Fingerprint Sensor UI Positioning for Integrated Display Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulty in identifying and using the fingerprint sensor when it is integrated into the display area of electronic devices, as the location is not visibly distinct, leading to challenges in performing fingerprint recognition for authentication purposes.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a method and apparatus where the processor identifies content objects and moves the user authentication object to the fingerprint sensor's location within the display area for intuitive and rapid authentication, allowing fingerprint recognition without a separate button, maintaining authentication state for a predetermined time, and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display area, then the device structure is simplified and aesthetics are improved, but the user cannot identify the sensor location and has difficulty performing fingerprint recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidfingerprint recognition usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual indication (color change or highlight) to the fingerprint sensor region on the display to make it identifiable to users. When authentication is required, the system highlights the specific area where users should place their finger, solving the visibility problem while maintaining the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator layer between the display content and the fingerprint sensor. This indicator serves as a mediator to guide users to the correct location without requiring a separate physical button or visible sensor housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display area, then the device becomes more compact, but the authentication process becomes less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidauthentication intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual feedback through color changes or highlighting to indicate the active authentication region, making the integrated sensor location intuitive for users despite the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements real-time visual feedback that activates when authentication is required, guiding users to the correct finger placement location. This feedback mechanism compensates for the lack of physical tactile cues in the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If authentication objects are displayed at predetermined positions, then the UI layout is simple, but authentication objects cannot be located at the fingerprint sensor position for integrated authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUI layoutVSAvoidauthentication object positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the UI layout dynamic by allowing authentication objects to be repositioned based on authentication requirements. When fingerprint authentication is needed, the system moves or highlights the authentication prompt to the sensor location, combining simple default layout with adaptive repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares authentication objects at predetermined positions for normal UI display, then performs preliminary repositioning or highlighting to the fingerprint sensor location when authentication is required, ensuring both simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3510517B1Method of displaying user interface related to user authentication and electronic device for implementing same
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3510517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510517B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3510517B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A method and an apparatus are provided. The method and apparatus include a display, a fingerprint sensor formed in at least a part of a display area of the display, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to identify content including at least one object to be displayed on the display, when the content is not associated with acquisition of fingerprint information, display the at least one object at a predetermined position, and when the content is associated with the acquisition of the fingerprint information, display the at least one object in at least the part of the display area in which the fingerprint sensor is formed. Other embodiments are also possible.