Fingerprint-Enabled Multi-Function Keyboard Key

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for digital and electronic appliances, such as keyboards and touch screens, face inefficiencies due to the need for rapid key presses to select functions, cumbersome initialization processes, and the requirement for users to remember pre-defined finger-key associations, leading to errors and user inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize sensors on keys or touch screens to identify specific fingers through fingerprint recognition, allowing for the selection of multiple functions based on the finger pressing the key, with initialization enabling the appliance to differentiate between fingers for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rapid repeated pressing of a key is used to select functions, then multiple functions can be associated with a single key, but the operation becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-functionality of keysVSAvoidease of key operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical repeated pressing system with a fingerprint recognition system. Instead of requiring users to press keys multiple times rapidly, the system uses sensors to detect fingerprint characteristics (ridges, valleys, patterns) to identify which finger pressed the key and maps that to the desired function, eliminating the need for repeated mechanical actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fingerprint recognition as an intermediary between the physical key press and the function selection. The fingerprint sensor detects the unique characteristics of the user's finger, serves as an intermediary identifier, and the system then determines which function should be activated based on the identified finger, creating a more reliable and easier operation pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pre-defined finger-key associations are established during initialization, then functions can be selected by finger identity, but the initialization process becomes cumbersome and not user-friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinger-specific function selectionVSAvoidease of initialization process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the system to automatically detect and learn fingerprint characteristics during the initialization process without requiring complex manual configuration. The system autonomously captures fingerprint data, processes it to identify unique finger characteristics, and establishes the mapping between fingers and functions automatically, making the initialization process simple and user-friendly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If users must remember pre-defined finger-key associations, then rapid operation is enabled, but user burden increases and errors occur when working fast

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of operationVSAvoiduser memory burden

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the requirement for users to remember pre-defined associations with an automated fingerprint recognition system. The system continuously monitors which finger presses which key and automatically determines the function based on the fingerprint identification, eliminating the need for users to recall pre-defined mappings while maintaining fast operation speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables fast and efficient selection of functions with reduced error, as users can select functions by pressing a single key with their specific finger, improving user experience and reducing the need for complex initialization processes, while also enhancing security through fingerprint recognition.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor that recognizes the print of the user's specific finger that was used to press the key or button

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFingerprint recognition:

Data Source

PatentUS8860689B2Method and system for operating a keyboard with multi functional keys, using fingerprints recognition

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 BENJAMIN ZIMCHONI BENJAMIN

AI summary

An appliance with a keyboard, or a touch screen, equipped with sensors that can recognize each of the user's fingerprints. Several symbols are engraved on or below each key such that every time the key is pressed by a specific finger, it corresponds to a specific symbol from among the symbols associated with that key, such that the right-most finger activates the right-most symbol, the second from right finger activates the second from right symbol, and so on. The appliance can be switched to a work mode that displays additional series of symbols on the display panel of the appliance, such that every time the key is pressed by a specific finger, it corresponds to a specific symbol from among the symbols displayed on the corresponding display panel.