Fingerprint Reader Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face challenges in reliably detecting their orientation relative to a user, especially when users interact with devices in unconventional positions, as accelerometers can struggle to differentiate between the device being held with the top or bottom end up, leading to inconsistent user interface and feature assignments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fingerprint reader that detects contact and scans fingerprints to determine the device's orientation based on the user's hand and finger angle, overriding accelerometer data when necessary, allowing the device to maintain consistent behavior and user interface orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometer is used to detect device orientation, then the device can detect environmental orientation, but it cannot reliably determine user-relative orientation when held in unconventional positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orientation detection function into two independent components: accelerometer for environmental orientation detection and fingerprint reader for user-relative orientation determination. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its strength while the system as a whole achieves both environmental and user-centric orientation awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint reader acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between environmental orientation (accelerometer data) and user-relative orientation. By detecting which hand holds the device and analyzing fingerprint angle, it provides the missing link to determine how the user intends to interact with the device regardless of environmental orientation.
2Reliability
If device orientation is determined by accelerometer, then environmental orientation is known, but user interface orientation becomes inconsistent when device is held in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both accelerometer data and fingerprint reader data, then using the fingerprint angle information to correct and adjust the orientation determination. This feedback loop ensures that the user interface orientation consistently reflects user intent rather than just physical device orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for orientation determination from purely environmental (accelerometer) to user-centric (fingerprint angle). By analyzing the angle of the fingerprint relative to the device, the system transforms the orientation parameter to reflect how the user holds and intends to use the device, ensuring consistent UI behavior.
3Measurement precision
If fingerprint reader is added to determine orientation, then user-relative orientation can be accurately detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint reader is designed to serve multiple functions: authentication, identification, and orientation detection. By making the sensor universal, the patent avoids adding a dedicated orientation sensor and instead leverages the existing fingerprint reader's capabilities to determine user-relative orientation, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint reader performs self-service by using its own measurement data (fingerprint angle) to determine device orientation. Rather than requiring a separate orientation sensor, the system repurposes the fingerprint reader's inherent measurements to serve the additional function of orientation detection, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an electronic device is provided, in which the device detects contact with a user's finger, scans its fingerprint and sets the orientation of the electronic device based on the fingerprint (e.g., whether is from the user's left hand or right hand) and on an angle of the fingerprint with respect to the device. This allows the electronic device to determine its orientation with respect to the user rather than with respect to the environment.