Fingerprint Scanner Media Controller for Automatic User Preference Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional media devices, such as video game consoles, require users to manually select and reselect their preferences and options before each gaming session, which is time-consuming and detracts from the entertainment experience.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a biometric fingerprint scanner into a media controller to passively identify users and automatically reload their preferences and options, eliminating the need for manual selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual selection of preferences is required before each gaming session, then user-specific options can be stored and reselected, but the process becomes time-consuming and repetitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to select preferencesVSAvoidmanual selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs user identification and preference loading automatically without requiring manual user actions. The fingerprint scanner continuously monitors for user presence and the system autonomously retrieves and applies stored preferences, eliminating the need for users to manually select their options each session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

User preferences are pre-stored and associated with fingerprint templates during an initial setup phase. When a user is identified, the corresponding preferences are automatically retrieved and applied, preparing the system in advance for the user's needs without requiring real-time manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If fingerprint scanning is continuously monitored, then automatic user identification is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic user identificationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous scanning, the fingerprint sensor operates periodically or event-driven. The system scans for fingerprint presence at intervals or triggers scanning only when motion or proximity is detected, reducing power consumption while maintaining automatic identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces active continuous scanning with passive fingerprint detection capabilities. The sensor can detect fingerprint presence without active illumination or continuous processing, using passive optical or capacitive fields that consume minimal power while still enabling automatic user identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8668580B2Media controller with fingerprint recognition

Publication Date: 2014.03.11 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD

AI summary

A system and method for retaining, associating, and reloading a user's preferences in a video game system without requiring active participation from the user is provided. The system may include an object control mechanism for receiving a passive indication from the user to perform a fingerprint scan of the user's fingertip. A fingerprint scanner may be coupled to the object control mechanism for transparently performing the fingerprint scan to generate identifying data for the user. If the identifying data for the user matches identifying data for a preexisting user, then preferences associated with the preexisting user may be reloaded. If the identifying data for the user does not match identifying data for a preexisting user, then preferences of the user may retained and associated with the user's identifying data.