The iPhone 6 is slated to make huge waves in the constantly turbulent world of mobile devices. After the introduction of arguably lackluster biometric features on the iPhone 5S, consumers are waiting with bated breath to see exactly how the unveiled features of the iPhone 6 will unfold. The following recent patents, scooped up by Apple and spotlighted by PatentlyApple.com, imply that big biometric developments are in the works.
Far-field sensors in fingerprint scanning
Because the iPhone 5S had a fingerprint reader, it would be surprising if the iPhone 6 didn’t offer some sort of souped-up version of the same. Far-field sensors would improve the quality of the actual fingerprint capture as well as have the ability to determine if a finger is oriented at a different angle during the scan. With this technology, the fingerprint scanner could be housed within the touch screen as well, instead of in a button on the bottom. This makes the entire scanning process more seamless as it brings the security action right into the task area of the phone.
Combining GPS and Touch ID
An additional patent obtained by Apple marries Touch ID fingerprinting with global data services for the device it’s on. For example, a lost phone could potentially not only be tracked by satellite, but it could also catalog the fingerprints of anyone else who uses it – presumably a thief. Such a coupling of technologies has a multitude of other uses – parents could track their kids and make sure they are the only ones using the phone. It could also become possible for users to call emergency responders by using a specific fingerprint. For example, one’s left pinky could immediately call 911.
Fingerprint precision feedback
This patent, if properly implemented, would take the guesswork out of creating robust fingerprint stamps on a device. For example, if a fingerprint were smudged, too light, or otherwise imperfect when uploaded into a phone, the device could offer swift feedback about how to improve it. The callous “please try again” warning would lose all of its frustrating momentum. Also, such a development would make it harder to counterfeit another person’s fingerprint for sign in, as the initial owner of the device would have the ability to try and retry their personal stamp until it was perfect.
To learn more about Pivot International’s product development services for biometric devices such as iris scanners and ID management tools, contact us at 877-206-5001.
