Fingerprint Sensor Under Display for Clamshell Device Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamshell electronic devices face usability challenges with fingerprint sensors, as they can be difficult to reach and interact with, especially when configured as separate components or buttons on minor faces, leading to uncomfortable and inefficient user authentication.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint sensor is positioned beneath a display, allowing it to control both the exterior and interior displays based on the device's geometric form factor, with redirection indicia provided on the second display to assist in locating the sensor when the device is in the axially displaced open position, enabling seamless unlocking of both displays with a single sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fingerprint sensor is positioned as a separate component or button on a minor face of the device, then it can be easily accessed by users, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fingerprint sensor with the display assembly by positioning the sensor beneath the display, allowing the sensor to be integrated into the existing display structure rather than being a separate component. This reduces device complexity while maintaining authentication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint sensor beneath the display serves multiple functions: it authenticates users for both the exterior display (when closed) and interior display (when open), replacing the need for separate authentication mechanisms for different device states
2Ease of manufacture
If a single fingerprint sensor is used to control both exterior and interior displays, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the sensor may be difficult for users to locate and access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces redirection indicia as an intermediary visual cue that guides users to the fingerprint sensor location. These indicia appear on the display and serve as a mediator between the user and the hidden sensor, solving the locatability issue without adding physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The redirection indicia utilize visual changes (such as color-coded regions or highlighted areas on the display) to indicate where users should place their finger, making the invisible sensor location visible through optical cues rather than physical markers
3Device complexity
If the fingerprint sensor is positioned beneath the display, then the device structure is simplified, but the sensor cannot be easily reached by users in certain device positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the accessibility problem by utilizing the vertical dimension through redirection indicia that appear on the display surface. Instead of requiring users to search physically beneath the device, the visual cues in the vertical display plane guide users to the correct sensor location above the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
One or more sensors of an electronic device detect a geometric form factor of the electronic device. A fingerprint sensor situated beneath a first display of the electronic device receives fingerprint data. One or more processors authenticate an authorized user of the electronic device using the fingerprint data with one or more processors. The one or more processors select between the first display and a second display of the electronic device as a function of the geometric form factor and unlock the selected display in response to authenticating the authorized user of the electronic device.