Apple files patent to incorporate Touch ID fingerprint sensors into device displays

A new patent application published recently by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has revealed that Apple is thinking of incorporating fingerprint sensors into the display stack of an electronic device such as an iPad or iPhone. This is an alternative system to the current Touch ID system used by Apple in the home buttons of its recent devices including iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

The patent is titled “Fingerprint Sensor in an Electronic Device” explaining that a single fingerprint could be captured on the display at a single pre-determined fixed location or at any location. Even multiple touches on the electronic display could be captured, one fingerprint at a time or all fingerprints at once. The fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the circuit attached either to the cover sheet’s bottom surface or near the bottom surface or to the top surface of the display.

Alternatively, the whole panel could also be implemented as a fingerprint sensor which Apple calls as “full panel fingerprint sensor”. This full panel fingerprint sensor could also function as a touch sensing device. This means that the device can detect touch inputs as well as scan fingerprints.

For example, to unlock an iPhone or iPad or a third-party app, the user may be asked to place their finger on a specific spot depicted by an icon or an image on the display screen for identity verification. Apple could even use an advanced system that can scan and identify multiple fingerprints placed anywhere on the screen. Scanning more than one or all fingerprints would provide additional security.

If interested, you can get more details about the patent at the USPTO site patent application no. 20150036065.

 

Via Appleinsider

Apple files patent to incorporate Touch ID fingerprint sensors into device displays

Apple patent changes security based on location

One of Apple’s latest patent applications that just hit the USPTO describes a contextually-awared security solution, which automatically alters the security settings of a given mobile device.

The patent application is coming with a location-based functionality, which modifies certain security levels of your phone in accordance with your current whereabouts and their overall security.Besides using GPS module, the solution also uses location information from nearby Wi-Fi and carrier networks.

For example,if your device discovers that you have just terminated your morning commute and are about to begin work, it can configure your iPhone to unlock with the support of Touch ID. Moreover, if Apple’s service checks out that you are about to enter your home, which is generally secure enough, it will request you to key in your 4-digit unlock code. The patent application also help users in determining which location is safe and which is not, thus estimating what kind of security should be employed at required location.

Modify

Apart from changing the security levels, patent solution can also alter various configuration settings and profiles of user’s mobile device, providing them with different location-based workstations. For example,if it senses that you are in your car, it will lower down the security constraints, thus allowing you to access your navigation, music or Apple’s CarPlay dashboard system effortless.

What can you make out from this Apple patent application? Do you believe that it might turn out to be extremely useful or it is just another attention-grabber? Share your opinions below!

Apple patent changes security based on location

Another snapshot of the Apple iPad Air 2 sporting Touch ID, is leaked

It is almost confirmed that Touch ID would be the part of all the upcoming Apple’s 2014 iOS releases. Earlier reports already revealed that Apple iPad Air 2,iPhone 6 and iPad mini 3 would feature the embedded fingerprint scanner.

Recently another snapshot suspecting the Apple iPad Air 2 was tweeted by Steve Hemmerstoffer, an editor with French site NWE. The tweet reveals the image of an Apple iPhone 5s lying on top of the iPad Air 2. The second one is wrapped in protective plastic. The important part of the image is the Touch ID embedded home button,confirming the fingerprint scanner on the sequel to the full-sized 9.7 inch version of Apple’s tablet line. Touch ID fingerprint sensors  will most likely come into execution as Apple launches iOS 8 with new Touch ID APIs for developers. It will replace logins and passwords in apps.

Apple iPad Air 2 is expected to sport a new rear camera from 5 megapixel sensor to 8 megapixel shooter. The front facing camera will be updated from 1.2 megapixels to 1.5 megapixels.Moreover, the next generation of iPad Air will also incorporate True Tone dual-LED flash, Burst Mode, and Slow-Motion video capture mode just like its sibling iPhone.

Another snapshot of the Apple iPad Air 2 sporting Touch ID, is leaked

Apple is bringing Touch ID sensors to all 2014 iPhone and iPad models

According to noted KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is planning to embed Touch ID sensors in every non-iPod iOS device launching this year, including both iPhone 6 versions, the second-generation iPad Air and refreshed iPad mini with Retina display.

Analysing Kuo’s note, he is glimpsing Touch ID shipments increasing by 233 percent this year to a cool 120 million sensors. That’s a heck of a lot of Touch IDs: by comparison, Apple shipped 36 million iPhone 5s with Touch Ids last year.

Apple’s Touch ID module should see shipments soar 233 percent in 2014. We believe every new iOS device launched this year will be equipped with Touch ID, including 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch new iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 2 with Retina display.Considering shipments of new products and iPhone 5S sales last longer than in 2013, we forecast unit sales of the fingerprint sensor module to grow 233 percent to 120 million for 2014.

Kuo also notes that Apple will change its Touch ID module design to utilize tin over previously used chemicals in order to boost durability. Apple is also expected to stick with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and its subsidary XinTec to produce the fingerprint sensors.

TSMC was recently reported to provide the first batch of Touch IDs for upcoming iPhone 6, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3. However speculations are that TSMC would be using the same 8-inch fingerprint sensor processing method used for the iPhone 5s.

Apple is bringing Touch ID sensors to all 2014 iPhone and iPad models