Biometric Authentication With Dynamic Touch Function Row

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional keyboards, especially those for portable computing devices, are limited by size and require manual mode switching between keyboard and mouse, necessitating complex key combinations and inefficient user interaction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic function row as a touch screen display that replaces traditional function keys, allowing for intuitive and adaptive user input through biometric authentication, reducing the need for manual mode switching and enhancing user interface efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated keyboard with function keys is used in portable computing devices, then function input capability is provided, but the overall size of the device increases and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction input capabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the function key capabilities from the physical keyboard and relocates them to the display screen. The display dynamically presents function keys and other input elements based on the active application, allowing function input capability to be maintained while eliminating the need for dedicated physical function keys that consume device space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions function key input from a physical spatial dimension (dedicated keys on the keyboard) to a visual dimension (display screen). By rendering function keys as graphical elements on the display that can be activated through touch or other input methods, the system maintains full function input capability while utilizing the vertical dimension of the display rather than requiring additional horizontal keyboard space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional keyboard and mouse are used separately, then specific input functions are provided, but mode switching and hand movement between devices is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput function capabilityVSAvoiduser interaction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of the keyboard and display into a unified interface. The display dynamically presents context-relevant input elements (function keys, navigation options, data entry fields) that can be activated directly from the display area, eliminating the need to switch between keyboard and mouse modes. This integration allows users to interact with application functions directly where they are displayed, improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If application functions are accessed via toolbars and menus, then function access is provided, but complicated key combinations and memory requirements are necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction access capabilityVSAvoidinteraction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic function key system that automatically adapts its presentation based on the active application and current context. Rather than requiring users to navigate static toolbars and menus or remember complex key combinations, the system dynamically generates and displays relevant function keys and input elements directly on the display, tailored to the current application state. This dynamic adaptation simplifies the interaction model and reduces the cognitive load on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3872659B1Biometric authentication for online purchasing
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 APPLE INC
  • EP3872659B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3872659B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3872659B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

The computing system includes a primary display, memory, and a housing at least partially containing a physical input mechanism and a touch screen adjacent to the physical input mechanism: displays, on the primary display, a first user interface, the first user interface comprising one or more user interface elements; and identifies an active user interface element among the one or more user interface elements that is in focus on the primary display. In accordance with a determination that the active user interface element that is in focus on the primary display is associated with an application executed by the computing system, the computing system displays a second user interface on the touch screen, including: (A) a first set of corresponding to the application; and (B) at least one system-level affordance corresponding a system-level functionality.