Fingerprint Identification Device Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile terminals, conflicts arise when multiple applications simultaneously attempt to invoke the fingerprint identification device, leading to refusal of requests due to occupation by other applications, affecting user experience and normal operation.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects whether the fingerprint identification device is occupied by a historical application and determines if the current application meets a preset invoking condition, such as staying in the foreground for a preset time, to control the device's processing of requests, thereby preventing conflicts and ensuring smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fingerprint identification device is occupied by one application, then the security and reliability of that application is improved, but the availability and usability for other applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidapplication accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic occupation status management for the fingerprint identification device. The system continuously monitors which application occupies the device and allows dynamic switching between applications based on foreground/background state. When an application transitions to foreground, it can acquire occupation of the device; when moving to background, it releases occupation. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the occupation state flexible rather than fixed, allowing the device to serve different applications at different times while maintaining security during active use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the occupation status management system) that mediates between multiple applications competing for the fingerprint identification device. This intermediary tracks occupation status and controls access, allowing legitimate switching between applications while preventing unauthorized access during occupation. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing controlled access that maintains security for the occupying application while enabling accessibility for applications that need to legitimately use the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the fingerprint identification device refuses requests from applications that do not occupy it, then device security is improved, but user experience and operational smoothness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice securityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having applications declare their intent to use the fingerprint identification device in advance through occupation requests. The system processes these requests beforehand and establishes occupation status before actual fingerprint authentication is needed. This preliminary occupation declaration allows the system to prepare for legitimate access while maintaining security, resolving the contradiction by distinguishing between applications that have legitimately declared intent versus those attempting unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors application states (foreground/background transitions) and provides feedback by updating occupation status accordingly. When an application moves to foreground, the system feedbacks by granting occupation; when moving to background, it feedbacks by revoking occupation. This feedback loop maintains security while ensuring smooth operation for legitimate use cases, as the system automatically adapts to user behavior patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10885169B2Method and apparatus for invoking fingerprint identification device, and terminal
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US10885169B2 patent drawing
  • US10885169B2 patent drawing
  • US10885169B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for invoking a fingerprint identification device are provided. The method includes the following. When a request of a current application to invoke a fingerprint identification device is detected, whether the fingerprint identification device is occupied by a historical application is determined. When the fingerprint identification device is occupied by the historical application, whether the current application meets a preset invoking condition is determined, and then the fingerprint identification device is controlled to process the request of the current application according to the determination result.