PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9224029-B2
Application Number: US-201313918221-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device switchable to a user-interface unlocked mode based upon a pattern of input motions and related methods

Abstract:
An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor, a display, and a processor coupled to the finger biometric sensor and the display. The processor may be switchable between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode. The processor may be capable of determining a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor and displaying an image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions. The processor may also be capable of switching between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code.

Claims:
That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a finger biometric sensor; 
 a display; and 
 a processor coupled to said finger biometric sensor and said display and being switchable between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode, said processor capable of
 determining a pattern of input motions on said finger biometric sensor, 
 displaying an image on said display corresponding to the pattern of input motions, and 
 switching between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is capable of determining spoof detection data based upon the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the spoof detection data comprises distortion data. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is capable of displaying the image on said display as a virtual combination lock responsive to the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of rotational movements. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of linear movements. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is capable of acquiring finger biometric match data and comparing the finger biometric match data with stored finger biometric enrollment data. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a user input device coupled to said processor; and wherein said processor, when in the user-interface unlocked mode, is capable of performing a corresponding device function responsive to said user input device. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein said user input device comprises a finger-operated input device carrying said finger biometric sensor. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transceiver coupled to said processor. 
     
     
       11. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a finger biometric sensor carried by said housing; 
 a display carried by said housing; 
 a wireless transceiver carried by said housing; 
 a user input device carried by said housing; and 
 a processor coupled to said finger biometric sensor, said display, said wireless transceiver, and said user input device, and being switchable between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode; 
 said processor capable of
 determining a pattern of input motions on said finger biometric sensor, 
 displaying an image on said display corresponding to the pattern of input motions, 
 switching between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code, and 
 performing a corresponding device function responsive to said user input device when in the user-interface unlocked mode. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein said processor is capable of determining spoof detection data based upon the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the spoof detection data comprises distortion data. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein said processor is capable of displaying the image on said display as a virtual combination lock responsive to the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of rotational movements. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of linear movements. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein said processor is capable of acquiring finger biometric match data and comparing the finger biometric match data with stored finger biometric enrollment data. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein said user input device comprises a finger-operated input device carrying said finger biometric sensor. 
     
     
       19. A method of switching between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode of an electronic device comprising a finger biometric sensor, a display, and a processor coupled to the finger biometric sensor and the display, the method comprising:
 using the processor to
 determine a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor, 
 display an image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions, and 
 switch between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising using the processor to determine spoof detection data based upon the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein the spoof detection data comprises distortion data. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the processor displays the image on the display as a virtual combination lock responsive to the pattern of input motions. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 22 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of rotational movements. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the stored pattern representing the user unlock code comprises a series of linear movements. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising using the processor to acquire finger biometric match data and compare the finger biometric match data with stored finger biometric enrollment data. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising using the processor, when in the user-interface unlocked mode, to perform a corresponding device function responsive to a user input device coupled to the processor.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of electronics, and, more particularly, to the field of finger sensors. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Fingerprint sensing and matching is a reliable and widely used technique for personal identification or verification. In particular, a common approach to fingerprint identification involves scanning a sample fingerprint or an image thereof and storing the image and/or unique characteristics of the fingerprint image. The characteristics of a sample fingerprint may be compared to information for reference fingerprints already in a database to determine proper identification of a person, such as for verification purposes. 
     A particularly advantageous approach to fingerprint sensing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,441 to Setlak and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The fingerprint sensor is an integrated circuit sensor that drives the user&#39;s finger with an electric field signal and senses the electric field with an array of electric field sensing pixels on the integrated circuit substrate. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,114 to Mainguet, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated in its entirety by reference, discloses a fingerprint sensor that includes a finger sensing integrated circuit (IC). The finger sensing IC includes a layer of piezoelectric or pyroelectric material placed between upper and lower electrodes to provide electric signals representative of an image of the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint. 
     A particularly advantageous approach to multi-biometric fingerprint sensing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,919 to Setlak, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated in its entirety by reference. The Setlak patent discloses a multi-biometric finger sensor sensing different biometric characteristics of a user&#39;s finger that have different matching selectivities. 
     A fingerprint sensor may be particularly advantageous for verification and/or authentication in an electronic device, and more particularly, a portable device, for example. Such a fingerprint sensor may be carried by the housing of a portable electronic device, for example, and may be sized to sense a fingerprint from a single-finger. Other fingerprint sensors, for example, a multi-function smart sensor expands touch-based functionality of touchscreen and QWERTY smartphones with a reduced impact on sensor performance or durability. Thus, a fingerprint sensor may be particularly advantageous for providing more convenient access to the electronic device without a password, for example, and, more particularly, without having to type the password, which is often time consuming. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0175703 to Benkley, III discloses an electronic imager using an impedance sensor grid array mounted on or about a switch. More particularly, Benkley, III discloses a switch being incorporated into a sensor assembly that allows integration of sensor operations, such as, fingerprint sensor operations. A fingerprint sensor can be used for authentication while being used together with a power switch or navigation selection switch. The authentication may be used to access the device entirely or access different levels of information. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,099 to Aoyama et al. discloses a portable terminal device, for example, a phone that includes a fingerprint sensor. An authentication unit may cooperate with the fingerprint sensor to unlock the device based upon a fingerprint authentication, a personal identification number (PIN) code, or a combination of a fingerprint authentication and the PIN code. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,046,721 to Chaudhri et al. discloses unlocking of a device by performing gestures on an unlocking image. More particularly, a device with a touch-sensitive display is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for the unlocking device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device having enhanced security and with convenient access. 
     This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by an electronic device that may include a finger biometric sensor and a display. The electronic device may also include a processor coupled to the finger biometric sensor and the display and being switchable between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode. The processor may be capable of determining a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor and displaying an image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions. The processor may also be capable of switching between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. Accordingly, the electronic device advantageously switches to a user-interface unlocked mode based upon a match of the input motions to the finger biometric sensor with a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. Thus, the electronic device may more quickly switch to the user-interface unlocked mode and while using the finger biometric sensor, for example which may also acquire finger biometric data based upon the input motions. 
     The processor may be capable of determining spoof detection data based upon the pattern of input motions, for example. The spoof detection data may include distortion data, for example. 
     The processor may be capable of displaying the image on the display as a virtual combination lock responsive to the pattern of input motions. The stored pattern representing the user unlock code may include a series of rotational movements, for example. The stored pattern representing the user unlock code may include a series of linear movements, for example. The processor may be capable of acquiring finger biometric match data and comparing the finger biometric match data with stored finger biometric enrollment data. 
     The electronic device may further include a user input device coupled to the processor. The processor, when in the user-interface unlocked mode, may be capable of performing a corresponding device function responsive to the user input device, for example. The user input device may include a finger-operated input device carrying the finger biometric sensor, for example. The electronic device may also include a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor. 
     A method aspect is directed to a method of switching between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode of an electronic device that includes a finger biometric sensor, a display, and a processor coupled to the finger, biometric sensor and the display. The method may include using the processor to determine a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor and display an image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions. The method may also include using the processor to switch between the user-interface locked mode and the user-interface unlocked mode when the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an electronic device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart of a method of switching between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method of switching between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode using the electronic device of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart of a method of switching between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode using the electronic device of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9   a - 9   c  are plan views of the electronic device of  FIG. 9  displaying a virtual combination lock. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 11   a - 11   c  are plan views of the electronic device of  FIG. 10  displaying an image corresponding to a series of linear movements. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation and multiple prime notation are used to indicate like elements in different embodiments. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an electronic device  20  is now described. The electronic device  20  illustratively includes a portable housing  21  and a processor  22  carried by the portable housing. The electronic device  20  is illustratively a mobile wireless communications device, for example, a cellular telephone. The electronic device  20  may be another type of electronic device, for example, a tablet computer, laptop computer, etc. 
     A wireless transceiver  25  (e.g. cellular, WLAN Bluetooth, etc.) is also carried within the housing  21  and coupled to the processor  22 . The wireless transceiver  25  cooperates with the processor  22  to perform at least one wireless communications function, for example, for voice and/or data. In some embodiments, the electronic device  20  may not include a wireless transceiver  25 . 
     A display  23  is also carried by the portable housing  21  and is coupled to the processor  22 . The display  23  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, or may be another type of display, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. A memory  26  is also coupled to the processor  22 . 
     A finger-operated user input device  24 , illustratively in the form of a pushbutton switch, is also carried by the portable housing  21  and is coupled to the processor  22 . The pushbutton switch  24  cooperates with the processor  22  to perform a device function in response to the pushbutton switch. For example, a device function may include a powering on or off of the electronic device  20 , initiating communication via the wireless communications circuitry  25 , and/or performing a menu function. 
     More particularly, with respect to a menu function, the processor  22  may change the display  23  to show a menu of available applications based upon pressing of the pushbutton switch  24 . In other words, the pushbutton switch  24  may be a home switch or button, or key. Of course, other device functions may be performed based upon the pushbutton switch  24 . In some embodiments, the finger-operated user input device  24  may be a different type of finger-operated user input device, for example, forming part of a touch screen display. Other or additional finger-operated user input devices may be carried by the portable housing  21 . 
     The processor  22  is switchable between a user-interface locked mode and a user-interface unlocked mode. More particularly, in the user-interface locked mode, the processor  22  may restrict corresponding device operations of the pushbutton switch  24  or other user input device. For example, in the user-interface locked mode, operation of the pushbutton switch may turn on the display  23  with a message that the device is locked, while in the user-interface unlocked mode, operation of the pushbutton switch may perform the corresponding device function, for example, a home function, as noted above. Of course, in the user-interface locked mode additional or other user-input devices may be inoperative or may not perform the corresponding function as in the user-interface unlocked mode. 
     A finger biometric sensor  30  is carried by the pushbutton switch  24  to sense a user&#39;s finger  40  or an object placed adjacent the finger biometric sensor. The finger biometric sensor  30  is carried by the pushbutton switch  24  so that when a user contacts and/or presses downward on the pushbutton switch, data from the user&#39;s finger  40  is acquired, for example, for finger matching and/or spoof detection, as will described in further detail below. In other words, the finger biometric sensor  30  may be responsive to static contact or placement of the user&#39;s finger  40  or object. Of course, in other embodiments, for example, where the finger biometric sensor  30  is not carried by a pushbutton switch, the finger biometric sensor may be a slide sensor and may be responsive to sliding contact, or the finger biometric sensor may be a standalone static placement sensor. The finger biometric sensor  30  may also be carried adjacent the display  23 . 
     Referring now additionally to the flowchart  60  in  FIG. 3 , further details of operation of an embodiment of the electronic device  20  are now described. Beginning at Block  62 , the processor  22  determines a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor  30  (Block  64 ). In other words, the processor  22  determines a pattern of input motions of the user&#39;s finger  40  from adjacent the finger biometric sensor  30 . In some embodiments, the processor  22  may cooperate with the display  23  to prompt the user to position the user&#39;s finger  40  adjacent the finger biometric sensor  30  for determining of the pattern of input motions. 
     At Block  66 , the processor  22  displays an image corresponding to the pattern of input motions. The processor determines, at Block  68 , whether the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code. The stored pattern representing the user unlock code may be stored in the memory  26 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. If the processor  22  determines that the pattern of input motions matches the stored pattern, the processor switches to the user-interface unlocked mode from the user-interface locked mode (Block  70 ). If, however, the processor  22  determines that the pattern of input motions does not match the stored pattern representing the unlock code, the electronic device  20  remains in the user-interface locked mode and the processor may again determine a pattern of input-motions on the finger biometric sensor  30  (Block  64 ). In some embodiments, after a threshold number of unsuccessful attempts to switch between the user-interface locked mode to the user-interface unlocked mode, the processor may stop determining a pattern of input motions. In other words, the user may be locked out of the electronic device  20  after a threshold number of unsuccessful unlock code attempts. 
     The processor  22  may display a message  27  on the display  23  that the device  20  has been switched from the user-interface locked mode to the user-interface unlocked mode (Block  72 ) ( FIG. 1 ). The message  27  may be displayed for threshold time period, for example, a few seconds. Alternatively, the processor  22  may display a “home” screen without any banner or indication that the device  20  is in the user-interface locked mode, for example, when the processor performs the device function corresponding to the operation of the pushbutton switch. 
     In some embodiments, in the user-interface unlocked mode, the processor  22  may perform the corresponding device function responsive to the pushbutton switch  24 . For example, the processor  22  may perform a home or menu function based upon operation of the pushbutton switch  24 , which would not be performed in the user-interface locked mode. The method ends at Block  74 . 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 4  and the flowchart  60 ′ in  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of the electronic device  20 ′ and operation thereof are now described. After determining the pattern of input motions of the finger biometric sensor  30 ′ as described above with respect to  FIG. 4  (Block  64 ′), and display an image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions (Block  66 ′), the processor  22 ′ also cooperates with the finger biometric sensor  30 ′ to determine spoof detection data based upon the input motions (Block  67 ′). The spoof detection data may include distortion data. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as the user&#39;s finger  40 ′ moves relative to the finger biometric sensor  30 ′ when determining the pattern of input motions, the user&#39;s finger distorts. Thus, the spoof detection data, for example, the distortion data, may be used by the processor  22 ′ to determine whether the user&#39;s finger  40 ′ is representative of a live-finger or a spoof finger based upon the spoof detection data, and more particularly, the distortion of the user&#39;s finger. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a live finger has certain biometric or other characteristics that allow differentiation with a spoof finger, and data representative of these characteristic may be used to determine whether a live finger has in fact been placed adjacent the finger biometric sensor  30 ′. 
     Of course, the spoof detection data may further include other types of data, and the processor  22 ′ may determine the spoof detection data using any of a number of spoof detection techniques. For example, in one example spoof detection technique, the spoof detection data may include complex impedance data. The processor  22 ′ may perform the spoof detection based upon acquired complex impedance data. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a live finger has a complex impedance that can be distinguished from the complex impedance of a spoof finger. Further details of using complex impedance data for spoof detection are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,526 to Setlak, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, and the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     The processor  22 ′ may determine the spoof detection data in parallel with or at the same time as displaying an image on the display  23 ′ corresponding to the pattern of input motions (Block  66 ′). In other words, while the spoof detection data is illustratively determined after the displaying the image, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these steps may be performed in parallel with each other or with additional or other method steps or processor functions. 
     If, at Block  67 ′, the spoof detection data is determined to be representative of a live finger, the processor  22 ′ determines, at Block  68 ′, whether the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern representing a user unlock code and, based upon a match, switches to the user-interface unlocked mode from the user-interface locked mode similarly to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3  (Block  70 ′). If, however, the processor  22 ′ determines that the pattern of input motions does not match the stored pattern representing the unlock code, and/or the determined spoof detection data is representative of a spoof finger, the electronic device  20 ′ remains in the user-interface locked mode and the processor may again determine a pattern of input motions on the finger biometric sensor  30 ′ (Block  64 ′). In some embodiments, after a threshold number of unsuccessful attempts to switch between the user-interface locked mode to the user-interface unlocked mode, the processor  22 ′ may stop determining a pattern of input motions. 
     In some embodiments, the processor  22 ′ may generate or determine a spoof score based upon the spoof detection data and determine whether the acquired spoof detection data is representative of a live finger based upon the spoof score relative to a threshold. The threshold may be adjusted based upon a desired sensitivity or level of security, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the spoof detection data may also be determined via operation of the pushbutton switch  24 ′. However, the corresponding device function may not be performed responsive to the operation of the pushbutton switch  24 ′. In other embodiments, for example, where the finger biometric sensor  30 ′ is a slide sensor, the spoof detection data may be acquired upon sliding contact with the user&#39;s finger or object. The method ends at Block  72 ′. 
     Referring now additionally to  FIG. 6  and the flowchart  60 ″ in  FIG. 7 , further details of operation of another embodiment of the electronic device  20 ″ are now described. In the present embodiment and with respect to the embodiment described above with the respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the processor  22 ″ also cooperates with the finger biometric sensor  30 ″ to acquire finger biometric match data (Block  74 ″). The finger biometric match data may be acquired based upon the determining of the pattern of input motions (Block  64 ″). Of course, the finger biometric match data may be acquired via a subsequent contact, e.g., sliding or static, of the user&#39;s finger  40 ″ or an object adjacent the finger biometric sensor  30 ″. 
     The acquired finger biometric match data may include fingerprint data, and more particularly, fingerprint minutae data, ridge and/or valley fingerprint image data, ridge flow data, finger pore data, etc. For example, the finger biometric sensor  30 ″ may be a finger sensor as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,441 to Setlak and/or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,927,581 to Gozzini, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     After displaying the image corresponding to the pattern of input motions (Block  66 ″) and determining whether the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern (Block  68 ″), the processor  22 ″, at Block  76 ″, compares the acquired finger biometric match data with stored finger biometric enrollment data stored in the memory  26 ″. The stored finger biometric enrollment data may also be fingerprint data, for example, as noted above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the stored finger biometric enrollment data may acquired by any enrollment technique. In some embodiments, the processor  22 ″ may prompt the user, via the display  23 ″, subsequent to determining the pattern of input motions and displaying the image on the display corresponding to the pattern of input motions, to place the user&#39;s finger adjacent the finger biometric sensor  30 ″ for matching. 
     The processor  22 ″ may, upon a match between the acquired finger biometric match data and the stored finger biometric enrollment data, enable additional functionality (Block  78 ″). If the processor  22 ″ does not find a match between the acquired finger biometric match data and the stored finger biometric enrollment data, the functionality of the electronic device  20 ″ may be limited or not function at all. The processor  22 ″ may also load user preferences corresponding to the user based upon a match of the finger biometric match data. Moreover, if, for example, a match is not found between the acquired finger biometric match data and the stored finger biometric enrollment data, the processor  22 ″ may prompt the user to enroll finger biometric enrollment data (Block BO″). The method ends at Block  84 ″. 
     The processor  22 ″ may acquire the finger biometric match data and compare the acquired finger biometric match data with or at the same time as displaying an image on the display  23 ″ corresponding to the pattern of input motions (Block  66 ″) and determining whether the pattern of input motions matches a stored pattern (Block  68 ″). In other words, while the finger biometric match data is illustratively acquired and compared after the displaying the image and determining a match with the user unlock code, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these steps may be performed in parallel with each other or with additional or other method steps or processor functions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 , and  9   a - 9   c , in another embodiment, the processor  122  displays an image on the display  123  to correspond to a pattern of input motions that is illustratively in the form of a virtual combination lock  151 . The processor  122  determines a pattern of input motions, for example, a pattern or series of rotational movements, on the finger biometric sensor  130 . 
     The processor  122  cooperates with the finger biometric sensor  130  so that the virtual combination lock image  151  is responsive to the pattern of input motions or rotational movements. In other words, the virtual tumbler of the virtual combination lock image  151  rotates corresponding to rotation of the user&#39;s finger  140  adjacent the finger biometric sensor  130 . The user unlock code may correspond, for example, correspond to a left rotational movement or turn to a first number ( FIG. 9   a ), followed by a right rotational movement or turn to a second number ( FIG. 9   b ), and followed by another left rotational movement to a third number ( FIG. 9   c ). This operation is similar to that of a combination lock, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     If, as described above, the pattern or series of rotational movements matches a stored pattern or stored series of rotational movements, the processor  122  switches to the user-interface unlocked mode. An indication  127  that the electronic device  120  has been switched from the user-interface locked mode to the user-interface unlocked mode may be displayed on the display  123 . 
     Similar to the embodiments described above, a housing  121  carries the processor  122  and the pushbutton switch  124 . A display  123 , memory  126 , and a wireless transceiver  125  are coupled to the processor  122 . The finger biometric sensor  130  may be carried by the pushbutton switch  124  and is also coupled to the processor  122 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 , and  11   a - 11   c , in another embodiment, the processor  222  displays an image on the display  223  to correspond to a pattern of input motions that is illustratively in the form of connection points  252   a - 252   i  to be connected with a pattern of input motions. 
     The processor  222  determines a pattern of input motions, for example, a pattern or series of linear movements, on the finger biometric sensor  230  to connect the connection points in a pattern that representing the user unlock code. 
     The processor  222  cooperates with the finger biometric sensor  230  so that the connection points  252   a - 252   i  are responsive to the pattern of input motions, for example, by displaying a trace highlighting movement of the user&#39;s finger  240 . For example, the user unlock code may correspond to a movement from the first connection point  252   a  through the second connection point  252   b  ( FIG. 11   a ) and to the eighth connection point  252   h  ( FIG. 11   c ) via the fifth connection point  252   e  ( FIG. 11   b ). Of course, the connection points  252   a - 252   i  may be responsive to the input movements by highlighting, e.g. bolding, connection points in the pattern of input motions. 
     If, as described above, the pattern or series of linear movements matches a stored pattern or stored series of linear movements, the processor  222  switches to the user-interface unlocked mode. An indication  227  that the electronic device  220  has been switched from the user-interface locked mode to the user-interface unlocked mode may be displayed on the display  223 . 
     Similar to the embodiments described above, a housing  221  carries the processor  222  and the pushbutton switch  224 . A display  223 , memory  226 , and a wireless transceiver  225  are coupled to the processor  222 . The finger biometric sensor  230  may be carried by the pushbutton switch  224  and is also coupled to the processor  222 . 
     It will be appreciated that while two different images corresponding to two different types of input motions have been described, any type of image may be displayed that corresponds to any type of or combination of input motions. For example, the processor  22  may determine a pattern of input motions that may include both rotational movements and linear movements, and one or more images corresponding to both the rotational and linear movements may be displayed on the display  23 . 
     It should be understood that while the embodiments described may be particularly useful for both spoof detecting and matching operations, the matching operation may be performed independently of the spoof detecting operation, and vice versa. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130614
Publication Date: 20151229
Grant Date: 20151229
Priority Date: 20130614
Inventors: SETLAK DALE R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F21/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K9/00013", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K9/00899", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F21/32", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52019265