USOO7239227 B1
`
`(12)
`
`United States Patent
`Gupta et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,239.227 B1
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`(54) COMMAND INTERFACE USING
`FINGERPRINT SENSOR INPUT SYSTEM
`
`(75) Inventors: Bhusan Gupta, Palo Alto, CA (US);
`Alan Kramer, Berkeley, CA (US)
`(73) Assignee: UPEK, Inc., Emeryville, CA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/475,686
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 30, 1999
`e a V8
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G06F 7/04
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 340s-82.340,581. 38.2/124.
`382312
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 340/5.1,
`340/5.2, 5.25, 5.5, 5.53, 5.8, 5.82, 5.83,426.28,
`340/5.81: 382/124, 125, 126, 312: 435/4,
`435/289.1, DIG. 22, DIG. 34,518
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
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`
`
`
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`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
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`
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`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`Contour Detection Option.” Sensors and Actuators, 16:141-153,
`1989.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Evaminer Van T. Trieu
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A substrate having a fingerprint sensing system usable as a
`command interface using finger movements. A user's fin
`gerprint pattern is recognized and compared to previously
`stored reference patterns. If the fingerprint pattern matches
`a previously stored pattern, the user is then permitted to
`enter certain commands via the same interface system. For
`example, in the case of an automobile, a user may identify
`themselves with their fingerprint, and then perform such
`functions as unlocking the doors, setting the seat to a
`selected location, or even pre-starting the car prior to their
`entering the automobile. The very same devices which
`perform the fingerprint identification and sensing are also
`used for the input sensing and command recognition to
`perform the various commands. A user is thus able to
`securely control desired functions in an automobile, while
`being assured that an unauthorized user will not have access
`to the automobile, even as they were able to obtain the
`command interface device.
`
`31 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
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`

`

`US 7,239.227 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`4,626,774 A 12/1986 Regtien .................... 324,61 R
`4,641,350 A
`2f1987 Bunn ...
`... 382.f4
`4,656,871 A
`4, 1987 Czarnocki .........
`... 73,724
`4,686,531 A
`8/1987 Shambroom et al. .. 340/870.37
`4,763,063 A
`8, 1988 Shkedi .............
`... 324f60 CD
`4,814,691 A
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`... 324/61 R
`4,935,207 A
`6/1990 Stanbro et al. ............ 422/68.1
`4,958, 129 A
`9, 1990 Poduje et al. .....
`... 324/661
`5,028,876 A
`7, 1991 Cadwell .....
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`6, 1994 Knapp - - - - - - - -
`... 382.f4
`5,373,181 A 12/1994 Scheiter et al.
`257/415
`5.430,381 A
`7, 1995 Dower ..........
`... 324/.452
`5,467,022 A 11/1995 Aoki et al. .
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`
`359,265
`6, 1996 Cogan - - - - - - - -
`5,530,581 A
`... 382,124
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`5,613,014 A
`... 340,552
`5,668,929 A * 9, 1997 Foster, Jr. ......
`324.662
`5,767,686 A
`6/1998 Kespohl ..
`382,124
`5,778,089 A
`7, 1998 Borza ......
`382,124
`5,825,907 A 10, 1998 Russo ........
`... 38.2/126
`5,828,773 A 10, 1998 Setlak et al. ...
`... 382,124
`5,841,888 A 1 1/1998 Setlak et al. .........
`5,844,415 A 12, 1998 Gershenfeld et al. ....... 324f663
`5,845,005 A 12, 1998 Setlak et al. ......... ... 382,124
`5,852,670 A 12/1998 Setlak et al. ...
`... 38.2/126
`
`178.20.01
`2/1999 Young .................
`5,869,791 A
`5,869,822 A * 2/1999 Meadows, II et al. ...... 235,380
`3. A
`5.
`SN, al - - - - - - - - 4. 3.
`5. 93 6.412 A
`8, 1999 Gershenfeld et al- - - - - - - - - - 324f663
`- - w
`-
`- - - - - - -
`5,953,441 A 9, 1999 Setlak .....
`382/124
`5.963,679 A * 10, 1999 Setlak ........
`382,124
`5.973,623 A 10/1999 Gupta et al
`341 (33
`-
`-
`-
`- - -
`- - -
`6,011,859 A
`1/2000 Kalnitsky et al. ........... 382/124
`28. A 338 ins al
`- - - - - 3.2
`W - J.
`-
`- - - - - - -
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`6,088,471 A
`7/2000 Setlak et al. ......... ... 382,124
`6,091,082 A
`7/2000 Thomas et al. ............... 257/77
`
`9/2000 Tartagni et al. ............. 324f662
`6,114,862 A
`6,125,192 A * 9/2000 Bjorn et al. ...
`340, 5.83
`6, 191593 B1
`2/2001 Tartagni et al. ............. 324f687
`6,236,741 B1
`5/2001 Kovacs-Vajna ............. 382,125
`6,420,169 B1* 7/2002 Read et al. ..
`435/289.1
`6,610,482 B1
`8/2003 Fodor et al. ................... 435/6
`6,919,211 B1* 7/2005 Fodor et al. ................ 436,518
`
`
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`GB
`GB
`GB
`WO
`WO
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`O 397 244 A2 11, 1990
`O 397 244 A3 11, 1990
`O 397 244 B1
`11, 1990
`O 454 883 B1
`11F1991
`O 455 O70 B1
`11, 1991
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`
`6, 1997
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`7/1997
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`7/1997
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`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Sarma et al., "Capacitance-Type Blade-Tip Clearance Measurement
`System Using a Dual Amplifier with Ramp/DC Inputs and Integra
`tion.' IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement
`41(5):674-678, Oct. 1992
`- - -
`Young et al., “Novel Fingerprint Scanning Arrays Using Polysilicon
`TFT's on Glass and Polymer Substrates.” IEEE Electron Device
`Letters, 8(1):19-20, 1997.
`Tartagni et al., “A 390dpi Live Fingerprint Imager Based on
`Feedback Capacitive Sensing Scheme.” IEEE International Solid
`State Circuits Conference, Feb. 7, 1997, 5 pp
`s
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 7,239.227 B1
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`
`
`Y
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`S
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 7,239.227 B1
`
`f
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`
`
`12
`
`60
`
`40
`f <-Sk f2
`
`46
`
`44
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`60
`
`58
`
`Fig. 3
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 7,239.227 B1
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`18
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`64
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`3.
`
`
`
`
`
`2ZN
`
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`
`f f0
`
`f
`
`64
`1
`12
`12. 1N
`SENSOR ARRAY
`controLER
`T ---
`lors, 62
`
`95
`
`Fig. 4 ( ,
`
`60
`
`7
`26Grotifs
`
`7
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`TRANSMITTER
`
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`SENSOR ARRAY
`
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`17
`
`f
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`
`Fig. 5
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`60
`
`95
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 7,239.227 B1
`
`68
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`69
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`f 10
`
`70
`
`Fig. 6
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`
`
`
`
`f f2
`
`70
`
`7
`
`
`
`TRANSMITTER
`
`CONTROL
`LOGIC
`
`SENSOR
`ARRAY
`
`
`
`
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`95
`
`Fig. 7
`
`IPR2022-00602
`Apple EX1018 Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jul. 3, 2007
`
`Sheet S of 5
`
`US 7,239.227 B1
`
`
`
`IPR2022-00602
`Apple EX1018 Page 7
`
`

`

`1.
`COMMAND INTERFACE USING
`FINGERPRINT SENSOR INPUT SYSTEM
`
`US 7,239,227 B1
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention is directed towards a command interface
`using the hand, and more particularly to a fingerprint sensor
`which also functions as a command input.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`Presently, automobiles are opened, closed, locked and
`unlocked by keys, door handles and other mechanical latch
`ing and unlatching devices. There is also available today for
`many automobiles a hand-held remote device with buttons
`thereon. Each button corresponds to a specific command.
`Currently, there is one button per command with the most
`common commands including lock doors, unlock doors,
`unlock trunk, set alarm, or honk horn. The user presses a
`specific button in order to implement and transfer the
`specific command to the automobile.
`Remote devices currently used do not distinguish one user
`from another. For example, if the owner of the car drops or
`loses the remote activation device, a passerby may pick up
`the remote, which usually has the key attached thereto. Any
`person holding the remote device may unlock the doors,
`honk the horn, or perform other functions permitted by the
`command keys. This has created the unfortunate situation in
`which the security of the automobile is significantly com
`promised.
`30
`Formerly, if only a key was lost, any person finding the
`key would be required to test the physical key out on many
`automobiles and, given the options in a large parking lot, it
`difficult or impossible to find the automobile which matched
`the key. With current remote command devices, a passerby
`who has picked up the remote access device can honk the
`horn, turn on the lights, or perform other functions which
`will identify at a distance the automobile. Even at some
`distance, a hundred feet or more away, a person may press
`the command buttons which will identify the car for which
`he holds the key. While this is convenient for a user
`approaching their own car, any other person can also easily
`walk up and down the rows of a parking lot, pressing the
`command button in an attempt to locate the automobile
`corresponding to the remote command device. It thus pro
`vides an advantage to a thief who has obtained the remote
`command device and is using it in an attempt to steal the car.
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to principles of the present invention, a sensing
`apparatus is provided for sensing the position of a human
`appendage at specific locations thereon. In particular, a
`fingerprint sensor is provided for sensing the presence of a
`finger on the sensor. Further, having identified the presence
`of the finger on the sensor, it performs fingerprint recogni
`tion to determine whether there is a match between the input
`fingerprint and previously stored fingerprints.
`A fingerprint sensor has positioned thereon a plurality of
`sensing devices. The sensing devices are electrically con
`nected and organized into groups positioned at selected
`locations on the fingerprint sensor. For example, one group
`may be on the left hand side and the other on the right hand
`side. Alternatively, groups may be positioned at the top and
`bottom or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the
`groups are positioned as concentric rings from the center
`outward.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`Once a user activates the fingerprint sensor by placing
`their finger thereon and being identified as an authorized
`user, they can then input control commands via the same
`fingerprint sensor. The commands are input by moving the
`finger in a selected pattern over the fingerprint sensing
`device. For example, a movement from the top to the bottom
`may be interpreted as a command to turn on the lights or lock
`the door. A movement from left to right may be interpreted
`as unlock the door.
`According to principles of the present invention, the
`fingerprint sensor is positioned in a housing that also
`includes an automobile transmitter. An automobile is
`matched with the transmitter when sold and programmed
`with the user's identity. Thereafter, when a user wishes to
`provide command inputs to the automobile he simply first
`applies his finger to have his fingerprint recognized as an
`authorized user. After the system recognizes him as an
`authorized user he can then input various commands to the
`system for performance by the automobile. For example, he
`can lock or unlock the doors, turn on the lights, move the
`seat position to a selected location, set the alarm, turn off the
`alarm or perform a number of other functions.
`According to one embodiment of the invention, certain
`functions can be performed prior to the fingerprint recogni
`tion. For example, the system may permit locking of the
`automobile merely by touching the sensor in certain location
`regardless of the identify of the person performing the touch.
`This could be true for other selected functions such as setting
`the alarm system or turning off the lights. These would be
`functions which are typically in the class that do not com
`promise the security or operation of the vehicle. Indeed, they
`may be in the group of operations which enhances and
`reaffirms the security of the vehicle. Certain other functions
`can only be performed once a valid fingerprint has been
`sensed and recognized. For example, functions such as
`unlocking the doors, turning off the alarm, and setting the
`seat to the proper position will all require that an authorized
`user provide a fingerprint pattern and that a match be found
`before the functions can be performed.
`The invention finds use beyond just the class of automo
`biles. For example, it may also be used as a house entry
`System, a garage door opening or closing system, turning on
`lights or any other number of selected functions for which
`identify of the user is desired to be confirmed prior to
`performing a certain function.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the use of the invention in
`conjunction with an automobile.
`FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various groupings of sensing
`devices on the Substrate according to principles of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 3 illustrates possible movement directions that can
`be sensed according to principles of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional, cutaway view of a
`housing and sensor according to principles of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the housing of
`FIG. 4.
`FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of circuits for use
`according to principles of the present invention.
`FIG. 7 is a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a
`circuit according to principles of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a fingerprint sensing device.
`FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of a fingerprint sensor
`according to the prior art.
`
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`US 7,239,227 B1
`
`3
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`4
`all the sensor cells 2 are analyzed or compared to a stored set
`of reference fingerprint patterns to locate a match. If a match
`is found, a signal is output, indicating a match. Rather, it is
`provided only as an illustration of one preferred embodiment
`for carrying out the sensing according to the present inven
`tion. Any currently acceptable fingerprint sensing or posi
`tion-sensing devices can be used in place of those shown in
`FIG. 9. The full operation, and detailed description of the
`circuit of FIG. 9 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,623
`previously referred to herein.
`Referring now to FIG. 8, the sensing devices 2 can be
`conveniently grouped according to a selected arrangement.
`The grouping can be done by electronic Switching or elec
`tronic configuration, either hardware or software. The
`embodiment shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to that shown in
`FIG. 2C, the individual position sensing devices 2 being
`shown in FIG. 2 but not being shown in FIG. 2C for ease of
`illustration. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2C, the array of
`sensing devices 2 is grouped into four preset groups 32, 34.
`36, and 38. These groups are electronically segmented to
`sense the presence of a finger in any one of the quadrants.
`For example, if the finger is present in quadrant 38 but not
`present in quadrants 34 and 32, a specific signal is output.
`Similarly, an output is provided signifying that the finger is
`present in quadrant32, but not present in quadrant 36 or 38.
`The electronic scanning, and sensing of the presence or
`absence of a finger is carried out as shown in FIG. 8 using
`the horizontal and vertical Scanlines, or any other acceptable
`technique of the many available which are known. Simply
`recognizing the presence or absence of the finger in the
`quadrant is acceptable and it is not necessary to perform
`fingerprint identification. The cells 2 are used only as a
`position-sensing devices and are not used for fingerprint
`identification. Thus the same sensors 2 and circuit which
`were previously used for fingerprint sensing are now used
`for position sensing.
`FIG. 2B illustrates a further preferred embodiment for
`segmenting the cells 2 according to principles of the present
`invention. The array 1 has the plurality of sensing devices 2
`thereon segmented into an upper group 40, and a lower
`group 42. In addition, they are also segmented into a right
`side group 44 and a left side group 46. The presence of a
`user's finger in section 42 can thus easily be distinguished
`from the presence of the user's finger in section 40. Simi
`larly, sections 44 and 46 can be easily distinguished from
`each other. FIG. 2D illustrates a further alternative embodi
`ment having a plurality of groups of position-sensing
`devices organized into different groups 48. According to the
`embodiment of FIG. 1, there are eight different segments of
`groups of the position-sensing devices 2 thus illustrating
`that. The number of groups can be any desired number
`ranging from 1 to 8 or more. For example, in one embodi
`ment, only two groups are provided, upper and lower, or left
`and right, as can be easily understood by looking at FIGS.
`2B and 2C, thought this embodiment is not shown. Simi
`larly, a left and right side can be combined by software
`electronics with the top and bottom segmentation into
`groups.
`FIG. 2E illustrates a concentric grouping of the position
`sensing devices 2. In particular, it includes a central group
`50, one outer ring 52, which surrounds and is on the outside
`of group 50, and a further outer ring 54, which surrounds,
`and is on the outside of group 52. The polar, coordinate
`method, or circular groups, is particularly useful to provide
`certain types of input, as will now be explained with respect
`to FIG 3.
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a command system 10 according to
`principles of the present invention. The command system 10
`includes a transmitting system 12 and a receiving system 14.
`The receiving system 14 includes an electronic receiver 18,
`usually embedded and not visible to the naked eye. In this
`case, the receiving system 14 is shown as an automobile.
`However, it could also be any other acceptable receiving
`device for which user security is desired. Such as a garage,
`door, a home, a light or an office.
`A user 16 uses the transmitting device 12 in order to send
`selected commands to the receiving device 14 and perform
`desired functions. The transmitting device 12 includes a
`fingerprint sensing system having a plurality of position
`sensing devices as part of the array. Fingerprint sensing
`devices are well known in the art and any acceptable
`fingerprint or position-sensing device may be used. For
`example, an acceptable fingerprint sensing device is
`described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,623, incorporated herein by
`reference.
`The sensing system 12 includes a plurality of position
`sensing devices as best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. For
`convenience, a brief discussion of fingerprint sensing tech
`nology will now be provided with reference to these FIGS.
`8 and 9. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of position-sensing
`devices 2 are organized in an arrays on a Substrate 1. The
`sensing devices 2 are formed in a semiconductor Substrate
`and thus are Small so that many hundreds, or thousands, are
`contained on the single Substrate 1. They are shown in
`enlarged form on FIG. 8 for purposes of illustration. As
`shown in FIG. 9, when the user places their finger 18
`adjacent the Substrate 1 the fingerprint sensing device 2
`determines the position of the finger 18 relative to the
`sensing device 2. In particular, it senses whether a ridge or
`a valley or some other feature of the fingerprint is adjacent
`the position sensor 2. It thus not only senses the presence of
`either a ridge or a valley but whether or not the finger 18 is
`Sufficiently close to register an input to the sensing device 2.
`Once a finger 18 is placed on the substrate 1, the logic unit
`7 in coordination with the vertical scan unit 6 and the
`horizontal scan unit 5 causes sensing to be performed at each
`individual sensing device 2. The sensing device 2 generates
`a signal and transmits it to the output 8. The signal is then
`monitored to perform other functions as explained elsewhere
`herein.
`A power supply 120 is also provided to provide regulated
`power the substrate 11. In the event the voltage supply
`includes only power regulator transistors, it may also be on
`the same Substrate 1 or on a separate Substrate as discussed
`later herein. Naturally, the power source itself, such as a
`battery or other voltage source 95, will not be located on the
`substrate but will be positioned elsewhere as shown with
`respect to FIGS. 4 and 5.
`The actual sensing of the finger 18 is performed according
`to one embodiment using the circuit of FIG. 9, which
`includes two plates 23, 24 of a capacitor for sensing the
`position of a finger 18. A feedback amplifier 13 is also
`provided having an input 16 and a reset switch 19 which is
`controlled according to the Supply unit 7. An input capacitor
`20 which is charged to a reference voltage from node 21 via
`power supply 95 may also be used.
`The circuit for sensing the presence of the finger, and in
`particular the ridges and valleys, may be performed by any
`acceptable sensing technique, and the particular circuit
`shown in FIG. 9 is not required to be used. The signals from
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
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`60
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`US 7,239,227 B1
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`5
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`10
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`5
`FIG. 3 illustrates possible input command directions 56
`and 58 for movement of the finger 18 on the substrate 1. As
`shown by arrow 58, the user may sweep their thumb from
`left to right at any position on the sensor 1. Such as near the
`bottom, near the middle, or on the top. Alternatively, the user
`may move their thumb from top to bottom or from the center
`outward, if the polar coordinate embodiment of FIG. 2E is
`in use. FIG. 3 illustrates, with arrow 56, the concept of first
`touch location and a last touch location. As can be seen by
`viewing the end of arrow 56, a user's finger first touched the
`array 2 in the center portion, group 50. The user's thumb
`then moved from the center portion in a 45° direction
`upward, crossing two segments, namely segments 52 and
`54. As shown by the raised arrowhead, the user's thumb left
`the substrate 1 in the upper right hand corner of segment 54,
`see, for example, FIG. 2E. Similarly, arrow 58 represents the
`user moving their thumb in a horizontal sweep to the left and
`right across the central portion of the substrate 1 with the
`users thumb going up, out of range of the sensor on both the
`left and right side during the Sweep.
`According to principles of the present invention, a user is
`able to provide commands to a system using merely motion
`of the thumb, or the finger (once again, recall that the thumb
`is classified as a finger for ease of reference. Indeed, in most
`embodiments, the user will find the thumb the most useful
`finger to use for the present invention, though this does not
`exclude the use of a finger or, for the disabled persons,
`without hands, the use of a toe or other identifiable append
`age). The sensor system 12 has stored therein a plurality of
`commands which have been preprogrammed, samples of
`which will now be provided. For this example, the sensor is
`used with an automobile. The sensor recognizes a location of
`a first touch as the finger enters contact with the Substrate,
`and the location of the last touch as the finger leaves the
`Substrate. The sensor also recognizes movement to one
`location or another while the finger is on the substrate. The
`user, the commands, and the input for Such commands can
`be any desired configuration as selected by the system
`designer or the user. For example, if the user enters the touch
`pad at the lower portion and exits at the upper portion, as
`would be expected from sweeping their thumb from the
`bottom to the top. This can indicate that the car should be
`locked. If the user sweeps their hand from the top to the
`bottom, this can indicate that the car should be unlocked.
`Movement from left to right can provide a command input
`to turn on the lights while movement from right to left can
`turn off the lights.
`Among the more useful commands which can be entered
`would be those to set the seat position to match the identity
`of the user who is about to enter the car. Other custom
`features may include setting the radio to the correct stations,
`setting the steering wheel to the proper location, or other
`commands which are specific to a user. Any number of other
`acceptable commands can be performed, such as roll-up
`windows, roll-down windows, roll down one or more par
`ticular selected windows, engage alarm system, disengage
`alarm system, and many others which need not be cata
`logued here but they all fall within the concept of the
`command interface using the fingerprint sensor system.
`A method of operation of the fingerprint sensor system
`60
`will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 8. A
`user presents their finger 18 to the substrate 1 which contains
`the sensing devices 2 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. The system
`performs the recognition sequence for a pattern match to
`determine if the fingerprint is a match to the pattern of a
`fingerprint previously stored for that of an authorized user.
`If there is a match, then the controller 7 authorizes the input
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`of a selected group of functions, such as those previously
`described. For example, following the correct identification
`of an authorized user, the user may then use finger move
`ments to unlock the doors as they approach the car. They
`may then use finger movements to change the seat to a
`selected position, which has been custom preset to them as
`an individual since the identity of the user is known from the
`fingerprint. Through other commands input through their
`thumb moving across the sensor array 2, they may input a
`desired temperature control system, whether heating or
`cooling, a radio station, or other custom details to them
`selves to begin operation as soon as the car is powered up.
`As can be appreciated, numerous other functions can also be
`performed following the fingerprint identification, such as
`enabling or disabling an alarm system, turning the lights on
`or off, or other selected functions some of which are
`customized to the particular user.
`According to principles of the present invention, a large
`number of functions can be performed prior to or in the
`absence of a fingerprint identification. For example, it is
`desired that the car will automatically lock itself, or turn the
`lights off, in the event of an attempted unauthorized use.
`Accordingly, Some of the functions according to the present
`invention are performed prior to the fingerprint identification
`taking place. Using the very same sensor elements 2 which
`also perform the fingerprint sensing. For example, according
`to principles of the present invention, locking of the car can
`be performed by random, rapid movement of a finger across
`the array in addition to being performed by movement in a
`selected location across the array. Similarly, the lights can be
`turned off by repeatedly holding a finger on the array. These
`functions can be performed in a silent fashion, so that the
`horn is not honked when the car is automatically locked
`prior to fingerprint recognition. Similarly, the windows can
`be rolled up, the lights turned off, or other basic service
`functions performed by any person holding the system 12
`prior to fingerprint recognition. However, fingerprint iden
`tification is required prior to performing certain selected
`secure functions.
`The usefulness of secure?unsecure grouping of functions
`can be appreciated in the following explanation. Assume, for
`example, that the present invention falls from the user's
`pocket in a parking lot. A passerby, picking up the sensing
`device, may attempt to activate the car, so as to locate and
`thus steal the automobile. If the person places their finger on
`the array, the only possible things they can do are those
`which make the car more secure. Such as locking the doors,
`setting the alarm or, alerting the car system that an unau
`thorized user is attempting repeated entry and thus can make
`itself more secure. For example, after repeated failures to
`recognize a print, it could send an alarm via radio transmitter
`from the automobile to a security company which can then
`alert the owner that someone is attempting to steal the car.
`Additionally, a user can hand the keys to a family member,
`Such as a son or a daughter, and ask them to lock the car or
`turn the lights off and roll the windows up using the remote
`sensing system. The person may not be an authorized driver
`of the vehicle, and thus their fingerprint pattern would not
`match an authorized user pattern. However, they would be
`able to perform routine functions, such as locking the doors,
`rolling up the windows and activating the alarm system.
`FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate possible configurations for the
`command interface system 12. A housing 60 includes the
`substrate 1 having an array 3 of sensor devices 2 formed
`thereon. A printed circuit board 62 supports the substrate 1
`to provide both physical mechanical Support and electrical
`connection. Waterproof seals 64 ensure that the sensor array
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`IPR2022-00602
`Apple EX1018 Page 10
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`US 7,239,227 B1
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`3 is not damaged by the weather, or other outdoor adverse
`conditions. The housing 60 includes a power supply 95 and
`a transmitter and/or receiver unit 110. For example, the
`receiver unit 110 may be used to receive customization
`controls, such as adding a user, changing the software
`commands, or the like.
`A controller 7 is connected to the PC board 62 and, in the
`embodiment shown, is connected to the same PC board,
`however on the back side. The housing 60 also includes the
`appropriate mounting, not shown, in order to Support and
`hold the power Supply, printed circuit board 62, and trans
`mitter/receiver in the correct orientation. According to the
`embodiment of FIG. 4, the controller 7, which has the
`circuits thereon to perform the sensing, recognition, storing
`of command sequences, reference fingerprint patterns, and
`the like.
`FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device
`of FIG. 4. According to this alternative embodiment, the
`housing 60 includes the power supply 100 and a transmitter
`112. In this embodiment, the same substrate 1 includes the
`sensor array 2, and the electronics for the controller 7. Thus,
`included on the single integrated circuit, are both the sensor
`elements, transmitter driving circuits, as well as the recog
`nition units and electronics to drive the transmitter. In some
`embodiments, it is preferred to have the control logic and
`drive transmitter circuits in a separate stand-alone substrate
`as shown in FIG. 4, while in other embodiments, having it
`as a single integrated circuit on the same Substrate 1 is
`preferred.
`FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical schematic of the circuit
`according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 4. The
`controller 7 is connected to sensor logic 68, which includes
`the sensor cells 2 and the appropriate drive logic, including
`the horizontal scan, the vertical scan, and output sensors, as
`previously described. It also is connected to the recognition
`logic 69, which has the appropriate memory for storing
`reference fingerprint patterns, as well as command
`sequences as previously described. The power supply 95
`provides power through a central control circuit 70, which is
`in the form of a microprocessor for performin