Fingerprint Layer Access via Display Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer applications lack effective methods for uniquely identifying and managing access to different layers using finger-based input, particularly in augmented reality, 3D data presentations, and holographic displays, where depth manipulation and user interface models are complex.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that utilize fingerprint recognition to assign each finger to a specific layer, allowing tactile user input to select, display, and manipulate layers, with varying access parameters and security levels based on fingerprint identification, using sensors like optical, ultrasonic, or capacitance imaging to differentiate fingers and provide secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fingerprint recognition is used to assign each finger to a specific layer, then secure and intuitive access to multiple layers is enabled, but device complexity increases due to the need for sensors and processing capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch display serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the fingerprint sensing interface. The same display hardware is used to present visual information and to capture fingerprint images for authentication, eliminating the need for separate fingerprint sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or separate optical fingerprint sensing systems with an integrated approach using the display's existing imaging capabilities. The display device captures fingerprint images directly through its imaging sensor, substituting dedicated fingerprint hardware with a multi-functional display system that performs both visualization and authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to capture finger images for authentication, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint recognition accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device's imaging sensor is utilized for fingerprint capture, serving the dual purpose of display functionality and authentication sensing. This eliminates the need for separate fingerprint sensors while maintaining the precision required for accurate fingerprint recognition and layer assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures an image copy of the fingerprint through the display's imaging sensor and processes this digital representation for authentication. This copying approach allows the same hardware to perform both display and authentication functions without requiring additional physical sensors, reducing complexity while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 secure and intuitive access to multiple layers of multi-layer applications by uniquely identifying fingers for different access levels, enhancing user interaction and security in complex UI models like augmented reality and 3D presentations.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors like optical, ultrasonic, or capacitance imaging to differentiate fingers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Implementation Method 2

using sensors like optical, ultrasonic, or capacitance imaging to differentiate fingers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic imaging: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 3

using sensors like optical, ultrasonic, or capacitance imaging to differentiate fingers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance imaging: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2742412B1Manipulating layers of multi-layer applications
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2742412B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2742412B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2742412B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method performed on a device includes receiving, from a user, a finger-touch-initiated request for access to a layer of a multi-layer application on the device, the multi-layer application having a plurality of user interface layers. The method may also include identifying a finger of the user used to provide the finger-touch-initiated request, the finger associated with one of the layers of the multi-layer application. The layer associated with the identified finger of the user may be operated on. Each finger of the user can be associated with a different layer of the multi-layer application. Fingerprints can be used to differentiate each finger and/or to identify the user by fingerprint recognition techniques. Fingerprints can be used to vary the access parameters of a layer of the application and/or to provide security levels for accessing the layers of the multi-layer application.