Fingerprint Sensor for Wearable Device Operation and Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices such as smartwatches face challenges in usability due to the miniaturization of operation portions, leading to potential security issues and difficulties in performing complex operations like text entry on small screens.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus equipped with a fingerprint information acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a processing unit that performs specified processing based on the determined action of a finger, allowing for secure authentication and operation of wearable devices through fingerprint recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If wearable devices are miniaturized to improve portability, then portability is improved, but operation portions become smaller leading to reduced usability and security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fingerprint sensor with the operation portion into a single integrated component. The fingerprint sensor serves dual purposes: authentication and operation detection. When a user places their finger on the sensor, the system can detect not only the fingerprint pattern but also the position, pressure, and duration of contact, enabling complex operations without requiring separate buttons or controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It serves as both an authentication mechanism through fingerprint recognition and an operation input device through detection of finger position, pressure, and contact duration. This multi-functionality allows the miniaturized device to maintain full operational capabilities despite the reduced size of individual components.
2Volume of moving object
If operation portions are miniaturized to reduce device size, then device size is reduced, but the number of connection portions for peripheral equipment becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor functions as a universal interface that can support multiple operations through variations in detection parameters. By detecting different aspects of finger contact (position, pressure, duration, pattern), a single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons, switches, or connection portions, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing device volume.
3Ease of operation
If traditional operation methods are used on small screens, then simplicity is maintained, but text entry and complex operations become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The operation is segmented into multiple detection dimensions: finger position on the sensor, pressure applied, duration of contact, and fingerprint pattern recognition. Each dimension provides additional control capability, allowing complex operations like text entry to be performed through combinations of these parameters rather than requiring multiple separate physical keys or lengthy typing processes on a small screen.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To perform a desired operation in response to an operation even with a compact apparatus. [Solution] An information processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a fingerprint information acquisition unit configured to acquire fingerprint information; a determination unit configured to determine an action of a finger on the basis of the fingerprint information; and a processing unit configured to perform specified processing predetermined depending on the action on the basis of the determined action. This configuration makes it possible to perform a desired operation depending on the operation even with a compact apparatus, thereby enhancing user convenience.