A smart ring (100) provides multi-mode control in a personal area network (PAN). The smart ring has a fingerprint sensor (106) for identifying upon which finger and which finger segment the smart ring is being worn. A controller (902) of the smart ring (100) enables a predetermined PAN device and PAN control function in response to identified finger and finger segment information (1, 2, 3) matching pre-stored fingerprint information. One of the PAN devices is thus selectively enabled and a predetermined function is controlled, based on identification of the finger and finger segment location of the smart ring (100). Several different PAN devices (narrowband radio, body-worn camera, sensors, gun holster, remote speaker microphone, broadband device, to name a few) can be selectively controlled and varied via rotation of the smart ring (100), making the smart ring well suited for public safety applications.

Disclosed herein is a biometric skin-contact sensor comprising: a contact sensing area comprising an array of pixels, each pixel comprising a thin film transistor and a capacitive sensing electrode for sensing contact; and a controller coupled to the contact sensing area and configured to operate the array of pixels to switch between a low resolution mode and a high resolution mode. In the low resolution mode the sensor is operable to obtain contact location data comprising an indication of a sub-region of the contact sensing area in which contact is sensed. In the high resolution mode the sensor is operable to obtain biometric data for skin interacting with the contact sensing area by identifying a difference in capacitance between valleys and ridges of the skin.

In accordance with some embodiments, systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture are provided for ascertaining aspects of a user, such as the user's identity, competence, health, and state of mind. In various embodiments, data is captured about a user via a headset worn by the user. Based on the data, a determination may be made about an aspect of the user, and the user may accordingly be granted or denied access to a resource.

A fingerprint sensor system and method is provided for enhancing biometric security. Fingerprints may be recorded according to a particular sequence and orientation. Fingerprint sequences may then be used to control the operation of devices, such as restricting content, or encrypting communications.

Disclosed herein is a pixel structure comprising a plurality of layers for providing a touch sensitive pixel of a sensing array. The pixel comprises: a thin film transistor, a capacitive sensing electrode, and a reference capacitor comprising a first plate and a second plate. The capacitive sensing electrode and the second plate of the reference capacitor are connected to a gate region of the thin film transistor. Methods of manufacturing such a touch sensitive pixel are also disclosed herein.

A digital pen, a touch system and a method for providing information thereof are provided. The touch system may include a display apparatus and a digital pen having a battery. The digital pen may be configured to sense a battery status of the battery, generate a signal indicating a location of the stylus with respect to the display apparatus. The signal may have a frequency corresponding to the battery status, and transmit the signal to the display apparatus. The display apparatus may be configured to receive the signal, analyze the signal, and acquire the location of the stylus and the battery status.

An encrypted mouse system includes an electronic device that may contain passwords for an authorized user and an authorization code of the authorized user. A mouse is provided and the mouse may be manipulated. The mouse is in electrical communication with the electronic device. A scanning unit is coupled to the mouse and the scanning unit may read a thumbprint when the mouse is manipulated. The scanning unit is in electrical communication with the mouse. Thus, the mouse communicates the thumbprint to the electronic device thereby facilitating the thumbprint to be compared to the authorization code stored in the electronic device. The electronic device communicates the passwords to an extrinsic program. Thus, the electronic device logs the authorized user into the extrinsic program when the thumbprint scanned by the scanning unit matches the authorization code.

A digital pen, a touch system and a method for providing information thereof are provided. The touch system may include a display apparatus and a digital pen having a battery. The digital pen may be configured to sense a battery status of the battery, generate a signal indicating a location of the stylus with respect to the display apparatus. The signal may have a frequency corresponding to the battery status, and transmit the signal to the display apparatus. The display apparatus may be configured to receive the signal, analyze the signal, and acquire the location of the stylus and the battery status.

The present disclosure provides a pixel structure comprising a plurality of layers for providing a touch sensitive pixel of a sensing array. The layers comprising: a thin film transistor; and a conductive layer deposited on a dielectric shield to be touched by an object to be sensed and arranged to provide a capacitive sensing electrode coupled to the thin film transistor. The present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing such a pixel structure.

An apparatus is disclosed in a first embodiment of the invention as including a non-conductive substrate providing a first surface onto which a user can apply a fingerprint. A fingerprint sensing circuit is applied to a second surface of the non-conductive substrate opposite the first surface. The fingerprint sensing circuit is capable of sensing a fingerprint through the non-conductive substrate. A navigation device is positioned adjacent to (e.g., below) the non-conductive substrate and is capable of being manipulated by the user through the non-conductive substrate.