 110 may be configured to communicate with remote computing devices 155 via one or more wireless connections 55 (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.), which may be supported by a wireless LAN router (not shown) (such as a Wi-Fi router or a cellular network base station). In addition to local computing devices near computing device 110, computing device 110 may be configured to reach more remote computing devices (e.g., server 155) via wireless network 150 (e.g., a Wi-Fi router coupled to the Internet or a cellular wireless communication network).

[0037] Figure 1A A computing device 110 with a touchscreen display 115, including an area with a fingerprint sensor 120, is also described. The touchscreen display is shown displaying a lock screen indicator 107 and a time / date field 119. According to various embodiments, the lock screen indicator 107 may reflect that the computing device 110 and all applications on it are currently locked to the user, at least until the fingerprint sensor 120 is used to unlock all or some of the applications on the computing device 110.

[0038] In various embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 120 is an in-display fingerprint sensor located within a portion of the touchscreen display 115. The fingerprint sensor may be an ultrasonic, optical, or other fingerprint device configured to scan a user's fingerprint 7 in response to the contact of one or more of the user's fingers. Although Figure 1AA single fingerprint sensor 120 is shown, but in some embodiments, the touchscreen display 115 may include more than one fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120). For example, two separate portions of the touchscreen display 115 may include separate fingerprint sensors 120, each configured to be used when authenticating a user. Thus, multiple fingerprint sensors may be located in two or more separate areas of the touchscreen display 115 to enable user authentication by touching different portions of the touchscreen display 115. For ease of reference, various embodiments are described with reference to a single fingerprint sensor 120. However, the computing device 110 may be configured to use any one of the multiple fingerprint sensors 120 to perform the operations of the various embodiments, and therefore the scope of the claims is not limited to a single fingerprint sensor (i.e., "fingerprint sensor" should be interpreted as meaning "one or more fingerprint sensors"), unless specifically stated in the claims.

[0039] The remainder of the touchscreen display 115 may be a capacitive and / or resistive screen, configured to detect small contact areas corresponding to the location where a user's finger touches the touchscreen display 115. The touch surface of the fingerprint sensor 120 may be flush with the top surface of the touchscreen display 115, allowing the user 5 to smoothly swipe their finger from the fingerprint sensor 120 to any part of the touchscreen display 115.

[0040] In various embodiments, the lock screen may include an additional menu located near the security application launch icons 121-126 adjacent to the fingerprint sensor 120. Specifically, Figure 1A The additional menu of security application launch icons 121-126 arranged in a circle (i.e., around) surrounding the fingerprint sensor 120 is explained. In some embodiments, the additional menu of security application launch icons 121-126 may appear in response to a user's finger touch on the touchscreen display 115. In some embodiments, the additional menu of security application launch icons 121-126 may appear in response to an authorized fingerprint detected by the initial engagement of the finger with the fingerprint sensor 120.

[0041] In some embodiments, the application associated with the secure application launch icons 121-126 may be launched only in response to the detection that an authorized fingerprint has been engaged with the fingerprint sensor 120. Each of the secure application launch icons 121-126 may represent and be used to launch a secure application installed on the computing device 110. Conversely, the insecure application launch icons 131, 132 may be portions of an insecure lock screen and may be launched without fingerprint authentication. In some embodiments, if the user 5 initially touches any portion of the touchscreen display 115 outside the area of ​​the fingerprint sensor 120, the touchscreen display 115 may include only the insecure application launch icons 131, 132 along with the lock screen indicator 107 and the time / date field 119, and the additional menus of the secure application launch icons 121-126 may not be presented.

[0042] In some embodiments, after touching the fingerprint sensor 120 and successfully authenticating the user's fingerprint, the user can perform a swipe movement toward one of the security application launch icons 121-125 without lifting the finger used for fingerprint scanning. The processor of the computing device 110 can detect the selected application based on the swipe movement toward the icon associated with the selected application installed on the computing device. The swipe movement can refer to a selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display 115 from an initial engagement (i.e., providing fingerprint scanning).

[0043] Figure 1B It also explained the computing device 110, which is being used by user 5 and features a touchscreen display 115 and a fingerprint sensor 120. (And...) Figure 1A on the contrary, Figure 1B A shorter additional menu of security application launch icons 121, 122, 124, 127 arranged in a semi-circle adjacent to the side of the fingerprint sensor 120 is described. The computing device 110 may include other sensors, such as motion or proximity sensors, that can be used to detect how the user 5 is holding the computing device 110. Therefore, in response to detecting that the user is holding the computing device 110 from one side (e.g., the right side as shown), the semi-circular arrangement of the security application launch icons 121, 122, 124, 127 can be arranged on that side of the computing device 110 so that the user's fingerprint (e.g., thumb) is easily accessible.

[0044] User 5 can perform a swipe movement similar to that described above regarding the additional menu for security application launch icons 121-126. Specifically, after touching the fingerprint sensor 120 and successfully authenticating the user's fingerprint, without lifting the finger used for fingerprint scanning, user 5 can perform a swipe movement toward one of the security application launch icons in the semi-circular arrangement of security application launch icons 121, 122, 124, and 127. The processor of computing device 110 can detect the selected application based on the swipe movement toward the icon associated with the selected application installed on the computing device.

[0045] Figure 1C It also explains the computing device 110, which is being touched by user 5, and has a touch screen display 115 and a fingerprint sensor 120. Figure 1C The array configuration of columns and rows for the additional menus surrounding the security application launch icons 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, and 128 of the fingerprint sensor 120 is explained. Again, after touching the fingerprint sensor 120 and successfully authenticating the user's fingerprint, the user can perform a swipe movement toward one of the security application launch icons 121, 122, 124, 125, 126, and 128 without lifting the finger used for fingerprint scanning. The processor of the computing device 110 can detect the selected application based on the swipe movement toward the icon associated with the selected application installed on the computing device.

[0046] Figures 2A-2E The description explains how, according to various embodiments, a user performs different types of selective engagement on computing device 110 to select the security application to be launched.

[0047] Figure 2A A computing device 110 with a touchscreen display 115 and a fingerprint sensor 120 is described. The touchscreen display presents a simplified additional menu of security application launch icons 121, 123, 124 arranged in a row above the fingerprint sensor 120. For illustrative purposes, the user's (e.g., 5) hand and fingers are not shown, but according to various embodiments, fingerprints at positions 7a, 7b are illustrated to indicate the start position 7a of a finger touch on the fingerprint sensor 120 and the end position 7b of a swipe movement 9 on the touchscreen display 115. In some embodiments, the user can perform a swipe movement 9 that removes the finger from the touchscreen display 115 at the end of the swipe before the finger reaches a position on any security application launch icon, but the direction of the swipe movement 9 indicates the application selected by the user. In the illustrated example, the user selects a third security application launch icon 123. Thus, the processor of the computing device 110 can detect the application associated with the third security application launch icon 123 as the selected application according to the swipe movement 9.

[0048] Figure 2B A computing device 110 with a touchscreen display 115 and a fingerprint sensor 120 is described, wherein the touchscreen display presents an extended additional menu of security application launch icons 121-129, 133, 134 arranged in a grid (i.e., rows and columns) around the fingerprint sensor 120. Similarly, according to various embodiments, the fingerprint at positions 7c, 7d is intended to indicate the start position 7c of a finger touch on the fingerprint sensor 120 and the end position 7d of a swipe movement 11 on the touchscreen display 115. The swipe movement 11 ends with a finger touching a security application launch icon 126 on the touchscreen display 115. In this swipe movement 11, the user holds their finger on the touchscreen display from the initial engagement on the fingerprint sensor 120 until it is positioned on the icon of the selected security application. Utilizing this swipe movement 11, which can be useful for crowded displays of icons, identification of the selected security application occurs when the user's finger stops on one of the displayed security application launch icons and then leaves the touchscreen display. In this way, the disengaged position of the swipe movement 11 indicates to the processor the application selected by the user, in this instance, the security application launch icon 126. Thus, the processor of the computing device 110 can detect, based on the swipe movement 11, that the application associated with the sixth security application launch icon 126 is the selected application.

[0049] Figure 2C Alternative methods for detecting selective engagement of a user's touchscreen display 115 and fingerprint sensor 120 of computing device 110 according to some embodiments are described. The touchscreen display 115 presents a simplified additional menu of security application launch icons 121, 123, 124 arranged in a row above the fingerprint sensor 120. A fingerprint 7a is described to represent an embodiment that uses the orientation of the detected fingerprint to determine which application is selected. By carefully tilting the fingerprint to point towards the desired or anticipated security application launch icon, the user can perform selective engagement on the touchscreen display to select the security application to launch without performing a swipe.

[0050] In this embodiment, the processor can process signals from the touchscreen display 115 to detect the peripheral shape of a single fingerprint 7a based on the initial contact of a finger on the touchscreen display 115. This peripheral shape can reveal the vertical axis 13 of the single fingerprint 7a, which the processor can use to determine the selected application. Specifically, the determined vertical axis 13 of the single fingerprint 7a can extend towards a single icon (e.g., 124). In this way, the orientation of the detected fingerprint 7a provides a selective contact indicating the application selected by the user, which in this example is the fourth security application launch icon 124. Thus, the processor of the computing device 110 can detect the application associated with the fourth security application launch icon 124 as the selected application based on the selective contact of the finger on the touchscreen display.

[0051] Figure 2D and 2E An alternative method for detecting the user's selective engagement with the touchscreen display 115 and the fingerprint sensor 120 is explained. Figure 2E According to some embodiments Figure 2D An embossed view at EE. The touchscreen display 115 is illustrated as presenting a surrounding additional menu arranged around security application launch icons 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 133, 134 arranged around the fingerprint sensor 120. A fingerprint 7e is illustrated to represent another embodiment, which uses the location of detected fingerprint contact on the fingerprint sensor 120 and the touchscreen display 115 to determine which application is selected. A selection number of pixels in the area of ​​the touchscreen display 115 adjacent to the fingerprint sensor 120 can be used to detect the position of the user's finger relative to the fingerprint sensor 120. In this embodiment, by carefully positioning the touch relative to the fingerprint sensor 120 (e.g., top left, top center, top right, right side, bottom right, bottom center, bottom left, left side) to indicate a direction 15 toward the desired or anticipated security application launch icon, the user can perform selective engagement on the touchscreen display to select the security application to launch without performing a swipe. The processor of computing device 110 can detect contact of a portion 117 of a finger touching the touchscreen display 115 outside the area of ​​fingerprint sensor 120. Although the adjacent portion 117 of the touchscreen display 115 around fingerprint sensor 120 may not be configured to scan or read fingerprints, the touch on the adjacent portion 117 of the finger on the display can be used by the processor to determine the position of the finger touch relative to the center of fingerprint sensor 120, and use this relationship to determine the direction 15 toward the desired icon. For example, since fingerprint 7e is located in the upper right corner of fingerprint sensor 120, the processor can determine that the user intends to point... Figure 2EThe explanation of direction 15, and the conclusion that the third security application launch icon 123 is the selected application based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touch screen display.

[0052] In this embodiment, the user does not need to be so careful about touching the entire fingerprint sensor 120, although a sufficient portion of the finger needs to be registered with the fingerprint sensor 120 for effective fingerprint reading and authentication. Alternatively, the user can initially touch the center of the fingerprint sensor 120 for fingerprint detection, and then a slight finger movement into the adjacent area 117 of the touchscreen display 115 can provide an indication of direction 15 towards the selected application. In this way, this type of finger movement can be considered a form of swipe movement or selective engagement that provides an indication of the detected selection.

[0053] Various embodiments may be implemented using several single-processor and multi-processor computer systems (including system-on-a-chip (SOC) or system-in-package (SIP)). Figure 3 Example computing systems or SIP 300 architectures that implement various embodiments and can be used in computing devices (such as computing devices (e.g., 110)) are explained.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1-3, the illustrated example SIP 300 includes two SOCs 302 and 304, which are coupled to a touchscreen display 115, a clock 306, a voltage regulator 308, and a transceiver 366 (e.g., a wireless transceiver). In some embodiments, the first SOC 302 operates as the central processing unit (CPU) of a wireless device, executing instructions by performing arithmetic, logic, control, and input / output (I / O) operations specified by instructions from a software application. In some embodiments, the second SOC 304 may operate as a dedicated processing unit. For example, the second SOC 304 may operate as a dedicated fingerprint and / or touchscreen display processing unit responsible for detecting and / or analyzing the characteristics of fingerprints and / or fingers engaging on the touchscreen display 115, particularly on the fingerprint sensor therein.

[0055] The first SOC 302 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 310, a modem processor 312, a graphics processor 314, an application processor 316, one or more coprocessors 318 (e.g., vector coprocessors) connected to one or more of these processors, a memory 320, a custom circuit system 322, system components and resources 324, an interconnect / bus module 326, one or more sensor processors 330 (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, thermal sensors, motion sensors, proximity sensors, multimeters, etc.), a thermal management unit 332, and a thermal power envelope (TPE) component 334.

[0056] The second SOC 304 may include a fingerprint processor 352, a touch screen display processor 354, an interconnect / bus module 364, a memory 358, and various additional processors 360, such as an application processor, a packet processor, etc.

[0057] Each processor 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360 may include one or more cores, and each processor / core may perform operations independently of other processors / cores. For example, the first SOC 302 may include a processor running a first type of operating system (e.g., FreeBSD, LINUX, OS X, etc.) and a processor running a second type of operating system (e.g., MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10). Additionally, any or all of processors 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360 may be included as part of a processor cluster architecture (e.g., synchronous processor cluster architecture, asynchronous or heterogeneous processor cluster architecture, etc.).

[0058] The first and second SOCs 302 and 304 may include various system components, resources, and custom circuitry for managing sensor data, analog-to-digital conversion, wireless data transmission, and performing other specialized operations, such as decoding data packets and processing encoded audio and video signals for display in a web browser. For example, the system components and resources 324 of the first SOC 302 may include power amplifiers, voltage regulators, oscillators, phase-locked loops, peripheral bridges, data controllers, memory controllers, system controllers, access ports, timers, and other similar components used to support processors and software clients running on wireless devices. System components and resources 324 and / or custom circuitry 322 may also include circuitry for interfacing with peripheral devices, such as cameras, electronic displays, wireless communication devices, external memory chips, etc.

[0059] The first and second SOCs 302 and 304 can communicate via interconnect / bus module 350. Individual processors 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, and 360 can be interconnected via interconnect / bus module 326 to one or more memory elements 320, system components and resources 324, custom circuitry 322, and thermal management unit 332. Similarly, the fingerprint processor 352 can be interconnected via interconnect / bus module 364 to touchscreen display processor 354, memory 358, and various additional processors 360. Interconnect / bus modules 326, 350, and 364 may include arrays of reconfigurable logic gates and / or implement bus architectures (e.g., CoreConnect, AMBA, etc.). Communication may be provided by advanced interconnects such as high-performance on-chip networks (NoC).

[0060] The first and / or second SOCs 302, 304 may further include input / output modules (not described) for communicating with external resources such as touchscreen display 115, clock 306, voltage regulator 308, and / or transceiver 366. External resources (e.g., touchscreen display 115, clock 306, voltage regulator 308, transceiver 366) may be shared by two or more internal SOC processors / cores.

[0061] In addition to the example SIP 300 discussed above, various embodiments can also be implemented in a wide variety of computing systems, which may include a single processor, multiple processors, multi-core processors, or any combination thereof.

[0062] As used herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “unit,” “module,” and similar terms include computer-related entities such as, but not limited to, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution configured to perform a particular operation or function. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By extension, both an application running on a communication device and the communication device itself can be referred to as a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or a thread of execution, and components may be localized on a single processor or core and / or distributed across two or more processors or cores. Furthermore, these components may execute from various non-transitory computer-readable media on which various instructions and / or data structures are stored. Components may communicate via local and / or remote processes, function or procedure calls, electronic signals, data packets, memory read / write, and other known computer, processor, and / or process-related communication methods.

[0063] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating components of a system 400 according to various embodiments, the system 400 including a computing device 110 configured to launch a selected application. Referring to Figures 1-4, the computing device 110 may include electronic storage 425, one or more processors 430, a touchscreen display 115, a transceiver 366, and other components. The computing device 110 may include communication lines or ports to enable information exchange with a network and / or other computing platforms. Figure 4 The description of computing device 110 is not intended to be limiting. Computing device 110 may include multiple hardware, software, and / or firmware components that work together to provide the functionality attributed to computing device 110 herein.

[0064] Electronic storage 425 may include a non-transient storage medium that electronically stores information. The electronic storage medium of electronic storage 425 may include one or both of system storage integrated with computing device 110 (i.e., inherently non-removable) and removable storage that is removably connected to computing device 110 via, for example, a port (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a FireWire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 425 may include one or more of the following: optically readable storage media (e.g., optical discs, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, etc.), charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drives, etc.), and / or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage 425 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, virtual private networks, and / or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage 425 may store software algorithms, information determined by processors 430, information received from computing device 110, information received from remote platforms 404, and / or other information that enables computing device 110 to operate as described herein.

[0065] Processors 430 may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in computing device 110. Thus, processors 430 may include one or more of the following: digital processors, analog processors, digital circuits designed to process information, analog circuits designed to process information, state machines, and / or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processors 430 in Figure 4 The processor is shown as a single entity, but this is for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, processor 430 may include multiple processing units.

[0066] The computing device 110 can be configured by machine-readable instructions 435, which may include one or more instruction modules. The instruction modules may include computer program modules. Specifically, the instruction modules may include one or more of the following: an authorized fingerprint detection module 440, an additional menu display module 445, a selected application detection module 450, an optional swipe movement detection module 455, an optional finger removal detection module 460, an optional fingerprint peripheral shape detection module 465, an optional fingerprint sensor area external contact detection module 470, a selected application unlock module 475, and / or other instruction modules.

[0067] The authorized fingerprint detection module 440 can be configured to detect an authorized fingerprint based on the initial contact of a finger with the touchscreen display 115 of the computing device 110 (i.e., the computing device). As a non-limiting example, the authorized fingerprint detection module 440 can be configured to receive input from a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120) located in a portion of the touchscreen display 115 and determine, based on the received input, whether the detected fingerprint matches the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device 110. Specifically, the processor 430 of the computing device 110 can receive a digital image of a fingerprint from a user's finger touching an area of ​​the touchscreen display 115 corresponding to the location of the fingerprint sensor using one or more sensors (e.g., 120). The processor can also access electronic storage 425 to retrieve authorized fingerprint information, which can be used to compare the received digital image of the detected fingerprint with one or more fingerprints of an authorized user of the computing device 110 stored in electronic storage 425. By using pattern matching techniques, the processor can thereby determine whether the received digital image of the fingerprint matches at least a portion of the stored digital image of an authorized user of the computing device 110.

[0068] The additional menu display module 445 can be configured to display an additional menu of a security application launch icon on the touchscreen display 115 in response to an initial engagement of a finger on the touchscreen display. Alternatively, the additional menu of the security application launch icon can be displayed on the touchscreen display 115 in response to a detected fingerprint matching the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device 110. As a non-limiting example, the security application launch icon may represent an application and / or function executable by the processor 430 of the computing device.

[0069] The processor 430 of the computing device can access electronic storage 425 to determine which security app launch icons to display and / or where to display them on the touchscreen display. For example, user settings stored in electronic storage 425 may indicate a set of favorite or recently used apps associated with the security app launch icons to be displayed in response to the initial contact of a finger on the touchscreen display. Therefore, the supplementary menu display module 445 may initially determine which security app launch icons to display. Furthermore, the supplementary menu display module 445 may determine where the security app launch icons should be displayed on the touchscreen display and in what configuration. In some embodiments, the supplementary menu display module 445 may display the security app launch icons on the touchscreen display in a configuration surrounding the area corresponding to the initial contact of a finger on the fingerprint sensor of the touchscreen display. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the supplementary menu display module 445 may display the security app launch icons on the touchscreen display in a configuration arranged as a semicircle adjacent to the area corresponding to the initial contact of a finger on the touchscreen display. As a further alternative, in some embodiments, the additional menu display module 445 may be configured to display a security application launch icon on a touchscreen display, wherein the icon is arranged in at least one of the columns or rows on the touchscreen display.

[0070] The selected application detection module 450 can be configured to detect a selected (i.e., user-selected) application installed on a computing device based on the continuous engagement of a finger on a touchscreen display since the initial engagement (which provides an indication of the detected selection). As a non-limiting example, the processor 430 of the computing device can use a finger fingerprint detected by the authorized fingerprint detection module 440 to determine the selected application. Specifically, the selected application detection module 450 can use one or more optional modules or sub-modules to determine the selected application, such as an optional swipe movement detection module 455, an optional finger removal detection module 460, an optional fingerprint peripheral shape detection module 465, and / or an optional fingerprint sensor area external contact detection module 470. In this way, one or more of the optional modules or sub-modules (e.g., 455, 460, 465, 470) can provide information that the selected application detection module 450 can use to detect the selected application. Some embodiments may include any or more of the optional modules or sub-modules (e.g., 455, 460, 465, and / or 470).

[0071] Optional swipe movement detection module 455 (which may also be part of selected application detection module 465) may be configured to detect swipe movements of a finger on a touchscreen display. As a non-limiting example, the processor 430 of computing device 110 may use information received from a fingerprint sensor and / or touchscreen display 115 to detect swipe movements. According to various embodiments, a swipe movement involves a detected finger movement that continuously engages the touchscreen display 115 from an initial engagement point until the end of the swipe movement (which may correspond to the finger disengaging from the touchscreen display 115). The swipe movement may extend from the area corresponding to the initial engagement along a direction toward an icon on the touchscreen display indicating the detected selection. In some embodiments, the swipe movement may extend toward one of the security application launch icons displayed by the additional menu display module 445, which identifies the selected application. In some embodiments, the finger disengaging from the touchscreen display at the end of the swipe movement may occur before the finger reaches the position on one of the security application launch icons representing the selected application among the displayed security application launch icons. Therefore, even if the swipe movement does not reach the expected application launch icon, the direction of the swipe toward that application launch icon may be sufficient information for the selected application detection module 450 to detect the selected application.

[0072] Optional finger detachment detection module 460 (which may also be part of selected application detection module 465) may be configured to detect finger detachment from the touchscreen display, the detachment ending a continuous engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display since the initial engagement. As a non-limiting example, processor 430 of computing device 110 may determine that the detected detachment occurs at a location on a security application launch icon representing a selected application displayed on the touchscreen display, and provide an indication for detecting the selected application.

[0073] Optional fingerprint peripheral shape detection module 465 (which may also be part of selected application detection module 465) can be configured to detect the peripheral shape of a fingerprint based on the initial contact of the finger on the touchscreen display. As a non-limiting example, the processor 430 of computing device 110 can determine that the detected peripheral shape defines a vertical axis extending from the authorized fingerprint toward an icon on the touchscreen display indicating the detected selection. Therefore, the detected peripheral shape and its vertical axis can provide an indication for detecting a selected application.

[0074] Optional fingerprint sensor area external contact detection module 470 (which may also be part of selected application detection module 465) can be configured to detect contact of a portion of the finger providing the fingerprint outside the area of ​​the touchscreen display corresponding to the fingerprint sensor. As a non-limiting example, the processor 430 of computing device 110 can use information from capacitive and / or resistive sensors incorporated into the touchscreen display 115 to determine the location where the detected contact has just left the fingerprint sensor. The location where the detected contact has just left the fingerprint sensor can identify the side or edge of the fingerprint sensor facing an application launch icon representing the selected application. Therefore, determining the location where the detected contact has just left the fingerprint sensor can provide an indication for detecting the selected application.

[0075] The selected application unlocking module 475 can be configured to unlock a selected application. As a non-limiting example, the processor 430 of the computing device 110 can access the computing device's security layer, which is configured to unlock the selected application while keeping at least one other application installed on the computing device locked. This security layer can restrict or allow access to one or more applications on the computing device based on whether the user is an authorized user. In some embodiments, the processor can unlock the selected application while keeping all other currently locked applications installed on the computing device locked. Alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more other applications installed on the computing device (i.e., applications other than the selected application) are already unlocked when the selected application is unlocked.

[0076] Processor 430 may be configured to execute modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480 and / or other modules. Processor 430 may be configured to execute modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480 and / or other modules via software, hardware, firmware, a combination of software, hardware and / or firmware, and / or other mechanisms for configuring the processing capabilities on processor 430. As used herein, the term "module" may refer to any component or set of components that performs the functionality belonging to that module. This may include one or more physical processors, processor-readable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any other component during the execution of processor-readable instructions.

[0077] The descriptions of the functionality provided by the different modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480 are for illustrative purposes and not intended to be limiting, as any module 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480 may provide more or less functionality than described. For example, one or more of modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480 may be eliminated, and some or all of their functionality may be provided by other modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480. As another example, processors 352, 354 may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality of modules 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and / or 480.

[0078] Figure 5A A method 500 for launching a selected application on a computing device, executable by a processor of a computing device according to various embodiments, is described. Figure 5B , 5C 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, and 5H illustrate additional or alternative operations in methods 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506, which may be performed as part of method 500 in some embodiments. Referring to Figures 1-5H, the operations of methods 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, methods 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 may be performed with or without one or more additional operations not described. Additionally, in Figure 5A , 5B The order of operations of methods 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 and 506, explained in 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H and described below, is not intended to be restrictive.

[0079] In various embodiments, methods 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 may be implemented in one or more processors (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) of a computing device (e.g., 110), the computing device being configured with processor-executable instructions stored on a non-transient processor-readable storage medium. The one or more processors may include one or more devices configured by hardware, firmware, and / or software to be specifically designed for performing one or more operations of the methods.

[0080] Figure 5A A method 500 according to one or more embodiments has been described, by which a processor of a computing device can launch a selected application on the computing device (i.e., the computing device).

[0081] In block 512, the processor of the computing device can perform operations including authorizing a user based on matching a fingerprint detected on a fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device. This operation may include determining whether the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor within the touchscreen display matches a fingerprint stored in a fingerprint database of authorized users of the computing device. In block 512, the processor may use an authorized fingerprint detection module (e.g., 440) to determine whether a detected fingerprint is an authorized fingerprint, particularly for selected applications. The processor may access a database stored in one or more data records in local memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425). In some embodiments, the processor may also use a transceiver (e.g., 366) and associated components to access a fingerprint database maintained at a remote source (such as a remote computing device or external resource). The database may provide pattern information for matching digital images of detected fingerprints with one or more authorized fingerprints. In some embodiments, the means for performing the operation of block 512 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touch screen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0082] In block 514, the processor of the computing device can perform operations including determining a selected application mounted on the computing device based on successive selective engagement of a finger on a touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion, the selective engagement providing an indication of the user's selection of the application. To perform the operations in block 514, the processor may use an optional swipe movement detection module 455, an optional finger removal detection module 460, an optional fingerprint peripheral shape detection module 465, and / or an optional fingerprint sensor region external contact detection module 470 to obtain information required to detect the selected application. In some embodiments, means for performing the operations in block 514 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touchscreen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0083] In block 516, the processor of the computing device can perform operations including unlocking and / or launching a selected application in response to selective engagement of a finger on a touchscreen display. In some embodiments, unlocking the selected application may further include keeping at least one other application installed on the computing device locked. In some embodiments, unlocking the selected application may further include keeping all other currently locked applications installed on the computing device locked. In some embodiments, one or more other applications installed on the computing device may have already been unlocked when the selected application is unlocked. To perform the operations in block 516, the processor may use a selected application unlocking module (e.g., 475) that can access a security layer that restricts / allows (i.e., locks / unlocks) the use of one or more applications on the computing device. In some embodiments, means for performing the operations in block 514 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touchscreen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0084] Figure 5B Method 501 is explained, in which the processor of the computing device responds to a swipe motion from the fingerprint sensor in frame 512 to authorize the user based on fingerprint detection to launch a selected application.

[0085] Following the operation in block 512 of method 500, in block 518, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including determining a selected application in response to detecting a continuous swipe movement of a finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion along a direction toward an icon representing the selected application on the touchscreen display. The swipe movement detected in block 518 may include continuous engagement of the touchscreen display (e.g., 115) from the fingerprint sensor portion until the end of the swipe movement (which may correspond to the finger leaving the touchscreen display). In some embodiments, the finger leaving the touchscreen display at the end of the swipe movement may occur before the finger reaches the position on the application launch icon representing the selected application. In some embodiments, the finger leaving the touchscreen display at the end of the swipe movement may occur when the finger reaches the position on the application launch icon representing the selected application. To perform the operation in block 518, the processor may use an optional swipe movement detection module 455. In some embodiments, the means for performing the operation of block 518 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touch screen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0086] Following the operation in block 518, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 for method 500 as described above.

[0087] Figure 5C Method 502 is described, in which the processor of the computing device displays an additional menu of security applications in response to user authentication based on a fingerprint detected by a fingerprint sensor in block 512. Method 502 enables the hiding of those security applications from unauthorized users by generating icons for the security applications on the lock screen only in response to user authentication via a fingerprint sensor within the touchscreen display.

[0088] Following the operation in block 512 of method 500, in block 520, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including displaying an additional menu of security application launch icons on the touchscreen display in response to an initial engagement of a finger on the touchscreen display. The selected application may be represented by one of the security application launch icons displayed in block 520. In some embodiments, the processor may display security application launch icons surrounding a portion of the fingerprint sensor on the touchscreen display. In some embodiments, the processor may display security application launch icons arranged in a semicircle adjacent to the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display. In some embodiments, the processor may display security application launch icons arranged in at least one of columns or rows on the touchscreen display. To perform the operation in block 520, the processor may use an additional menu display module 445. In some embodiments, means for performing the operation in block 520 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to the touchscreen display (e.g., 115).

[0089] Following the operation in block 520, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 for method 500 as described above.

[0090] Figure 5D Method 503 is explained, in which the processor of the computing device launches a selected application in response to a swipe gesture from the fingerprint sensor portion toward a security application launch icon displayed in frame 520.

[0091] Following the operation in block 520 of method 502, in block 522, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including determining a selected application based on a continuous swipe movement of a finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons. To perform the operation in block 522, the processor may use a swipe movement detection module 455. In some embodiments, means for performing the operation in block 522 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to the touchscreen display (e.g., 115).

[0092] Following the operation in block 522, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 of method 500 as described above.

[0093] Figure 5E Method 504 is explained, in which the processor of the computing device launches the selected application in response to a swipe gesture that ends at the top of the security application launch icon displayed in box 520 from the fingerprint sensor portion.

[0094] Following the operation in block 520 of method 502, in block 524, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including determining a selected application based on a security application launch icon located below the finger as the finger is removed from the touchscreen display in block 522. To perform the operation in block 524, the processor may use a swipe movement detection module 455 and a finger removal detection module 460. In some embodiments, means for performing the operation in block 524 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to the touchscreen display (e.g., 115).

[0095] Following the operation in block 524, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 for method 500 as described above.

[0096] Figure 5F Method 505 is explained, in which the processor of the computing device launches the selected application in response to a swipe gesture that ends before reaching one of the security application launch icons displayed in the arrival box 520.

[0097] Following the operation in block 520 of method 502, in block 526, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including determining a selected application based on the continuous swipe movement when the finger's detachment from the touchscreen display occurs before the finger reaches a position on one of the displayed security application launch icons, at the end of a continuous swipe movement of the finger from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons. For example, the processor may identify an icon that is in the direction of the swipe when the finger detaches from the touchscreen display. As another example, the processor may identify an icon near the position where the finger detaches from the touchscreen display. To perform the operation in block 522, the processor may use a swipe movement detection module 455 and a finger detachment detection module 460. In some embodiments, means for performing the operation in block 522 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touchscreen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0098] Following the operation in block 526, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 for method 500 as described above.

[0099] Figure 5G Method 506 is explained, in which the processor of the computing device launches a selected application based on the shape and vertical axis of the finger touch combined with authorized fingerprint detection.

[0100] Following the operation in block 512 (or optionally 522) of method 500, in block 528, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including detecting the peripheral shape of the finger touching the fingerprint sensor portion on a touchscreen display. The detected peripheral shape of the fingerprint may define the vertical axis of the authorized fingerprint, which extends toward an icon on the touchscreen display indicating the detected selection.

[0101] In box 530, the processor of the computing device can perform operations including determining a selected application based on icons on the touchscreen display along the vertical axis of the outer shape of the finger touching the touchscreen display. In this way, the vertical axis defined by the outer shape of the user's finger detected on the fingerprint sensor portion (and other portions) of the touchscreen display can be analyzed to determine a line pointing to the selected application's launch icon, such as... Figure 2C As explained in the text.

[0102] To perform the operations in frame 528, the processor may use an optional fingerprint peripheral shape detection module 465. In some embodiments, means for performing the operations in frames 528 and 530 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touchscreen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0103] Following the operation in block 507, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 of method 500 as described above.

[0104] Figure 5H Method 510 is illustrated, in which the processor of a computing device selects an application to launch based on authorized fingerprint detection, combining a portion of a finger touch that extends beyond the fingerprint sensor portion onto the touchscreen display. The detected finger is outside the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display (i.e., away from the fingerprint sensor, as shown). Figure 2D The location of the contact (as explained in the text) can provide an indication for detecting the selected application.

[0105] Following the operation in block 512 (or optionally 522) of method 500, in block 532, the processor of the computing device may perform an operation including detecting a portion of a finger touching the touchscreen display outside of the fingerprint sensor portion of the display.

[0106] In box 534, the processor of the computing device can perform operations including determining a selected application installed on the computing device, including determining the direction of the selected application icon on the touchscreen display relative to the direction of the detected finger touch outside the area of ​​the touchscreen display. In this way, the position of the finger touch on the touchscreen display relative to the fingerprint sensor portion can be analyzed to determine the direction toward the selected application launch icon, such as... Figure 2D As explained in the text.

[0107] To perform the operations in blocks 532 and 534, the processor may use the optional external contact detection module 470 for the fingerprint sensor area. In some embodiments, the means for performing the operations in block 526 may include a processor (e.g., 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 352, 354, 360, 430) and a memory (e.g., 320, 358, 425) coupled to a touchscreen display (e.g., 115) including a fingerprint sensor (e.g., 120).

[0108] Following the operation in block 534, the processor may perform the operation of unlocking and / or activating the determined application in block 516 of method 500 as described above.

[0109] Various embodiments (including, but not limited to, the embodiments discussed above with reference to Figures 1-5H) can be implemented on a wide variety of computing devices, examples of which are smartphone mobile computing devices. Figure 6 The mobile computing device 600 may include a first SoC 302 (e.g., SoC-CPU) coupled to a second SoC 304 (e.g., a fingerprint detection SoC). The first, second, and / or third SoCs 302, 304, and 606 may be coupled to electronic storage 425 (i.e., internal memory), a touchscreen display 115, a touchscreen display processor 354, a fingerprint sensor processor 352, and a speaker 614. Additionally, the mobile computing device 600 may include one or more antennas 604 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radiation that can be connected to one or more transceivers 366 (e.g., wireless data links and / or cellular transceivers, etc.), which are coupled to one or more processors in the first, second, and / or third SoCs 302, 304, and 606. The mobile computing device 600 may also include a menu selection button or joystick switch 620 for receiving user input.

[0110] Mobile computing device 600 may additionally include audio codec (CODEC) circuitry 610, which digitizes sound received from a microphone into data packets suitable for wireless transmission and decodes the received audio data packets to generate an analog signal provided to a speaker to produce sound. Furthermore, one or more of the processor, transceiver 366, and CODEC circuitry 610 in the first, second, and / or third SoCs 302, 304, and 606 may include digital signal processor (DSP) circuitry (not shown separately).

[0111] The processor implementing the various embodiments can be any programmable microprocessor, microcomputer, or one or more multiprocessor chips that can be configured via software instructions (applications) to perform various functions, including those described in this application. In some communication devices, multiple processors may be provided, such as one processor dedicated to wireless communication functions and another dedicated to running other applications. Typically, software applications may be stored in internal memory and then accessed and loaded into the processor. The processor may include sufficient internal memory to store application software instructions.

[0112] As used herein, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,” and similar terms are intended to include computer-related entities such as, but not limited to, hardware, firmware, combinations of hardware and software, software, or software in execution configured to perform a particular operation or function. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By extension, both an application running on the processor of a communication device and the communication device itself can be referred to as a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or a thread of execution, and components may be localized on a single processor or core and / or distributed across two or more processors or cores. Furthermore, these components may be executed from various non-transient computer-readable media on which various instructions and / or data structures are stored. Components may communicate via local and / or remote processes, function or procedure calls, electronic signals, data packets, memory read / write, and other known network, computer, processor, and / or process-related communication methods.

[0113] Several different cellular and mobile communication services and standards are available or envisioned in the future, all of which are feasible and beneficial in various aspects. These services and standards may include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 3rd Generation Wireless (3G), 4th Generation Wireless (4G), 5th Generation Wireless (5G), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), 3GSM, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems (e.g., cdmaOne, CDMA1020TM), EDGE, Advanced Mobile Telephone Systems (AMPS), Digital AMPS (IS-136 / TDMA), Evolved Data Optimization (EV-DO), Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), WiMAX, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wi-Fi Protected Access I and II (WPA, WPA2), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iden), C-V2X, V2V, V2P, V2I, and V2N, etc. Each of these technologies relates to the transmission and reception of, for example, voice, data, signaling, and / or content messages. It should be understood that any references to terms and / or technical details relating to individual telecommunications standards or technologies are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims to a particular communication system or technology, unless specifically stated in the language of the claims.

[0114] The aspects explained and described are provided only as examples illustrating the various features of the claims. However, the features shown and described with respect to any given aspect are not necessarily limited to the associated aspect and may be used in conjunction with or combined with other aspects shown and described. Furthermore, the claims are not intended to be limited to any single example aspect. For example, one or more operations of the method may replace or be combined with one or more operations of the method.

[0115] The above method descriptions and process flowcharts are provided as illustrative examples only and are not intended to require or imply that the operations of the aspects must be performed in the given order. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the order of operations in the foregoing aspects may be performed in any order. Terms such as “afterward,” “following,” and “next” are not intended to limit the order of operations; these terms are used to guide the reader through the description of the method. Furthermore, any reference to singular claim elements (e.g., references using the articles “a,” “some,” or “the”) should not be construed as limiting that element to the singular.

[0116] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, components, circuits, and algorithmic operations described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and operations are described above in a generalized manner in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application, but such decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the claims.

[0117] The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of receiver intelligent objects, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some operations or methods may be performed by a circuit system dedicated to a given function.

[0118] In one or more aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, such functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transient processor-readable storage medium. The operation of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented in a processor-executable software module or processor-executable instructions, which may reside on a non-transient computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. A non-transient computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium may be any storage medium accessible to a computer or processor. By way of example and not limitation, such a non-transient computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage smart objects, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer. As used herein, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these are also included within the scope of non-transient computer-readable and processor-readable media. Furthermore, the operation of a method or algorithm may reside as a piece of code and / or instructions, or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions, on a non-transient processor-readable and / or computer-readable storage medium that can be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0119] The prior description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use these claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but should be granted the broadest scope consistent with the appended claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for launching a selected application on a computing device, comprising: Authorize a user by matching the fingerprint of a finger detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device. Based on an initial contact location detected outside the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display, a portion of the finger is used to determine a selected application installed on the computing device according to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display, wherein the application icon on the touchscreen display aligned with the direction extending from the fingerprint sensor portion to the detected initial contact location provides an indication of the user's selection of the application icon and identifies the selected application; as well as The selected application is unlocked in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: determining the selected application in response to detecting a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion along a direction toward an icon representing the selected application on the touchscreen display.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: In response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device, an additional menu of security application launch icons is displayed on the touchscreen display, wherein the selected application is represented by one of the displayed security application launch icons.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, An additional menu that displays the security application launch icon on the touchscreen display in response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device includes: displaying the security application launch icon surrounding the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, An additional menu that displays the security application launch icon on the touchscreen display in response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device includes: displaying the security application launch icon arranged in a semicircle adjacent to the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein, An additional menu that displays the security application launch icon on the touchscreen display in response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device includes: displaying the security application launch icon arranged in at least one of the columns or rows on the touchscreen display.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein, Determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: determining the selected application based on a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting the outer shape of the finger's contact on the touchscreen display when the finger touches the fingerprint sensor portion. Determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: The selected application is determined based on an icon on the touchscreen display along the vertical axis of the outer shape of the area touched by the finger on the touchscreen display.

9. A computing device, comprising: Touchscreen display; A fingerprint sensor is located within a portion of the touchscreen display; Memory; as well as A processor, coupled to the touchscreen display, the fingerprint sensor, and the memory, and configured with processor-executable instructions for the following operations: Authorize a user by matching the fingerprint of a finger detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device. Based on an initial contact location detected outside the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display, a portion of the finger is used to determine a selected application installed on the computing device according to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display, wherein the application icon on the touchscreen display aligned with the direction extending from the fingerprint sensor portion to the detected initial contact location provides an indication of the user's selection of the application icon and identifies the selected application; as well as The selected application is unlocked in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display.

10. The computing device of claim 9, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for the following operations: The selected application installed on the computing device is determined by the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display as follows: the selected application is determined in response to detecting a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion along a direction toward the icon representing the selected application on the touchscreen display.

11. The computing device of claim 9, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for the following operations: In response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device, an additional menu of security application launch icons is displayed on the touchscreen display, wherein the selected application is represented by one of the displayed security application launch icons.

12. The computing device of claim 11, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for displaying the security application launch icon surrounding the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display.

13. The computing device of claim 11, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for displaying the security application launch icon arranged in a semicircle adjacent to the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display.

14. The computing device of claim 11, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for displaying the security application launch icon arranged in at least one of the columns or rows on the touchscreen display.

15. The computing device of claim 11, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display, including determining the selected application based on a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons.

16. The computing device of claim 9, wherein, The processor is further configured with processor-executable instructions for the following operations: When the finger touches the fingerprint sensor portion, the outer shape of the area touched by the finger on the touchscreen display is detected; as well as The selected application installed on the computing device is determined by the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display as follows: the selected application is determined based on an icon on the touchscreen display along the vertical axis of the peripheral shape touched by the finger on the touchscreen display.

17. A non-transient processor-readable medium having processor-executable instructions stored thereon, the processor-executable instructions being configured to cause a processor of a computing device to perform operations, the operations including: Authorize a user by matching the fingerprint of a finger detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device. Based on an initial contact location detected outside the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display, a portion of the finger is used to determine a selected application installed on the computing device according to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display, wherein the application icon on the touchscreen display aligned with the direction extending from the fingerprint sensor portion to the detected initial contact location provides an indication of the user's selection of the application icon and identifies the selected application; as well as The selected application is unlocked in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display.

18. The non-transient processor-readable medium of claim 17, wherein, The stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the computing device to perform operations such that: determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: determining the selected application in response to detecting a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion along a direction toward an icon on the touchscreen display representing the selected application.

19. The non-transient processor-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause a processor of a computing device to perform operations further comprising: In response to a fingerprint detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display matching with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device, an additional menu for a security application launch icon is displayed on the touchscreen display, wherein the additional menu for the security application launch icon is displayed as follows: The fingerprint sensor portion surrounding the touchscreen display; Arranged in a semicircle adjacent to the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display; or Arranged in at least one of the columns or rows on the touchscreen display.

20. The non-transient processor-readable medium of claim 19, wherein, The stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the computing device to perform operations such that: determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: determining the selected application based on a continuous swipe movement of the finger on the touchscreen display from the fingerprint sensor portion toward one of the displayed security application launch icons.

21. The non-transient processor-readable medium of claim 19, wherein: The stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the computing device to perform operations that further include: detecting the outer shape of the finger touching the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display; as well as The stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause the processor of the computing device to perform operations such that: determining the selected application installed on the computing device based on the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display includes: determining the selected application based on an icon on the touchscreen display along the vertical axis of the peripheral shape touched by the finger on the touchscreen display.

22. A computing device, comprising: Touchscreen display; A means for authorizing a user based on matching the fingerprint of a finger detected on the fingerprint sensor portion of the touchscreen display with the fingerprint of an authorized user of the computing device; A means for determining a selected application mounted on the computing device based on an initial contact position detected outside the fingerprint sensor portion on the touchscreen display, based on selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display, wherein an application icon on the touchscreen display aligned with a direction extending from the fingerprint sensor portion to the detected initial contact position provides an indication of the user's selection of the application icon and identifies the selected application; as well as A means for unlocking the selected application in response to the selective engagement of the finger on the touchscreen display.

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