Apple is rumored to have registered a patent for Touch ID technology on its smartwatch device, the Apple Watch. What do you think this technology will work like?
Yes, based on information published by the Patent Agency in the United States, it turns out that Apple has registered the patent since July 5, 2022 with the title “Electronic device having sealed button biometric sensing system”. The patent filing concerns the method of installing the fingerprint sensor in smart watches.
In addition to explaining the technical aspects and various ways to make it happen, Apple also describes several scenarios for using the patented technology. For example, the schematic attached below shows that the side button is identical to the Touch ID button on the iPad Air.
The Apple Watch does have enough room on the side to make a button that big, so Apple's idea doesn't sound too outlandish. In addition to functioning as a power button, tapping it will be a way of biometric authentication of various functions.
Interestingly, the patent registration provides an overview of the placement of the fingerprint sensor inside the rotatable crown button. While the static part in the middle has a Touch ID sensor hidden behind a flat surface.
The patent also reveals an in-display fingerprint sensor, a common solution found on Android phones.
“The display can also provide an input surface for one or more devices. For example, touch-sensing devices and/or fingerprint sensors,” the patent filing reads.
The statement: what is Touch ID technology on the Apple Watch for? The fingerprint sensor on the device is not only for unlocking the device, but also authorizing transactions, sending devices, to activating applications that are running on other devices.
As is well known, Apple Watch is capable of performing many impressive functions, such as electrocardiogram, measuring blood oxygen saturation levels, to making payments. With a lot of sensitive information stored in it, of course it needs a high level of security.
Well, looking at these functions, it seems that Apple feels the need to be responsible for user security. In this situation, of course, biometric security is the right way.
