Fingerprint Button Lock Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with fingerprint sensors integrated into buttons can unintentionally release the lock state when the user intends to perform a different operation, leading to erroneous operations and potential security issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a fingerprint sensor and a controller that distinguishes between button presses and fingerprint authentication, displaying a notification screen if the fingerprint matches but the button is not pressed, and a home screen if the button is pressed and authentication is successful, thereby preventing unintended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fingerprint sensor is integrated into the button to enable fingerprint authentication during button press, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the reliability of operation is worsened due to unintentional lock release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the button press detection into two independent detection paths: a pressure detection path (using pressure sensor or touch panel) and a fingerprint detection path (using fingerprint sensor). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between intentional button presses and unintentional fingerprint contacts, resolving the contradiction by maintaining convenience while improving reliability through separate detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (pressure sensor or touch panel pressure detection) that acts as a mediator between the user's finger and the fingerprint sensor. This intermediary layer allows the system to verify the user's intention before completing the fingerprint authentication, preventing unintentional lock release while maintaining the convenience of fingerprint-based access.
2Ease of operation
If the lock state is automatically released when fingerprint matches, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened due to unintentional unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting pressure on the button before completing the fingerprint authentication process. This preliminary pressure detection verifies the user's intention to unlock before the fingerprint sensor finalizes the authentication, preventing unintentional unlocking while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring both pressure and fingerprint signals during the authentication process. The system uses this feedback to determine whether to release the lock state, ensuring that only intentional unlock attempts are successful while maintaining convenient operation for authorized users.
3Extent of automation
If the fingerprint sensor detects fingerprint on button contact, then the automation of authentication is improved, but the accuracy of intent detection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent systems: one for detecting button press (pressure sensor/touch panel) and another for detecting fingerprint (fingerprint sensor). This segmentation enables the system to accurately distinguish between intentional button presses and unintentional fingerprint contacts, improving intent detection accuracy while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by introducing pressure threshold comparison as an additional criterion for authentication. The system compares the detected pressure against a predetermined threshold to determine user intention, thereby improving the accuracy of intent detection while maintaining automated authentication flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes an push button, a fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint of a finger contacting the push button, and a controller configured to release a locked state when it is determined that the push button has been pressed and that the fingerprint detected by the fingerprint sensor matches preregistered fingerprint information.