Fingerprint Module with Thermally Deformable Layer for Anti-Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smartphone anti-theft functions do not effectively help users retrieve their devices or warn thieves, as they only lock the phone without providing a means to recover or track the stolen device.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint identification module with a thermally deformable layer and temperature control module that fixes an unauthorized user's finger and sends a GPS signal to a cloud data center upon failed identification, utilizing a sensing chip and microprocessor to compare fingerprint data and control the thermally deformable layer's temperature for fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anti-theft function locks the phone upon failed identification, then the phone security is improved, but the ability to retrieve the device or track the thief is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing a GPS module and communication module in the fingerprint identification device before theft occurs. When fingerprint verification fails, the system automatically activates these pre-configured components to send location information to the server, enabling immediate tracking without requiring additional hardware or complex post-theft setup procedures.
2Device complexity
If the fingerprint identification module only performs locking function, then the device structure is simple, but the anti-theft effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating three distinct functions into a single fingerprint identification module: (1) fingerprint verification through the sensing chip, (2) location tracking through the GPS module, and (3) communication through the communication module. This allows the device to not only lock but also track and communicate thief location information, significantly enhancing anti-theft effectiveness without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Loss of information
If GPS and communication modules are always active for tracking, then the location tracking capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by making the GPS and communication modules operate only when needed - specifically, when fingerprint verification fails. The control module activates these energy-consuming components conditionally rather than continuously, sending location information to the server only upon detecting unauthorized access attempts. This intermittent operation mode maintains effective location tracking capability while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Effectively secures the device by physically fixing the unauthorized user's finger and providing location tracking through GPS, enhancing anti-theft measures beyond mere locking.
Implementation Method 1
If a temperature of the thermally deformable layer is higher than a predetermined temperature, the thermally deformable layer is in a molten state. If the temperature of the thermally deformable layer is lower than the predetermined temperature, the thermally deformable layer is in a solidified state.
Implementation Method 2
the fingerprint identification module is subjected to deformation so as to fix the finger of the unauthorized person
Implementation Method 3
the temperature control module increases the temperature of the thermally deformable layer to a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 4
decreases the temperature of the thermally deformable layer to a temperature lower than the predetermined temperature within a predetermined time period
Data Source
AI summary
A fingerprint identification module is provided for identifying a fingerprint of a finger. The fingerprint identification module includes a sensing chip and a thermally deformable layer. The thermally deformable layer is disposed over the sensing chip and includes a sensing region. When the finger is placed on the sensing region, the fingerprint of the finger is sensed by the sensing chip. If the fingerprint identification result of the fingerprint identification module fails, the thermally deformable layer is firstly changed to a molten state and then returned to a solidified state within a predetermined time period. Consequently, the finger is fixed by the thermally deformable layer.