PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11727718-B2
Application Number: US-201916583072-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Light recognition module for determining a user of a computing device

Abstract:
This application relates to a laptop computer. The laptop computer includes a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion is described. The laptop computer includes a display assembly carried by the lid portion, where the display assembly includes a light-transmissive cover, a display layer overlaid by the light-transmissive cover, a display stack electrically coupled to and overlaid by the display layer, and a light pattern recognition module adjacent to the display stack and overlaid by the display layer. The light pattern recognition module includes (i) a light pattern projector that projects a light pattern directly through the display layer.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A laptop computer having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion, the laptop computer comprising:
 a display assembly carried by the lid portion, the display assembly including:
 a light-transmissive cover; 
 a display layer overlaid by the light-transmissive cover; 
 a display stack electrically coupled to the display layer, the display stack comprising at least one of a film, a light guide plate, or a reflector, the display stack being overlaid by the display layer and the light-transmissive cover; and 
 a light pattern recognition module positioned adjacent to an edge of the display stack and overlaid by the display layer and the light-transmissive cover, wherein the light pattern recognition module includes a light pattern projector that projects a light pattern directly through the display layer and the light-transmissive cover. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein the light pattern recognition module further includes:
 a light pattern detector that (i) detects a portion of the projected light pattern that is reflected back from an object external to the display assembly and through the display layer, and (ii) generates a detection signal based on the reflected portion of the projected light pattern. 
 
     
     
       3. The laptop computer of  claim 2 , wherein the light pattern recognition module further includes:
 a controller capable of (i) receiving the detection signal from the light pattern detector, and (ii) comparing the reflected portion of the projected light pattern to a target pattern of light. 
 
     
     
       4. The laptop computer of  claim 3 , wherein the base portion carries a processor, and the
 controller is capable of (i) generating an indication signal when the reflected portion of the projected light pattern corresponds to the target pattern of light, and (ii) transmitting the indication signal to the processor. 
 
     
     
       5. The laptop computer of  claim 4 , wherein, in response to the processor receiving the indication signal, the processor is capable of executing a function. 
     
     
       6. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein the light pattern projected by the light pattern projector is infrared light (IR) or near-IR light. 
     
     
       7. The laptop computer of  claim 4 , wherein the light pattern recognition module further includes a camera that is capable of (i) generating an image of the object, and (ii) providing the image to the processor. 
     
     
       8. The laptop computer of  claim 1 , wherein the display assembly further includes:
 a color filter; and 
 a polarizer, wherein the display layer overlays the color filter and the polarizer. 
 
     
     
       9. A portable computing device including a first housing portion pivotally coupled to a second housing portion, the portable computing device comprising:
 a processor capable of providing instructions; 
 a display layer in communication with the processor and capable of executing a function based on the instructions provided by the processor; 
 a display stack in communication with the processor and having a notch formed therein; and 
 a light pattern recognition module disposed in the notch and overlaid by the display layer and in communication with the processor, wherein the light pattern recognition module includes:
 a light pattern emitter capable of emitting a pattern of light towards an object, and 
 a light pattern detector capable of detecting a reflected pattern of light when the emitted pattern of light is reflected by the object so that: (i) when the light pattern detector determines that the reflected pattern of light corresponds to a target pattern of light, the processor provides a first set of instructions to the display layer for executing a first function; otherwise (ii) the processor provides a second set of instructions to the display layer for executing a second function different than the first function. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a bracket assembly carried by the second housing portion, wherein the bracket assembly carries the light pattern recognition module. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device of  claim 10 ,
 wherein the bracket assembly is disposed within the notch. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device of  claim 11 , wherein the display layer includes light-emitting diodes or liquid crystals. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the display stack has a first height, and the bracket assembly has a second height that is less than the first height. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a pivot mechanism that is coupled to the light pattern emitter, wherein the pivot mechanism is capable of pivoting the light pattern emitter so as to adjust a direction of the pattern of light. 
 
     
     
       15. A portable computing device comprising:
 a housing having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion, wherein the lid portion carries operational components that include:
 a controller; 
 a display stack electrically coupled to the controller and having a notch formed therein; 
 a light pattern detection module in communication with the controller and carried by a bracket assembly, wherein the bracket assembly is disposed within the notch in the display stack; and 
 a display layer that overlays the display stack and the light pattern detection module. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the light pattern detection module includes:
 a light pattern emitter capable of emitting a pattern of light towards an object; and 
 a light pattern detector capable of (i) detecting a reflected pattern of light when the emitted pattern of light is reflected by the object, and (ii) transmitting a detection signal based upon the reflected pattern of light to the controller. 
 
     
     
       17. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the bracket assembly is secured to the housing by at least one of a weld, an adhesive, a fastener, a boss or thermal glue. 
     
     
       18. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the controller is capable of determining whether the reflected pattern of light corresponds to a target pattern of light. 
     
     
       19. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the display stack includes:
 display films; 
 a light guide plate; and 
 a reflector. 
 
     
     
       20. The portable computing device of  claim 19 , wherein the display stack has a first height, and the bracket assembly has a second height that is less than the first height of the display stack.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/737,021, entitled “LIGHT RECOGNITION MODULE FOR DETERMINING A USER OF A COMPUTING DEVICE,” filed Sep. 26, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a biometric authentication module for authenticating a user of a portable computing device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to a light pattern recognition module that is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light at the user, and subsequently detecting a pattern of light that is reflected by the user for authenticating the user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in computing devices have enabled users to perform a variety of complex functions such as internet browsing, chatting, word processing, graphic design, video editing, and so forth. However, by performing these complex functions, sensitive data associated with these users may be gathered and/or stored by these computing devices. To prevent unauthorized users from accessing this sensitive data, these computing devices may incorporate systems and mechanisms for authenticating users. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a biometric authentication module for authenticating a user of a portable computing device. In particular, the various embodiments relate to a light pattern recognition module that is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light at the user, and subsequently detecting a pattern of light that is reflected by the user for authenticating the user. 
     According to some embodiments, a laptop computer having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion is described. The laptop computer includes a display assembly carried by the lid portion, where the display assembly includes a light-transmissive cover, a display layer overlaid by the light-transmissive cover, a display stack electrically coupled to and overlaid by the display layer, and a light pattern recognition module adjacent to the display stack and overlaid by the display layer. The light pattern recognition module includes a light pattern projector that projects a light pattern directly through the display layer. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable computing device including a first housing portion pivotally coupled to a second housing portion, is described. The portable computing device includes a processor capable of providing instructions, a display layer in communication with the processor and capable of executing a function based on the instructions provided by the processor, and a light pattern recognition module overlaid by the display layer and in communication with the processor. The light pattern recognition module includes a light pattern emitter capable of emitting a pattern of light towards an object, and a light pattern detector capable of detecting a reflected pattern of light when the emitted pattern of light is reflected by the object so that: (i) when the light pattern detector determines that the reflected pattern of light corresponds to a target pattern of light, the processor provides a first set of instructions to the display layer for executing a first function; otherwise (ii) the processor provides a second set of instructions to the display layer for executing a second function different than the first function. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable computing device is described. The portable computing device includes a housing having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion, where the lid portion carries operational components that include a controller, a display stack electrically coupled to the controller and having a notch formed therein, a light pattern detection module in communication with the controller and carried by a bracket assembly, where the bracket assembly is disposed within the notch in the display stack, and a display layer that overlays the display stack and the light pattern detection module. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  illustrate various perspective views of a portable computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate various embodiments of a light pattern recognition module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate cross-sectional views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  illustrate various views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a magnified back view of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate side views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a portable computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  11 - 12    illustrate various views of a computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a flowchart of a method for executing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a system diagram of a computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The embodiments described herein relate generally to a system for recognizing a user of a computing device. In particular, the various embodiments relate to a light pattern recognition module that is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light at the user, and subsequently detecting a pattern of light that is reflected by the user for authenticating the user. 
     Recent advances in computing devices have enabled users to perform a variety of complex functions such as internet browsing, chatting, word processing, graphic design, video editing, and so forth. However, by performing these complex functions, sensitive data associated with these users may be gathered and/or stored by these computing devices. To prevent unauthorized users from accessing this sensitive data, these computing devices may incorporate systems and mechanisms for authenticating users. In some examples, the systems may implement authentication schemes for authenticating users. However, due to the amount of limited space available with internal cavities of these computing devices, these authentication schemes should be compact (or have thin profiles) without sacrificing accuracy of user recognition. 
     To cure the aforementioned deficiencies, the systems and technique described herein relate to a light pattern recognition module that may be incorporated within a computing device (e.g., a laptop computer, a notebook, a desktop computer, etc.). In particular, the light pattern recognition module includes a light emitter that is capable of projecting a predetermined pattern of light (e.g., infrared light) and a light detector that is capable of detecting a pattern of light caused by reflection of the predetermined pattern of light from an object (e.g., a user). The light pattern recognition module includes a controller that is capable of comparing the predetermined pattern of light to a target pattern of light. Although the systems and techniques described herein are described with relation to recognizing users and/or authenticating users, the systems and techniques may also be applicable to capturing face gestures and emotions, video chatting, generating emoji, encrypting data, unlocking the computing device, supplementing passwords, differentiating different users, and the like. 
     According to some embodiments, a laptop computer having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion is described. The laptop computer includes a display assembly carried by the lid portion, where the display assembly includes a light-transmissive cover, a display layer overlaid by the light-transmissive cover, a display stack electrically coupled to and overlaid by the display layer, and a light pattern recognition module adjacent to the display stack and overlaid by the display layer. The light pattern recognition module includes a light pattern projector that projects a light pattern directly through the display layer. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 14   ; however, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  illustrate various views of a portable computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the portable computing device includes a biometric authentication module that is capable of authenticating a user of the portable computing device.  FIG.  1 A  illustrates a front facing perspective view of a portable computing device  100  (e.g., a laptop computer), in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  100  includes a base portion  120 -B (also referred to as a lower case, a base, and the like), which is pivotally and/or rotatably coupled to a lid portion  120 -A (also referred to as a display lid, an upper case, and the like). The base portion  120 -B and the lid portion  120 -A may refer to different sections of an enclosure  120  of the portable electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the lid portion  120 -A pivots and/or rotates with respect to the base portion  120 -B with respect to a hinge  104 . In particular, the hinge  104  may include a clutch assembly capable of pivoting the lid portion  120 -A with respect to the base portion  120 -B. The lid portion  120 -A may pivot with respect to the base portion  120 -B between a closed position and an open position by using the hinge  104 . According to some examples, the closed position may correspond to an angle between an internal surface of the lid portion  120 -A and an internal surface of the base portion  120 -B that is less than 1°. According to some examples, the open position may correspond to an angle between the internal surface of the lid portion  120 -A and the internal surface of the base portion  120 -B that is greater than 1°. It should be noted that the open and closed positions may correspond to any predetermined angle. 
     According to some embodiments, the lid portion  120 -A includes a housing  110  that carries a display layer  102 . The housing  110  may be backed by a rear cover  112 . The walls of the housing  110  of the lid portion  1120 -A may define a cavity that is capable of carrying operational components (e.g., camera, display, light pattern recognition module, etc.). The base portion  120 -B includes one or more input devices, such as a keyboard  140  or a touchpad  130  or a multi-function panel  160 , any of which is capable of receiving input from a user. The base portion  120 -B and the  120 -A may each be formed from an enclosure that defines a cavity capable of carrying components. In some embodiments, cables (e.g., flex cables, etc.) may electrically couple the components of the lid and base portions  120 -A, B. 
     According to some examples, the lid portion  120 -A and/or the base portion  120 -B may have a unibody construction (i.e., formed from a single piece of metal). According to some examples, the lid portion  120 -A and/or the base portion  120 -B may be formed of a combination of at least one of metal (e.g., aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.), polymers (e.g., plastic, etc.), graphite fibers, glass, RF-transparent materials, and the like. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable computing device  100  includes a light pattern recognition module  150 . In particular, the light pattern recognition module  150  is included and/or carried within a partition  152  that may be disposed adjacent to the display layer  102 . In some examples, the partition  152  may be disposed above the display layer  102 . In other examples, the partition  152  is disposed below the display layer  102  and/or along the sides of the display layer  102 . In some examples, the partition  152  is a notch, a circle, an ellipse, a polygonal shape, a series of polygonal shapes, a curvilinear shape, or the like. 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates a front view of the portable computing device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  1 B  illustrates that the portable computing device  100  includes a partition  152  disposed above the display layer  102 . The partition  152  may carry the light pattern recognition module  150 . A protective cover  154  may overlay the display layer  102 . Additionally, in some examples, the protective cover  154  may overlay the light pattern recognition module  150 . As illustrated in  FIG.  1 B , the portable computing device  100  includes a reference section A-A, a cross-section B-B, and a cross-section C-C, as will be described in more detail herein. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate various embodiments of a light pattern recognition module. In some examples, the light pattern recognition module may refer to the light pattern recognition module  150  as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . In particular,  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate various embodiments of light pattern recognition modules  200 -A, B, C as taken along the cross-section A-A of the portable computing device  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1 B . 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates a light pattern recognition module  200 -A, in accordance with some embodiments. The light pattern recognition module  200 -A includes a bracket assembly  212  that is secured to the housing  110 . In some examples, the housing  110  includes a recess or channel that is capable of receiving the bracket assembly  212 . In some examples, the bracket assembly  212  is secured to the housing  110  by at least one of a laser weld, an adhesive, a fastener, a boss, a thermal glue, and the like. The bracket assembly  212  may be generally elongated to extend across a width of the rear cover  112 . The bracket assembly  212  may be formed of a rigid material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, etc.) and/or plastic. In particular, in order for the light pattern recognition module  200 -A to provide accurate recognition of the user and/or object, the light pattern recognition module  200 -A and its respective operational components should be secured and prevented from moving when a load is applied to the rear cover  112 . 
     The bracket assembly  212  includes various operational components, with each operational component providing a specific function. The light pattern recognition module  200 -A includes a light dot projector  230  that is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light (e.g., IR light) towards an object that is external to the portable computing device  100 . The light dot projector  230  may emit a pattern of light dots onto the object in order to form a depth map (or three-dimensional map) of the surface of the object. In some examples, the pattern of light is in a near-infrared or infrared (IR) light. In particular, the light dot projector  230  is capable of emitting multiple light rays that may not be in the visible light spectrum. As the pattern of light hits the surface of the object, the light is reflected back towards the light pattern recognition module  200 -A at various angles of incidence. 
     In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  200 -A includes a flood illuminator module  222  that is capable of illuminating the object during low light conditions. For example, the light pattern recognition module  200 -A may include a sensor that is capable of determining an amount of light incident and/or proximate to the light pattern recognition module  200 -A in order to determine whether the flood illuminator module  222  is necessary. If the sensor detects low light, then the flood illuminator module  222  illuminates the object with a spread of light. 
     The light pattern recognition module  200 -A further includes a first camera module  220  that is capable of capturing an image of the object. In some examples, the first camera module  220  is capable of capturing a pattern of light (e.g., infrared (IR), or near IR) that is reflected by the object as a result of being illuminated with the light dot projector  230 . As noted above, the light dot projector  230  emits multiple light rays at the object, which are subsequently reflected by the surface of the object at various angles. The first camera module  220  generally has a field of view (FOV) that is sufficient to capture at least a majority of the reflected pattern of light. In some examples, the FOV is at least 30° or greater. In other examples, the FOV is at least 60° or greater. In some examples, the first camera module  220  may include a filter that is capable of filtering out other types of light (i.e., non-IR light, etc.). In this manner, the first camera module  220  permits for only light that was emitted by the light dot projector  230  to be detected. 
     In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  200 -A further includes a second camera module  224  that is capable of capturing an image of the object. In contrast to the first camera module  220 , the second camera module  224  largely captures light within the visible wavelength spectrum in order to form a two-dimensional image of the object. In some examples, the second camera module  224  detects light according to the red, blue, and green (RGB) color space. 
     The bracket assembly  212  also includes a camera indicator light  228 . In some examples, the bracket assembly  212  also includes a proximity sensor that is capable of detecting whether an object is proximate to the protective cover  154  and/or the display layer  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . If an object is detected, then the proximity sensor may cause the display layer  102  to deactivate. The bracket assembly  212  further includes an ambient light sensor  226  that is capable of determining an amount of ambient light surrounding the portable electronic device  100 . For example, in response to detecting a large amount of ambient light, the ambient light sensor  226  may provide a signal that causes a controller to increase the brightness of the screen generated by the display layer  102 . 
     Additionally, the bracket assembly  212  includes partitions  214  that are recessed into the bracket assembly  212 . Each of the partitions  214  is capable of carrying a printed circuit board  232  that is capable of providing electrical traces, circuits, current, and wiring to the various modules of the light pattern recognition module  200 -A. The printed circuit board  232  is electrically coupled to a controller. 
     In some embodiments, the controller carried on the printed circuit board  232  is capable of receiving detection signals from the first and second camera modules  220 ,  224  that include the three-dimensional map and the two-dimensional image, respectively. The controller is capable of processing the pattern of light as reflected off the object. Additionally, in order to determine spatial relationships of the various features of the object, the controller is capable of combining the two-dimensional image of the object (as determined by the second camera module  224 ) with the three-dimensional depth map of the object (as determined by the first camera module  220 ) to form a three-dimensional profile of the object. In this manner, the light pattern recognition module  200 -A is capable of performing a facial recognition task of a face of the user of the portable computing device  100 . 
     Additionally, the controller is capable of providing a high current from a power supply (not illustrated) of the portable computing device  100  to the light dot projector  230 . Indeed, in order to emit near-IR or IR light, the light dot projector  230  requires consumption of a large amount of energy. In this manner, the controller provides the high current to the light dot projector  230 . Further, the controller is generally disposed adjacent or in proximity to the light dot projector  230  in order to ensure that there is minimal current loss while transmitting the current from the controller to the light dot projector  230 . 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a perspective view of a light-detection module  200 -B, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the light-detection module  200 -B does not include the various modules—e.g., the light dot projector  230 —within the bracket assembly  212 . Instead the light-detection module  200 -B includes the various cut-outs that are formed into the bracket assembly  212  for carrying the various modules. As an example,  FIG.  2 B  illustrates that the bracket assembly  212  is generally elongated and includes partitions  214  that are cut into the material of the bracket assembly  212  for carrying the printed circuit board  232 . 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates a perspective view of a light-detection module  200 -C, in accordance with some embodiments. The light-detection module  200 -C is similar to the light-detection module  200 -A except that the bracket assembly  212  of the light-detection module  200 -C includes attachment features  250  that secure the bracket assembly  212  to the rear cover  112  and/or the housing  110 . In some examples, the attachment features  250  may include a combination of a laser weld, bosses, fasteners, thermal adhesive, and the like. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the portable computing device. In particular, the portable computing device may refer to the portable computing device  100 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . In particular,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  illustrate cross-sectional views of the various embodiments of the portable computing device  100  as taken along the cross-section B-B.  FIG.  3 C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable computing device  100  as taken along the cross-section C-C. 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable computing device  300 -A, in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  300 -A includes a housing  110  having a cavity  304  that is capable of carrying a display stack  320 . The display stack  320  includes a polarizer  312 , a color filter  314 , and a display layer  316 . The display stack  320  may be overlaid by a protective cover  310 . The protective cover  310  may be light-transmissive to allow a combination of at least one of visible light or IR light pass through. In some examples, the display layer  316  includes a liquid crystal display (LCD). In some examples, if the display layer  316  is a light-emitting diode (LED) layer, then the display stack  320  may also include a backlight layer (not illustrated). The display stack  320  may further include an anti-reflective disk  318 . In some examples, the protective cover  310  may include insulating material (e.g., glass, etc.) that minimizes thermal energy generated by the light pattern recognition module  350  from reaching the display stack  320 . In some examples, the anti-reflective disk is disposed behind the aperture of the second camera module  224 . 
     A masking portion  302  of the housing  110  may mask a portion of the display stack  320  such as to prevent any visual artifacts (e.g., light bleed, etc.) from being visible to the user of the portable computing device. For example, if the display layer  316  is an LED layer, then the masking portion  302  may block out portions of the backlight layer. 
     Additionally, the housing  110  is capable of securing the display stack  320  within the cavity  304 . In some examples, the display stack  320  may be secured to the housing  110  with an attachment feature, such as an adhesive. In this manner, the housing  110  also prevents the display stack  320  from oscillating. Furthermore, the housing  110  also increases the stiffness and rigidity of the display stack  320  by securing the display stack  320  to the housing  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , a light pattern recognition module  350  is disposed below the display stack  320 . Indeed, the cavity  304  provides sufficient room in the X-axis/Y-axis directions for a the light pattern recognition module  350 . In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  350  is secured to and carried by a bracket assembly—e.g., the bracket assembly  212 —that is sheer coupled to the housing  110 .  FIG.  3 A  further illustrates a clearance distance (X 1 ) between the light pattern recognition module  350  and the display stack  320 . The clearance distance (X 1 ) is sufficient to enable dissipation of thermal energy generated by the light pattern recognition module  350 . In particular, the thermal energy is directed away from the display stack  320  and may instead be directed towards the housing  110 . Beneficially, minimizing the amount of thermal energy directed towards the display stack  320  also minimizes any visual defects that are caused in the display layer  316 . In some examples, the bracket assembly—e.g., the bracket assembly  212 —may be formed of a material having a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity than materials of the display stack  320  so as to direct thermal energy away from the display stack  320 . Additionally, in the event that the light pattern recognition module  350  oscillates when a load is applied to the portable computing device  300 -A, the clearance distance (X 1 ) is sufficient so that the bracket assembly is prevented and/or unlikely to deflect into the display stack  320 . 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable computing device  300 -B, in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  300 -B is similar to the portable computing device  300 -A except for in at least that a portion of the displayer layer  316  is removed, as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B . In particular, the portion of the display layer  316  is removed to accommodate a transparent polarizer window  352 . By incorporating the transparent polarizer window  352 , any outgoing light generated by the light pattern recognition module  350  and/or incoming light is received by the light pattern recognition module  350 . Moreover, any transistor wires associated with the removed portion of the display layer  316  can be re-routed around the transparent polarizer window  352  to other active areas of the display layer  316 . It should be noted that the transparent polarizer window  352  is formed in a non-active area of the display layer  316 . The non-active area may appear black and the non-active area does not include transistors, LEDs, or other light elements that are capable of displaying a visual effect on the display layer  102 . 
     Furthermore, by removing the portion of the display layer  316 , the clearance distance (X 2 ) between the light pattern recognition module  350  and the display stack  320  is increased, where (X 2 )&gt;(X 1 ). Increasing the clearance distance (X 2 ) may increase the amount of thermal energy dissipation so as to prevent and/or minimize an even greater amount of thermal energy from being directed towards the display stack  320 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable computing device  300 -C as taken along the cross-section C-C of the portable computing device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  300 -C includes a housing  110  having a cavity  304  that is capable of carrying a display stack  320 . The display stack  320  includes a polarizer  312 , a color filter  314 , and a display layer  316 . The display stack  320  may be overlaid by a protective cover  310 . The display stack  320  overlays a flexible cable  330  that provides electrical communication, power, and/or signals between the light pattern recognition module  350  and a processor (e.g., main logic board, etc.). The flexible cable  330  is carried within the cavity  304 . The flexible cable  330  has dimensions in the X-axis/Y-axis that are sufficient enough to carry the high current to the controller—e.g., the controller  230 —while also enabling the flexible cable  330  to fit within the cavity  304 . 
       FIG.  3 C  further illustrates that the portable computing device  300 -C includes films  318 , a light guide plate (LGP)  320 , and a reflector  322 . The film  318  prevent the light transmitted by the LGP  320  from being randomly scattered across an internal surface of the housing  110 . The LGP  320  ensures that light transmitted by the display layer  316  is evenly distributed and reflected across the internal surface of the housing  110 . Furthermore, it should be noted that the flexible cable  330  is not glued to the LGP  320  and/or the display layer  316  such as to ensure that light transmitted by the LGP  320  and/or the display layer  316  is allowed to evenly distribute throughout the cavity  304 . However, it should be noted that the display stack  320  is physically supported by the housing  110  and the flexible cable  330 . The flexible cable  350  may secured to the housing  110  with an adhesive or grounded to a conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some examples, the flexible cable  350  includes exposed conductive signals such that the flexible cable  350  is grounded to the housing  110 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 E  illustrate various perspective views of a portable computing device having a light pattern recognition module, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  4 A  illustrates a front view of the portable computing device  100  in an open configuration. The portable computing device  400  includes a rear cover  112  that is part of the lid portion  120 -A. The lid portion  120 -A carries a display layer  102 . The portable computing device  400  includes a reference section D-D and a reference section E-E that both extend through a medial portion of the lid portion  120 -A, as will be described in more detail herein. A border (B) separates the display layer  102  from the external edges of the lid portion  120 -A. In some examples, the border (B) is between 0.1-5 mm throughout. In some examples, the border (B) is uniform throughout. 
       FIG.  4 B  illustrates a magnified view of the portable computing device  100  taken along the reference section D-D, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  4 B  illustrates the portable computing device  100  without the display layer  102  and the protective cover—e.g., the protective cover  310 —thereby exposing the display stack  320 . In contrast to the embodiments of the portable computing device  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A , C, the portable computing device  100  illustrated in  FIG.  4 B  illustrates that a notch (e.g., partition) is not cut into the display layer  102 . Instead the bracket assembly  402  that carries the light pattern recognition module  150  has a size and shape profile that does not extend beyond the display stack  320 . As a result, the display layer  102  overlays the bracket assembly  402 . Although not illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , the portable computing device  100  may also include a polarizer—e.g., the polarizer  312 —that overlay the light pattern recognition module  150 . However, the notch (e.g., partition) is cut into a portion of the display stack  320 . In some examples, transistor wires may be re-routed to facilitate for the presence of the light pattern recognition module  150  within the notch. 
     The light pattern recognition module  150  is carried by a bracket assembly  402 . The bracket assembly  402  carries the first camera module  220 , the flood illuminator module  222 , the second camera module  224 , the ambient light sensor  226 , the camera indicator light  228 , and the light dot projector  230 . The display layer  102  may be secured to the display stack  320  via constraints  420 . 
     The light dot projector is capable of emitting NIR or IR light through the display layer  102 , and the first camera module  220  is capable of receiving NIR or IR light that is reflected by an object through the display layer  102 . In some embodiments, an IR ink and/or IR coating may be applied behind the apertures of the first camera module  220  and the light dot projector  230  in order to facilitate transmission and detection of IR light. The IR coating may block select wavelengths of visible light while allowing select wavelengths of IR light to pass therethrough. In some examples, the IR coating replaces the anti-reflective disk  318 . 
       FIG.  4 C  illustrates a magnified view of the portable computing device  100  taken along the reference section D-D, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  4 C  illustrates that the display stack  320  is removed, thereby exposing the underlying surface of the lid portion  120 -A.  FIG.  4 C  illustrates that the bracket assembly  402  is secured to the lid portion  120 -A separate of the display stack  320 . In some examples, the bracket assembly  402  may be secured to the lid portion  120 -A with an adhesive. 
       FIG.  4 D  illustrates a magnified view of the portable computing device  100  taken along the reference section D-D, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  4 D  illustrates the display layer  102  that overlays portions of the bracket assembly  402  and the light pattern recognition module  150 . In some examples, the display layer  102  includes an active area  406  separated from a non-active area  410  by the display notch  408 . The display notch  408  may correspond to a notch within the display stack  320 , where the bracket assembly  402  is carried within the notch of the display stack  320 . The display layer  102  may be secured to the display stack  320  via constraints  420 . Notably, the constraints  420  are secured to the non-active area  414  of the display layer  102 . The non-active area  414  of the display layer  102  may appear black due to not having any light-emitting diodes and/or transistors. In contrast, the active area  412  may have light-emitting diodes capable of emitting light. 
       FIG.  4 E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable computing device  100  taken along the reference section F-F (as illustrated in  FIG.  4 C ), according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  4 E  illustrates that the bracket assembly  402  and the light pattern recognition module  150  both have heights that do not extend proud of the height of the display stack  320 . As shown in  FIG.  4 E , the notch  408  is formed within the display stack  320 , and the notch  408  has a size and shape fitted for the bracket assembly  402  that carries the light pattern recognition module  150 . The protective cover  310  and the display layer  102  overlay the bracket assembly  402  and the display stack  320 . The lid portion  120 -A includes an adhesive  406  for securing the protective cover  410  to the lid portion  120 -A. As illustrated in  FIG.  4 E , the surface area of the light pattern recognition module  150  may correspond to about 70% of the surface area of the notch  408 . The light pattern recognition module  150  may be a weather-sealed module. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a magnified back view of the portable computing device  100  with the rear cover  112  removed, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  5    illustrates the portable computing device  100  of  FIG.  4    taken along the reference section E-E.  FIG.  5    illustrates a light pattern recognition module  150  that includes a bracket assembly  212  that is secured to the housing  110 . The bracket assembly  212  includes various operational components—e.g., the first camera module  220 —with each operational component providing a specific function. A flexible cable  520  electrically couples the various operational components of the light pattern recognition module  150  to a printed circuit board  510 . In some examples, the printed circuit board  510  is disposed along a lower portion of the lid portion  120 -A. However, in other examples, the printed circuit board  510  may also be disposed within the base portion  120 -B. The printed circuit board  510  is capable of executing functions associated with the display layer  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the flexible cable  520  is capable of transmitting data signals from the light pattern recognition module  150  that are indicative of the two-dimensional image of the object (as determined by the second camera module  222 ) with the three-dimensional depth map of the object (as determined by the first camera module  220 ) to form a three-dimensional profile of the object. In some examples, the printed circuit board  510  may transmit these data signals to a processor (e.g., MLB, etc.) to determine whether the composite image of the object (e.g., user) corresponds to a target image that is associated with a registered user of the portable computing device  100 . In some examples, the processor determines whether the composite image satisfies a predetermined threshold value associated with the target image in order to determine whether to allow the user access to the portable computing device  100 . In some examples, the light pattern recognition module  150  is disposed closer in proximity to the printed circuit board  510  in order to improve performance. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  illustrate side views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a side view of a portable computing device  600 -A that corresponds to the portable computing device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  600 -A includes a display  612  having a protective cover  610 . The display  612  may refer to a standard resolution display. The housing  110  has a thickness (Y 1 ). Additionally, the portable computing device  600 -A includes a light pattern recognition module  650 -A that is carried at least partially within a cavity defined by the housing  110 . However, the thickness (X 1 ) of the light pattern recognition module  650 -A exceeds a thickness (Y 1 ) of the cavity. As a result, the light pattern recognition module  650 -A extends out of the surface of the protective cover  610 . 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates a side view of a portable computing device  600 -B that corresponds to the portable computing device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. In contrast to the portable computing device  600 -A, the portable computing device  600 -B includes a display  622  having a thinner profile than the display  612 . In some examples, the display  622  refers to a high resolution display. Additionally, the housing  110  has a thickness (Y 2 ) that is greater than the thickness (Y 1 ) of the portable computing device  600 -A. As a result, the light pattern recognition module  600 -B does not extend out of the surface of the protective cover  610  due to the housing  110  having the greater thickness, as well as the light pattern recognition module  650 -B having a thickness (Y 2 ) that is less than (Y 1 ). It should be noted that although the light pattern recognition modules  650 -A, B protrude from the protective cover  610 , the portable computing device  100  may include a lip or recessed portion along the base portion  120 -B that is capable of accommodating for the protrusion. 
       FIG.  6 C  illustrates a side view of a portable computing device  600 -C that corresponds to the portable computing device  600 , in accordance with some embodiments. In contrast to the portable computing devices  600 -A, B, the portable computing device  600 -C includes a light pattern recognition module  600 -C having a thin profile such that the thickness (X 3 ) is less than (X 1 ) and (X 2 ). This is despite the housing  110  of the portable computing device  600 -C having a thickness (Y 1 ) that is equal to the thickness (Y 1 ) of the housing  110  of the portable computing device  600 -A. As a result,  FIG.  6 C  illustrates that the light pattern recognition module  650 -C does not protrude past the protective cover  610 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective view of a portable computing device that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  7    illustrates a portable computing device  700  in an open configuration. The portable computing device  700  includes a base portion  720 -B (also referred to as a lower case, a base, and the like), which is pivotally and/or rotatably coupled to a lid portion  720 -A (also referred to as a display lid, an upper case, and the like). The lid portion and the base portion  720 -A, B may rotate via a hinge  704 . The portable computing device  700  includes a housing  710  that defines a cavity that carries operational components that include a display  702 . The base portion  720 -B includes one or more input devices, such as a keyboard  740  or a multi-function panel  760 , any of which is capable of receiving input from a user. The base portion  720 -B and the lid portion  720 -A may each be formed from an enclosure that defines a cavity capable of carrying components. In some embodiments, cables (e.g., flex cables, etc.) may electrically couple the components of the lid and base portions  720 -A, B. 
     According to some embodiments, the base portion  720 -B includes a light pattern recognition module  750 . In some examples, the light pattern recognition module  750  may be carried within the hinge  704 . 
     In some examples, the light pattern recognition module  750  be carried by the multi-function panel  760 . In particular, the multi-function panel  760  may be overlaid by a protective layer, which may help to conceal the light pattern recognition module  750 . In other examples, the multi-function panel  760  may be split into multiple active area sections, and the light pattern recognition module  750  is disposed between the multiple active area sections in a non-active area. 
     In other examples, the light pattern recognition module  750  may be carried within the keyboard  740 . In particular, a key from the keyboard  740  may be raised and/or lowered to reveal the light pattern recognition module  750 . 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate various embodiments of a portable computing device  800  as taken along the cross-section E-E of the portable computing device  700  illustrated in  FIG.  7   .  FIG.  8 A  illustrates a portable computing device  800 , in accordance with some embodiments. The portable computing device  800  includes the light pattern recognition module  750  that is carried within a cavity  830  that is defined by walls of the housing  710 . The light pattern recognition module  750  is overlaid by the multi-function panel  760 . As illustrated in  FIG.  8 A , the light pattern recognition module include a light dot projector module—e.g., the light dot projector  230 —that is capable of emitting a light dot pattern  826  of near-IR or IR light. In some examples, the multi-function panel  760  includes an IR-transparent window  840  that is does not filter and/or obstruct the light dot pattern  826  from reaching the object (e.g., user, etc.) external to the portable computing device  800 . 
     However, despite the absence of an IR filter, there may be instances where not all of the light dot pattern  826  reaches the surface of the object external to the portable computing device  800 . In these instances, the portable computing device  800  is capable of adjusting the position and/or orientation of the light pattern recognition module  750  relative to the other operational components  850  of the portable computing device  800 . In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  750  is supported by and coupled to a pivoting mechanism  820  and/or a translating mechanism  824  in order to impart adjustments of the light pattern recognition module  750  in at least 1-degree of freedom (DOF). The light pattern recognition module  750  may be secured to a support member  822  that is coupled to the housing  710 . The pivoting mechanism  820  is capable of pivoting and/or rotating the various modules of the light pattern recognition module  750  relative to an axis such as to expand the field-of-view (FOV), thereby increasing the size and/or angle of the light dot pattern  826 . In particular,  FIG.  8 A  illustrates that a light dot projector—e.g., the light dot projector  230 —of the light pattern recognition module  750  is capable of emitting the light dot pattern  826  according to an angle (α 1 ). In some examples, the angle (α 1 ) of the FOV is anywhere between about 30°-70°. However, as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  8 B , the light pattern recognition module  750  is capable of being pivoted in order to expand the FOV. 
     In some embodiments, the pivoting mechanism  820  is capable of pivoting the light pattern recognition module  750  along an axis.  FIG.  8 A  illustrates that the pivoting mechanism  820  is rotated by a circumference amount (R 1 ). In some embodiments, the translating mechanism  824  (e.g., a slider, etc.) is capable of translating the light pattern recognition module  750  along the Z-axis. In particular, the light pattern recognition module  750  may be raised or lowered so as to further adjust the FOV, as will be described with reference to  FIG.  8 B .  FIG.  8 A  illustrates that the light pattern recognition module  750  is separated from the support member  822  by a distance (D 1 ). 
       FIG.  8 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable computing device  800  subsequent to adjusting the orientation and/or position of the light pattern recognition module  750 , in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the pivoting mechanism  820  has rotated about an axis such as to adjust the position of the various modules of the light pattern recognition module  750 , including the light dot projector—e.g., the light dot projector  230  and first and second camera modules—e.g., the first and second camera modules  220 ,  222 —so as to increase the FOV.  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the FOV of the light pattern recognition module  750  is at an angle (α 2 ). In some examples, (α 2 ) may be greater than, less than, or equal to (α 1 ). Although it should be noted that the combination of (α 1 )+(α 2 )=(α t ) such that the FOV is greater than would be otherwise possible without pivoting and/or translating the light pattern recognition module  750 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8 B , the pivoting mechanism  820  has been pivoted along the axis.  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the pivoting mechanism  820  is rotated by a circumference amount (R 2 ). Furthermore,  FIG.  8 B  illustrates that the translating mechanism  824  has translated the light pattern recognition module  750  by a distance (D 2 ), where (D 1 )&gt;(D 2 ). 
     Despite the absence of an IR filter at the multi-function panel  760 , there may be instances where not all of the light dot pattern  826  reaches the surface of the object external to the portable computing device  800 . In these instances, the portable computing device  800  is capable of adjusting the position and/or orientation of the light pattern recognition module  750  relative to the other operational components  850  of the portable computing device  800 . In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  750  is supported by and coupled to a pivoting mechanism  820  and/or a translating mechanism  824  in order to impart adjustments of the light pattern recognition module  750  in at least 1-degree of freedom (DOF). The light pattern recognition module  750  may be secured to a support member  822  that is coupled to the housing  710 . The pivoting mechanism  820  is capable of pivoting and/or rotating the various modules of the light pattern recognition module  750  relative to an axis such as to expand the field-of-view (FOV), thereby increasing the size and/or angle of the light dot pattern  826 . In particular,  FIG.  8 A  illustrates that a light dot projector—e.g., the light dot projector  230 —of the light pattern recognition module  750  is capable of emitting the light dot pattern  826  according to an angle (α 1 ). In some examples, the angle (α 1 ) of the FOV is anywhere between about 30°-70°. However, as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  8 B , the light pattern recognition module  750  is capable of being pivoted in order to expand the FOV. 
     Additionally, it should be noted that the amount of rotation and/or translation of the light pattern recognition module  750  may be dependent upon the display angle between the lid portion  720 -A and the base portion  720 -B. For example, if a sensor (not illustrated) of the portable computing device  800  detects that the display angle is less than 90°, then the controller (not illustrated) of the light pattern recognition module  750  may adjust the amount of rotation and/or translation such as to increase the FOV and increase the size of the light dot pattern  826 . In another example, if the sensor detects that the display angle is greater than 90°, then the controller (not illustrated) of the light pattern recognition module  750  may adjust the amount of rotation and/or translation such as to decrease the FOV and increase the size of the light dot pattern  826 . This is partially due to the lid portion  720 -A not obstructing the light dot pattern  826  from reaching the object. Additionally, adjusting the amount of rotation and/or translation of the light pattern recognition module  750  allows for the light emitter to increase the angle of the light dot pattern  826 , and for the camera modules—e.g., the first and second camera modules  220 ,  222 —of the light pattern recognition module  750  to receive the reflected pattern of light. 
     It should be noted that the light pattern recognition module  750  has a profile that may be small enough to fit within the cavity  830  of the portable computing device  800 . However, due to other operational components  850  (e.g., MLB, multi-function panel  760 , etc.), there may still be an amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can affect the functionality of the light pattern recognition module  750  and/or the other operational components  850 . Thus, by reducing the profile of the light pattern recognition module  750  as much as possible, there is a reduced chance of EMI throughout. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portable computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG.  9    illustrate various embodiments of a portable computing device  900  as taken along the cross-section E-E of the portable computing device  700  illustrated in  FIG.  7   .  FIG.  9    illustrates that the portable computing device  900  includes the light pattern recognition module  750  that is carried within a cavity  830  that is defined by walls of the housing  710 . In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  750  is supported by and coupled to a pivoting mechanism  820  and/or a translating mechanism  824  in order to impart adjustments of the light pattern recognition module  750  in at least 1-degree of freedom (DOF) in order to change the FOV. In contrast to the portable computing device  800 , the portable computing device  900  includes a curved base portion  720 -B. The curved base portion  720 -B may enable better cooling and/or enable more air flow into the cavity  830 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of a computing device  1000  that is capable of incorporating the various systems described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the computing device  1000  includes a housing  1010  that carries a display layer  1020 . The walls of the housing  1010  may define a cavity that is capable of carrying operational components (e.g., camera, display, light pattern recognition module, processor, MLB, etc.). 
     According to some embodiments, the weight of the housing  1010  is entirely supported by a stand  1030 . The housing  1010  may have a unibody construction (i.e., formed from a single piece of metal). The housing  1010  may be formed of a combination of at least one of metal (e.g., aluminum, anodized aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.), polymers (e.g., plastic, etc.), graphite fibers, glass, RF-transparent materials, and the like. 
     According to some embodiments, the computing device  1000  includes a light pattern recognition module  1050  that is disposed within a partition  1052 . The partition  1052  and/or the display layer  1020  may be overlaid by a protective cover  1040 . In particular, the light pattern recognition module  1050  is included and/or carried within the partition  1052  that may be disposed adjacent to the display layer  1020 . In some examples, the partition  1052  may be disposed above the display layer  1020 . In other examples, the partition  1052  is disposed below the display layer  1020  and/or along the sides of the display layer  1020 . In some examples, the partition  1052  is a circle, an ellipse, a polygonal shape, a series of polygonal shapes, a curvilinear shape, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the light pattern recognition module  1050  may generate an amount of thermal energy during its operation. In some examples, the protective cover  1040  may be formed of an thermal-insulating material that is capable of minimizing and/or prevent the thermal energy from reaching the display layer  1020 . In some examples, the thermal-insulating material has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity that reduces the transmission of heat, thereby preventing the display layer  1020  from overheating. In some examples, the thermal-insulating material has a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than material that comprises the housing  1010 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , because the protective cover  1040  may overlay the light pattern recognition module  1050 , the protective cover  1040  may include an anti-reflective coating that overlays the surface of the protective cover  1040  such as to enable more reflected light to pass through the protective cover  1040 . 
       FIGS.  11 - 12    illustrate various views of the computing device  1000 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG.  11    illustrates a back view of the computing device  1000 . The housing  1010  has a spline shape.  FIG.  12    illustrates a magnified back view of the computing device  1000  with the housing  1010  removed, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the magnified back view of the computing device  1000  is taken along the reference section G-G, shown in  FIG.  11   . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates that the computing device  1000  includes a bracket assembly  1102  that carries various operational components including an ESD ground spring  1110 , microphones  1122 , a color indicator light  1124 , an RGB camera  1126 , and an ambient light sensor  1128 . Additionally, partitions  1150  indicate expanded areas of the bracket assembly  1102  that are capable of accommodating a light emitter  1120 , a light detector  1132  (e.g., a camera module, etc.), and a controller  1134 . In other words, the light emitter  1120 , the light detector  1132 , and the controller  1134  may be repositioned to the partitions  1150  such as to expand the distance between the light emitter  1120  and the light detector  1132  in the Y-axis. Beneficially, increasing the amount of distance between the light emitter  1120  and the light detector  1132  so as to increase the range by which the light pattern recognition module  1050  is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light and detecting a pattern of light caused by the reflection of the predetermined pattern of light by an object. In other words, because the display layer  1020  of the computing device  1000  is significantly larger than the display layer  102  of the portable computing device  100 , the user is more likely to sit or be positioned further away from the display layer  1020 . In order to capture the surface profile and/or image of the user, the light emitter  1120  and the light detector  1132  may require a larger FOV for improved range detection so that the dots of the light pattern are further spread apart. 
     Additionally,  FIG.  12    illustrates a connector  1106  that is electrically coupled to the various operational components. In some examples, the connector  1106  is expanded to accommodate for the increased amount of high current driving the light pattern recognition module  1050  as well as data signals transmitted to/from the various operational components. As noted above, the controller  1134  generally requires a large amount of high current in order to provide sufficient power to the light emitter  1120 . As a result, a thicker flexible cable (not illustrated) may be required to connect to the various operational components. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1300  for executing recognition of a light pattern at a computing device, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG.  13   , the method  1300  begins at step  1302 , where a controller of a light pattern recognition module—e.g., the light pattern recognition module  150 —or a processor (e.g., a MLB, etc.) causes the light dot projector  230  to emit a light dot pattern of near-IR or IR light towards a surface of an object. 
     At step  1304 , a light detector—e.g., the first and second camera modules  220 ,  222 —receive the pattern of light that is caused by reflection of the light dot pattern on the surface of the object. Subsequently, the controller receives a detection signal from the light detector that includes the pattern of light as reflected by the surface of the object. 
     At step  1306 , the controller compares the pattern of light as reflected by the surface of the object to a target pattern of light. In some examples, the target pattern of light may have been previously recorded and stored at a memory of the computing device—e.g., the portable computing device  100 —or at a server device. In some examples, the target pattern of light may have been previously captured by the light pattern recognition module  150 . For instance, during a setup of the portable computing device  100 , the user may provide credentials associated with the user in order to provide biometric authentication of the user. In some examples, the credentials associated with the user may include a name, a date of birth, a surface profile of the face of the user, a depth map of the face of the user, profile of a cornea of the user, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the controller determines whether the pattern of light relative to the target pattern of light satisfies a requisite threshold. For example, the requisite threshold may be at least 95% similarity or greater. If the controller determines that the pattern of light satisfies the target pattern of light, then the controller may enable the computing device to execute a first function, at step  1308 . 
     Alternatively, if the controller determines that the pattern of light does not satisfy the target pattern of light, then the controller may deny the computing device to execute the first function, at step  13010 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a system diagram of a computing device  1400  that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in any one of the computing devices and/or portable computing devices, described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the computing device  1400  includes a processor  1010  for controlling the overall operation of the computing device  1400 . The computing device  1400  can include a display  1490 . The display  1490  can be a touch screen panel that can include a sensor (e.g., capacitance sensor). The display  1490  can be controlled by the processor  1410  to display information to the user. A data bus  1402  can facilitate data transfer between at least one memory  1420  and the processor  1410 . The memory  1420  which can comprise a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  1420 . In some embodiments, the memory  1420  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The computing device  1400  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the computing device  1400 . 
     The computing device  1400  includes a user input device  1480 , such as a keyboard or touchpad. The computing device  1400  includes a power supply unit  1450 , such as a lithium-ion battery. The computing device  1400  includes an antenna  1460 , such as a wireless antenna or transceiver that is capable of receiving and transmitting data signals. The computing device  1400  also includes a cooling unit  1440 , such as a fan. 
     The computing device  1400  includes a light recognition module  1470  that is capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light, and detecting a pattern of light that is caused by reflection of the predetermined pattern of light off one or more surfaces of object(s). In particular, the light recognition module  1470  may include a camera  1472  that is capable of capturing a two-dimensional image of the object, a light emitter  1474  capable of emitting a predetermined pattern of light at the object, a light detector  1476  capable of detecting a pattern of light caused by reflection of the predetermined pattern of light off the object, a flood  1478  that is capable of illuminating the object such that the predetermined pattern of light is more likely to reach the surface(s) of the object(s), a signal transmission line  1482  (e.g., a flexible cable) that is capable of providing a high current signal to the light recognition module  1470  from the power supply  1450  as well as data signals between the light recognition module  1470  and the processor  1410 , and a controller  1484  for executing functions of the light recognition module  1470 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to enable user recognition, biometric authentication, enhanced user interaction, data encryption, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to authenticate a user, encrypt data associated with the user, provide targeted content to a specific user, act as a substitute for a password, and the like. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users an increased level of control and/or protection over their data. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190925
Publication Date: 20230815
Grant Date: 20230815
Priority Date: 20180926
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
GARELLI, ADAM T.
CLARKE, Antonio
DAIGLE, JOSHUA L.
MATHEW, DINESH C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06V40/166", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V10/145", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/172", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V20/64", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/166", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/166", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V20/64", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V10/145", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V10/145", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/172", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V20/64", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69883222