Fingerprint Sensor Rotational Control for Buttonless Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern electronic devices face challenges in simplifying user interfaces while maintaining clean design aesthetics, as they become more complex and require intuitive control methods without protruding buttons or controls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fingerprint sensor that detects rotation of a user's finger about an axis normal to the sensor, allowing for control operations such as volume adjustment by rotating the finger or the device, using processors and motion detectors to differentiate between finger and device rotation directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional buttons and controls are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fingerprint sensor with rotational control functionality. The fingerprint sensor not only identifies fingerprints but also detects rotational movements of the finger, merging authentication and control operations into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate buttons while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: fingerprint identification, rotational direction detection, and control operation triggering. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace traditional buttons, switches, and dials, simplifying the device structure while preserving control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If protruding buttons are added for control, then ease of operation is improved, but design aesthetics and surface smoothness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is merged into the flat fingerprint sensor surface. Users can rotate their finger on the sensor surface to perform control operations, eliminating the need for protruding buttons and maintaining the smooth, flush design of the device surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If fingerprint sensor is used only for identification, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but control functionality versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor is enhanced to detect rotational movements in addition to fingerprint identification. This allows the same sensor to support multiple control operations such as volume adjustment, brightness control, and navigation, increasing versatility without requiring additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system dynamically detects not only the presence of a finger but also the direction and magnitude of rotational movements. This dynamic capability enables a range of control operations while using the same hardware infrastructure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a fingerprint sensor and one or more processors operable with the fingerprint sensor. One or more motion detectors are also operable with the one or more processors. The one or more processors determine with the fingerprint sensor, a direction of rotation of an object rotating, and in contact with, the fingerprint sensor. The one or more motion detectors detect whether the electronic device is rotating in three-dimensional space. The one or more processors then select and perform a first control operation when the object is rotating in a first axial direction and the electronic device is substantially stationary. Alternatively, the one or more processors select and perform a second control operation when the electronic device is rotating and the object is rotating in the first axial direction.