Adaptive Fingerprint Sensor Guidance via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint sensors on portable devices face challenges in guiding users to position their fingers correctly, especially with smaller sensors that lack mechanical guidance, and do not adapt to different user experience levels, leading to suboptimal fingerprint image quality and enrollment processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a portable electronic device with a display unit and a fingerprint sensor to acquire partial fingerprint images, determine finger arrangements, and provide adaptive user guidance through graphical user interfaces, audio, or haptic feedback to help users position their fingers optimally, adjusting guidance based on user interaction and image quality metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a smaller fingerprint sensor is used to save cost and surface space, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the user cannot easily position their finger correctly without mechanical guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical guidance structures (such as physical guides or indicators on the sensor surface) with a software-based solution. The system captures partial fingerprint images, determines finger arrangement, and provides visual feedback through a graphical user interface to guide users to position their fingers correctly, thereby eliminating the need for additional mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary guidance system that mediates between the user and the fingerprint sensor. This intermediary consists of software algorithms that analyze captured images and provide instructional feedback, acting as a bridge to help users understand and achieve proper finger positioning without direct mechanical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical guidance means are added to help users position their fingers, then finger positioning is improved, but the device complexity and mounting possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical guidance mechanisms with a software-based image analysis and feedback system. By using algorithms to process partial fingerprint images and generate guidance instructions displayed on a screen, the system achieves effective finger positioning assistance without adding physical complexity or constraining mounting options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service guidance where the fingerprint sensor itself provides the guidance information. The sensor captures images, the system analyzes finger arrangement, and the graphical interface presents personalized feedback to each user, allowing the device to guide itself without external mechanical aids.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized guidance is provided to all users, then the system is simple to implement, but it does not account for different user experience levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic guidance that adapts to each user's needs. The system evaluates captured fingerprint images to determine actual finger arrangement, compares it with desired positioning, and provides customized feedback instructions. This dynamic adjustment allows the same software system to serve both novice and experienced users effectively without requiring multiple hardware versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the analysis results of captured fingerprint images are used to generate personalized guidance instructions. The graphical user interface displays specific feedback about finger positioning based on the actual capture quality, allowing users to adjust their positioning iteratively until optimal results are achieved, thereby adapting to different skill levels.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of guiding a user of a portable electronic device when operating a fingerprint sensor comprised with the portable electronic device. The invention allows for an improved enrollment process as well as for general improvements when using the fingerprint sensor. The invention also relates to a corresponding electronic device and to a computer program product.