Fingerprint Sensor Activation for Foldable Device Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible electronic devices with fingerprint sensors often malfunction due to user touch inputs when in a folded state, leading to frequent activation failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method that activates a fingerprint sensor from an inactive state to an active state in response to a user input, allowing simultaneous performance of user authentication and other functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fingerprint sensor is always in the active state to enable quick access, then the convenience of operation is improved, but the consumption of power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor dynamically changes its operational state between active and inactive based on detected input patterns. The sensor transitions from an inactive state (low power consumption) to an active state (high responsiveness) when specific input patterns are detected, and returns to inactive state when no input is detected for a predetermined period. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the sensor's operational characteristics to actual usage conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fingerprint sensor remains inactive to save power, then the power consumption is reduced, but the response time increases when access is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of input patterns (such as tapping or pressing actions) before fully activating the fingerprint sensor. When these preliminary input patterns are detected, the sensor is activated in advance of the actual fingerprint authentication request, ensuring rapid response time while maintaining power savings during periods of no interaction.
3Loss of time
If the sensor is activated quickly without input pattern detection to reduce response time, then the response time is reduced, but false activations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors input patterns provided by the user and uses this feedback to determine when to activate the fingerprint sensor. Specific input patterns (such as deliberate tapping or pressing motions) serve as feedback signals that trigger sensor activation, while ignoring other gestures. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate activation timing, preventing false activations while maintaining quick response when genuine authentication is intended.
Data Source
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AI summary
In various embodiments, an electronic device, at least a part of which is bendable, may include: at least one input device including a fingerprint sensor disposed therein, a memory, and a processor operatively connected to the at least one input device and the memory. The processor may be configured to: detect a user input through the at least one input device based on the fingerprint sensor being in an inactive state, identify at least one particular function stored in the memory in response to the detected user input, activate the fingerprint sensor based on the identified at least one particular function being a function requiring user authentication, perform user authentication corresponding to the user input using the activated fingerprint sensor, and control the electronic device to perform the at least one particular function corresponding to the user input upon successful user authentication.