Foldable Screen Face Unlocking via Rear Camera Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require complex operations, such as inputting passwords, to unlock and enter guest mode, which complicates quick and convenient access.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking method for electronic devices with foldable screens, utilizing front-facing and rear-facing cameras to capture face images, where the cameras are activated based on screen operations, and face authentication is performed to unlock the device and enter either master or guest mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If password input method is used to unlock guest mode, then security is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input method with an optical recognition system. The camera captures facial images and the system performs automated recognition and authentication, substituting manual password entry with biometric verification. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through reliable facial recognition while eliminating the complexity of password input operations.
2Ease of operation
If facial recognition is implemented for unlocking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: it is used both for capturing facial images during unlocking and for regular photography during device usage. By reusing existing hardware components for multiple purposes, the system achieves facial recognition functionality without adding dedicated hardware, thus improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If camera is continuously activated for face recognition, then recognition accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic camera activation triggered by specific user actions (such as picking up the device or approaching it). Instead of continuous operation, the camera is activated only at these periodic intervals when recognition is actually needed. This maintains recognition accuracy by capturing faces at appropriate moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous activation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the unlocking process by eliminating the need for passwords, enhancing user convenience while maintaining privacy protection, thereby improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture a face image of a user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An unlocking method and an electronic device relate to the field of terminal technologies. The method includes: when an inner screen (141) is in a locked and closed state, and an outer screen (142) is in a locked and black state, detecting an operation of turning on the outer screen (142), turning on the outer screen (142), starting a rear-facing camera (132), and starting a first timer; if a face image captured by the rear-facing camera (132) before the first timer expires matches a preset face image, unlocking the outer screen (142), entering a master mode, closing the rear-facing camera (132), stopping the first timer, prompting a user to perform face authentication, and starting a second timer; detecting an operation of unfolding the inner screen (141), turning on the inner screen (141), starting a front-facing camera (131), and locking the outer screen (142); before the second timer expires, if the front-facing camera (131) captures a face image, closing the front-facing camera (131), and stopping the second timer; and if the face image captured by the front-facing camera (131) does not match the preset face image, unlocking the inner screen (141), and entering a guest mode. Therefore, the present invention helps improve convenience of entering the guest mode.