Spacebar Fingerprint Scanner for Mobile Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile communication devices face space constraints that limit the integration of biometric authentication features, necessitating innovative solutions to incorporate security measures without compromising portability.

Innovation Solution

A keyboard with a biometric input device, specifically a fingerprint scanner, integrated into the spacebar key, allowing for secure authentication by capturing and processing fingerprint images within the existing key structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biometric input device is integrated into a keyboard key, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a fingerprint sensor with a keyboard key into a single integrated component. The fingerprint sensor is positioned within the key structure, allowing the key to serve dual purposes: as a mechanical input device and as a biometric authentication sensor. This merging eliminates the need for separate biometric devices while enhancing security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into a key, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The keyboard key is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical pressing for standard keyboard input and fingerprint capture for biometric authentication. The key structure incorporates a fingerprint sensor that can be activated when the key is pressed, allowing a single component to serve both conventional typing and security verification purposes, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If mobile devices are made smaller for portability, then portability is improved, but space for biometric features is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidspace for biometric features
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates a fingerprint sensor within the existing keyboard key structure, eliminating the need for separate biometric authentication hardware. By utilizing the space already allocated for keyboard keys, the design accommodates biometric functionality without increasing overall device size, thus maintaining portability while enhancing security capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2439613B1Keyboard having key with integral biometric input device
Publication Date: 2013.07.17 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2439613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2439613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2439613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A keyboard includes at least one key that integrates with a biometric input device. For example, a typical keyboard includes a spacebar. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a fingerprint scanner may be integral with the spacebar.