Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s rumored iPhone 5S could feature a fingerprint scanner embedded in the display. A recently published patent could reveal the possible technology behind the scanner.
Apple patent application
The patent application was published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Apple Insider reports, “Current rumors and speculation point to a next-generation iPhone with fingerprint sensor built into the home button. If the technology outlined in Thursday’s application is used, however, the sensor may instead be embedded in the iPhone’s display. The patent language notes the fingerprint sensor can be stacked with, or as part of, an LCD display. As such, the sensor can also be used as a means of input, and can also be used in conjunction with other circuitry to support selection function, provide tactile feedback, or power up a device. Of note, the document points out that the sensor array can be either rigid or flexible, meaning mounting options are vast. “
The application goes into details regarding the scanner and how it would work. The purpose behind the scanner is to verify personal identification and make the phone safer for users. As the patent details, “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.”
Apple might take over Samsung’s sales
This new feature could be a good thing for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and it might entice people to choose the iPhone over the Samsung Galaxy S4 simply for a more secure smartphone. Apple Inc. (NASDAD:AAPL)’s iPhone has paved the way for modern technology and smartphones, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they paved the way for more secure phones.
