Apple has two patent pending inventions that cover a future version of Touch ID being positioned beneath the display of devices like an iPhone and iPad. The first patent application was covered in our February 2015 report titled "Apple Introduces an Alternative Touch ID Method using Full-Display Fingerprint Sensors." The second patent filing on this technology surfaced later in November in our report titled "Apple's Most Advanced OLED Display Invention to date Surfaces with a Fingerprint Reader under the Display of an iPad." Today's granted patent for touch technology beneath a display marks Apple's third patent on this front and it comes by way of Privaris. We reported back in June 2015 that Apple acquired the majority of the fingerprint patent portfolio from Privaris who had a working relationship with Authentec. CNN reported at the time of the acquisition that "one of Privaris' patents covers the ability to use a touchscreen and fingerprint reader at the same time. Another invention of Privaris' could allow you to open a door with your iPhone by scanning your fingerprint and holding your phone up to a reader, similar to how you pay for items with Apple Pay."

Apple's newly granted patent covers their invention relating to a man-machine interface device comprising of an electronic display apparatus that is capable of presenting graphic text, images, icons, and other data typically shown on a screen, while further including a transparent finger touch sensor region that is seated above the display apparatus. More importantly, the controller unit is capable of controlling data flow between the display apparatus, the finger touch sensor region and the electronic device, and for calculating finger touch locations based on a fingerprint image generated by the transparent finger touch sensor region. It can receive text from the electronic device, which is intended for presentation on the display apparatus, or conversely send a fingerprint image to the electronic device, among other functions.

The patent touches on three fingerprint technologies: optical, capacitive and ultrasonic. The patent notes that optical scanners which are the most common are subject to 'gummi bear attacks,' in which a fingerprint is lifted from a glass or other object, placed on a pliable and sticky material, such as a gummi bear, and can provide a false acceptance.

The capacitive scanner is able to penetrate the live layer of the skin and can't be fooled by gummi bear attacks.

The most accurate but least common finger-scanning technology is ultrasound imaging. In this type of sensor, two transducers are placed on the x- and y-axes of a plate of glass--one each for receiving and transmitting--for propagating ultrasound waves through a glass plate; when the finger is placed on top of the glass, the finger impedes the waves and the receiving transducer can measure the alteration in wave patterns. This type of scanner is very new and largely untested in a variety of conditions, but initial results show promise for the technology. It combines the large plate size and ease of use of the optical scanners with the ability to pervade dirt and residue on the scanner, an advantage of capacitive scanners.

Apple's patent FIG. 4 noted below: Apparatus, based on ultrasonic/acoustic wave technology with 102 Display apparatus, 402 Glass plate and 403 Ultrasonic/acoustic wave generator.

While it is unknown which aspects of this acquired (and granted) patent Apple will actually use, it's likely that the technology allowing touch screen on the iPhone and iPad in combination with a fingerprint scanner is one of them.

Another aspect of this invention that may be of interest to Apple is the Biometric Personal Identification Device (BPID). Although the patent figure illustrated in the patent filing (FIG. 8 below) is now ancient and the device seen as a standalone device, Apple could incorporate the methods and processes into future iOS devices and beyond.

According to this granted patent, "The BPID can store and run multiple applications, allowing an individual to store a variety of personal information, although it is important to note that the applications are fully independent and cannot affect other applications' data. Many of these applications require the owner to transmit information to a terminal; for example, the BPID may wirelessly transmit financial account information to a cash register during an in-store purchase. In order to make this transaction secure, the BPID uses its private key to create a digital signature on all information that the individual chooses to release. Recipients of information from the BPID use the encrypted digital signature and a database of public keys to confirm that the information came from a specific device and that the information has not been altered."

It further notes that "If it is desired by the driver license verification application and/or other independent applications, the BPID can encrypt all transmitted data and information so that only the intended recipient can decode the information. The BPID places the control of personal and private information in the hands of the individual that owns the information and the organization that issues the device and/or creates device applications." It was reported on last week that the UK showed off a prototype of a digital iPhone driving license using Apple's Wallet app.

Apple's patent FIG. 8 noted below is an exemplary external view of the BPID; FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a BPID Interaction with System.

Apple's granted patent 9,342,674 was filed in Q5 2015 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office. The original Privaris patent was granted in 2009.

A second and an unconnected touch related patent was granted to Apple today titled "Field shaping channels in a substrate above a biometric sensing device. For more on this, see granted patent 9,342,727.

Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of granted patents with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each Granted Patent is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any Granted Patent should be read in its entirety for full details. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Comments are reviewed daily from 5am to 6pm MST and sporadically over the weekend.

Another interesting Patently Apple report on this subject matter: Apple's Fingerprint Sensor Home Button could be a thing of the Past in the not too distant Future