Screen Unlocking via Touch Sensor Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen unlocking methods require users to light the screen first, leading to energy wastage and inconvenient operation, making them inefficient and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A screen unlocking method that detects a sliding path on the screen and determines its similarity to a preset unlocking pattern, unlocking the screen only when the similarity exceeds a threshold, without the need to light the entire screen or press a power button, allowing unlocking patterns of any size at any location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen is lit first before unlocking, then the user can see and enter the unlocking pattern, but energy is wasted and operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the unlocking pattern on the unlit screen using touch sensors before lighting the screen. The touch sensor array detects the sliding path and pattern points in advance, allowing the system to verify the unlocking pattern without requiring the screen to be lit, thus saving energy while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual feedback mechanism (lit screen) with a tactile sensing mechanism (touch sensor array). The touch sensors detect the unlocking pattern through direct contact with the screen surface, substituting the need for visual confirmation during the unlocking process, which eliminates the requirement to light the screen and reduces energy consumption
2Measurement precision
If the entire screen is lit for pattern recognition, then accurate pattern detection is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pattern detection function from the visual display system and places it in the tactile sensing system. The touch sensor array independently detects pattern points and sliding paths without requiring the display screen to be lit, separating the detection function from the visual feedback function and eliminating unnecessary energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of lighting the entire screen, the system only activates specific touch sensor elements corresponding to the pattern points being tested. This partial activation of the sensing system provides sufficient information for pattern recognition without the excessive energy consumption of full-screen lighting
3Loss of energy
If the screen remains unlit during unlocking, then energy is saved, but the user cannot see the pattern and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor array serves as an intermediary between the user's finger and the system's pattern recognition function. It transmits tactile information about the sliding path and pattern points to the processing system, enabling pattern entry and recognition without requiring visual feedback during the process
4Reliability
If traditional unlocking methods are used, then the screen can be unlocked, but the process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pattern detection, verification, and unlocking functions into a single integrated process. The touch sensor array simultaneously detects multiple pattern points and the sliding path between them in one continuous gesture, merging multiple detection steps into a single unified operation that reduces process complexity while maintaining reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a screen unlocking method and apparatus as well as a terminal. The method includes: (101) obtaining a sliding path of a user on a screen, if a preset operation of the user on the screen is detected; (102) determining a similarity between the sliding path and a preset unlocking pattern; and (103) unlocking the screen and lighting the screen, if the similarity between the sliding path and the preset unlocking pattern is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. With embodiments of the present disclosure, the user can unlock the screen by drawing an unlocking pattern of any size at any location on the screen, without the need of pressing a power button and without the need of lighting the whole screen, thus simplifying and facilitating the user operation, saving energy consumption of the screen and improving the user experience.