BACKGROUND

[0001] The emergence and popularity of mobile computing has made portable electronic devices, due to their compact design and light weight, a staple in today's marketplace. Within the mobile computing realm, electronic devices such as notebook computers, laptops, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and the like may be widely used and may employ a clamshell-type design consisting of two housings connected at a common end via hinges. For example, a first or display housing is utilized to provide a viewable display while a second or base housing includes an area for input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a touch pad, and the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Examples are described in the following detailed description and in reference to the drawings, in which:

[0003] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device, including a hinge lock mechanism to lock a hinge, which restrains movement of a first housing relative to a second housing;

[0004] FIG. 1 B is a schematic view of the example hinge of FIG. 1 A, depicting additional features of the hinge lock mechanism;

[0005] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device, including a hinge lock mechanism to lock a hinge;

[0006] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of the example electronic device of FIG. 2A, depicting additional features;

[0007] FIG. 3A is a schematic view of the example hinge of FIG. 2A, illustrating an actuator to restrain movement of a first housing relative to a second housing;

[0008] FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the example hinge of FIG. 3A, illustrating the actuator to enable movement of the first housing relative to the second housing; [0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another example hinge, illustrating an actuator to restrain or enable movement of a first housing relative to a second housing;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example electronic device including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, storing instructions to transition the electronic device from a power saving state to a power-on state;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example electronic device, including a hinge lock mechanism to lock or unlock a hinge of electronic device;

[0012] FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example process for generating a signal to unlock or lock a hinge of an electronic device; and

[0013] FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating another example process for unlocking a display panel of an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Electronic devices may include a first housing (e.g., a lid) for housing a display panel and a second housing (e.g., a base) for carrying various internal and external components used for operating the electronic devices. Example internal components may be a modem, a processor, a disk drive, memory, and the like, and the external components may be a keyboard, a track pad, various buttons, and the like. In such electronic devices, the lid is hinged to the base so as to move the lid between a closed orientation, placing the lid against the base, and an open orientation, exposing the display panel and external components such as the keyboard.

[0015] Authentication of such electronic devices can be performed using a username and a password, biometric input, external security equipment, or the like. Such authentication may involve a user to enter the information and wait for the electronic device to start up, a process which can take substantial amount of time. For example, when using the electronic device, a user has to open the lid, turn on the power switch, and then perform an additional step of providing the information (e.g., a password, fingerprint input, or the like) to log into the electronic device, which can affect the user experience. Further, the information such as a password can be compromised, leading to security issues. Also, when a touch operation is performed on the display panel, a touch operation torque acting on a hinge rotating shaft in the hinge rotates the hinge rotating shaft, causing the display panel to vibrate in opening and closing directions.

[0016] Examples described herein provides an electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge to pivotally connect the first housing and the second housing between a first orientation and a second orientation. Further, the electronic device may include a hinge lock mechanism to lock the hinge. Locking hinge restrains movements of the first housing relative to the second housing in the first orientation. Further, the electronic device may include a sensor and a processor. During operation, the processor may receive, via the sensor, authentication information associated with a user. In response to authenticating the user based on the authentication information, the processor may generate an unlock signal to the hinge lock mechanism. The hinge lock mechanism, upon receiving the unlock signal, unlocks the hinge to enable movement of the first housing relative to the second housing from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0017] In some examples, the processor receives the authentication information associated with an authentication device when the authentication device is within a range of short-range wireless communication of the electronic device. Upon authenticating the authentication device, the processor may generate an unlock signal to the hinge lock mechanism. The hinge lock mechanism, upon receiving the unlock signal, unlocks the hinge to enable movement of the first housing relative to the second housing. Further, when the user holds the electronic device to open the first housing, the processor may receive a fingerprint input of the user using a biometric sensor disposed on the first housing. In response to authenticating the fingerprint input, the processor may unlock a display panel of the electronic device to allow access to the electronic device. [0018] Thus, examples described herein provides a two-level authentication for improved security. With the two-level authentication, the electronic device may be transitioned to an operational mode such that the user can begin using the electronic device upon opening the first housing without having to enter additional authentication information (e.g., a password, biometric information, or the like). Also, the lock mechanism may release the lock for a period corresponding to a duration of receiving the fingerprint input. Thus, the lock mechanism described herein may suppress a vibration of the lid when a touch operation is performed in a state where the lid is in the open orientation.

[0019] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present techniques. However, the example apparatuses, devices, and systems, may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least that one example but may not be in other examples.

[0020] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device 100, including a hinge lock mechanism 108 to lock a hinge 106, which restrains movement of a first housing 102 relative to a second housing 104. Example electronic device 100 is a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or any other device having a first housing pivotally connected to a second housing. Hinge lock mechanism 108 may refer to a mechanical structure to lock or unlock hinge 106. In an example, hinge lock mechanism 108 locks a position of hinge 106 to preclude pivotal movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. In another example, hinge lock mechanism 108 unlocks the position of hinge 106 to allow pivotal movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. Hinge lock mechanism 108 may be disposed in a first housing, a second housing, or a combination thereof (i.e. , a first component of hinge lock mechanism 108 is disposed in the first housing and a second component of hinge lock mechanism 108 is disposed in the second housing). In other examples, hinge lock mechanism 108 is disposed within an area defined for accommodating hinge 106. Further, hinge lock mechanism 108 may be connected to hinge 106 to lock or unlock hinge 106.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1A, electronic device 100 includes first housing 102 and second housing 104. In some examples, first housing 102 includes a display panel mounted therein. For example, the display panel includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, electro-luminescent (EL) display, or the like. In an example, first housing 102 is rotatably, detachably, or twistably, connected to second housing 104. Further, second housing 104 may house a keyboard, touchpad, battery, and the like. Furthermore, electronic device 100 may also be equipped with other components such as a camera, audio/video devices, and the like, depending on the functions of electronic device 100.

[0022] In some examples, first housing 102 can be rotated relative to second housing 104 between a first orientation (e.g., a closed position) and a second orientation (e.g., an open position). In FIG. 1A, electronic device 100 is illustrated in the open position (e.g., where the display panel may be disposed upright relative to second housing 104). In other examples, electronic device 100 can be in the closed position, where the display panel may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to second housing 104 (e.g., with a display screen of the display panel facing down or inward).

[0023] Further, electronic device 100 includes hinge 106 to pivotally connect first housing 102 and second housing 104 between the first orientation and the second orientation. Example hinge 106 includes a single-axis hinge assembly or a dual-axis hinge assembly. Further, hinge 106 may pivotally connect first housing 102 to second housing 104 along a single-axis or a dual-axis. Furthermore, electronic device 100 includes hinge lock mechanism 108 to lock hinge 106. Locking hinge 106 restrains movements of first housing 102 relative to second housing 104 in the first orientation. For example, locking hinge 106 secures first housing 102 to second housing 104 in a closed orientation.

[0024] Further, electronic device 100 includes a sensor 110 and a processor 112. Processor 112 may refer to, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP) such as a digital image processing unit, or other hardware devices or processing elements suitable to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a storage medium, or suitable combinations thereof. Processor 112 may, for example, include single or multiple cores on a chip, multiple cores across multiple chips, multiple cores across multiple devices, or suitable combinations thereof. Processor 112 may be functional to fetch, decode, and execute instructions as described herein.

[0025] During operation, processor 112 may receive, via sensor 110, authentication information associated with a user. In an example, processor 112 receives the authentication information associated with the authentication device via sensor 110 when the authentication device is within a range of short-range wireless communication of electronic device 100. For example, the short-range wireless communication is a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication, a near field communication, an infrared communication, a Bluetooth communication, or any combination thereof. In another example, processor 112 receives the authentication information including a fingerprint input of the user via sensor 110. In this example, sensor 110 is a fingerprint sensor disposed on first housing 102 such that the fingerprint sensor receives the fingerprint input when the user holds first housing 102 to open first housing 102 relative to second housing 104. In other examples, sensor 110 receives or detects any other type of authentication information to authenticate the user.

[0026] In response to authenticating the user based on the authentication information, processor 112 may generate an unlock signal to hinge lock mechanism 108. Hinge lock mechanism 108, upon receiving the unlock signal, unlocks hinge 106 to enable movement of first housing 102 relative to second housing 104 from the first orientation to the second orientation (e.g., an open orientation). In an example, processor 112 generates the unlock signal to unlock the hinge for a period corresponding to a duration of receiving the authentication information. Thus, hinge lock mechanism 108 unlocks hinge 106 as long as the authentication information is received via sensor 110. [0027] Further, processor 112 may transit electronic device 100 from a power saving state to a power-on state in response to authenticating the user. For example, an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) standard may define power states such as SO state, S1 state (Standby state), S2 state and S3 state (Suspend to random-access memory), S4 state (Hibernate mode), and S5 state, where SO state is a working/active state (i.e., power-on state), S1 to S4 states are several power saving states, and S5 state is a shutdown mode. In other examples, power saving states also include a modern standby, a connected standby, or the like. In such examples, processor 112 transits electronic device 100 from the power saving state (e.g., S1 , S2, S3, S4, or S5) to the power-on state (e.g., SO). Further, processor 112 may unlock the display panel of electronic device 100. Unlocking the display panel allows access to electronic device 100.

[0028] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of example hinge 106 of FIG. 1A, depicting additional features of hinge lock mechanism 108. For example, similarly named elements of FIG. 1B may be similar in structure, function, or both to elements described with respect to FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1B, hinge lock mechanism 108 includes a gear clutch 152 connected to hinge 106. Further, hinge lock mechanism 108 includes an actuator 154 to control gear clutch 152 based on the unlock signal. Controlling gear clutch 152 restrains or enables movement of first housing 102 relative to second housing 104. In an example, when the unlock signal is not received, actuator 154 moves gear clutch 214B to lock a position of hinge 106. Locking the position of hinge 106 may restrain a pivotal movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. In another example, when the unlock signal is received, actuator 154 moves gear clutch 214B to unlock the position of hinge 106. Unlocking the position of hinge 106 may enable the pivotal movement of the first housing with respect to the second housing. In an example, actuator 154 includes a solenoid. The solenoid may refer to an electromagnet that pushes or pulls gear clutch 152 that can operate a function to lock or unlock hinge 106.

[0029] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an example electronic device 200, including a hinge lock mechanism 214 to lock a hinge 208. Electronic device 200 includes a first housing 202 and a second housing 204 including a display panel 206. Further, electronic device 200 includes hinge 208 to rotatably connect first housing 202 and second housing 204 between an open orientation and a closed orientation. In an example, hinge 208 includes a first hinge portion 210 connected to first housing 202. Further, hinge 208 includes a second hinge portion 212 connected to second housing 204.

[0030] Furthermore, electronic device 200 includes hinge lock mechanism 214 to lock hinge 208. Locking hinge 208 restrains rotation of first hinge portion 210 relative to second hinge portion 212 in the closed orientation. Further, electronic device 200 includes a sensor assembly 216 and a processor 218. Processor 218 may refer to, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP) such as a digital image processing unit, or other hardware devices or processing elements suitable to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a storage medium, or suitable combinations thereof. Processor 218 may, for example, include single or multiple cores on a chip, multiple cores across multiple chips, multiple cores across multiple devices, or suitable combinations thereof. Processor 218 may be functional to fetch, decode, and execute instructions as described herein.

[0031] During operation, processor 218 may receive, utilizing sensor assembly 216, authentication information to authenticate a user. In response to authenticating the user based on the authentication information, processor 218 may cause hinge lock mechanism 214 to unlock hinge 208. Unlocking hinge 208 enables rotation of first hinge portion 210 relative to second hinge portion 212 from the closed orientation to the open orientation.

[0032] FIG. 2B is a schematic view of example electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A, depicting additional features. For example, similarly named elements of FIG. 2B may be similar in structure, function, or both to elements described with respect to FIG. 2A. Example sensor assembly 216 includes a first sensor 216A and a second sensor 216B. During operation, processor 218 may utilize first sensor 216A to detect an authentication device 252 associated with the user when authentication device 252 is within a range of short-range wireless communication. Example authentication device 252 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an infrared tag, a Bluetooth tag, a near field communication tag, or any combination thereof. In another example, authentication device 252 is a smartphone of the user.

[0033] In response to detecting authentication device 252, processor 218 may transition electronic device 200 from a power saving state to a power-on state. In this example, processor 218 activates second sensor 216B. Further, processor 218 may utilize second sensor 216B to receive a fingerprint input of the user upon transition of electronic device 200 to the power-on state. In response to authenticating the fingerprint input, processor 218 may cause hinge lock mechanism 214 to unlock hinge 208. Unlocking hinge 208 may enable movement of first housing 202 relative to second housing 204 to the open orientation. Further, in response to authenticating the fingerprint input, processor 218 may unlock display panel 206 of electronic device 200 to allow access to electronic device 200.

[0034] In an example, electronic device 200 includes a storage device 254 to store a registered fingerprint. The registered fingerprint may be used to login to electronic device 200. During operation, processor 218 may cause hinge lock mechanism 214 to unlock hinge 208 in response to determining that the fingerprint input of the user matches the registered fingerprint. In an example, processor 218 causes hinge lock mechanism 214 to unlock hinge 208 for a period corresponding to a duration of receiving the fingerprint input. Further, processor 218 may cause hinge lock mechanism 214 to lock hinge 208 in response to receiving a signal indicating that the fingerprint input of the user is not detected or the fingerprint input is not matched with a registered fingerprint. Locking hinge 208 restrains rotation of first hinge portion 210 relative to second hinge portion 212. Thus, hinge lock mechanism 214 locks hinge 208 to suppress vibration of display panel 206 when the user touches a touch screen of display panel 206.

[0035] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example hinge 208 of FIG. 2A, illustrating an actuator 214A to restrain movement of a first housing relative to a second housing. For example, similarly named elements of FIG. 3A may be similar in structure, function, or both to elements described with respect to FIGs. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 3A, hinge lock mechanism 214 includes a gear clutch 214B mounted on second hinge portion 212. Further, hinge lock mechanism 214 includes actuator 214A. Actuator 214A may be disposed in the first housing or the second housing. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, actuator 214A is disposed in first housing 202 and connected to gear clutch 214B. During operation, actuator 214A may move gear clutch 214B into a locking engagement with first hinge portion 210 responsive to a lock signal. The locking engagement restrains movement of the first housing relative to the second housing. In this example, processor 218 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) generates a lock signal when authentication information is not received. Thus, in this example, actuator 214A pushes gear clutch 214B to lock first hinge portion 210 and generates high torque (e.g., referred to as a fixed mode) as shown in 302. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, first hinge portion 210 includes a gear portion to form a locking engagement with gear clutch 214B.

[0036] Further, hinge 208 may include hinge torque generation mechanism 304 provided in a connection between first hinge portion 210 and second hinge portion 212 to generate a rotation torque between first hinge portion 210 and second hinge portion 212. The rotation torque can hold the second housing (e.g., second housing 204 of FIG. 2A) at a given open angle when the second housing is opened relative to the first housing (e.g., first housing 202 of FIG. 2A).

[0037] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of example hinge 208 of FIG. 3A, illustrating actuator 214A to enable movement of the first housing relative to the second housing. For example, similarly named elements of FIG. 3B may be similar in structure, function, or both to elements described with respect to FIG. 3A. During operation, actuator 214A may move gear clutch 214B to release the locking engagement with first hinge portion 210 in response to receiving an unlock signal. Releasing the locking engagement enables movement of the first housing relative to the second housing. In this example, processor 218 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) generates the unlock signal when the authentication information is received. Thus, in this example actuator 214A pulls gear clutch 214B to unlock first hinge portion 210 and generates low torque (e.g., referred to as an easy mode) as shown in 352.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example hinge 400, illustrating an actuator 414 to restrain or enable movement of a first housing relative to a second housing. Example hinge 400 includes a first hinge portion 402 that can be connected to the first housing of an electronic device and a second hinge portion 404 that can be connected to the second housing of the electronic device. Further, a hinge rotating shaft 406 may be provided in second hinge portion 404 and rotatably held on a bracket 408 protruded from first hinge portion 402.

[0039] Further, hinge 400 includes a hinge lock mechanism having a first gear 410 provided on second hinge portion 404 and rotated in synchronization with second hinge portion 404. Further, the hinge lock mechanism includes a second gear 412 disposed in the first housing and engaged with first gear 410. Further, the hinge lock mechanism includes actuator 414 to restrain rotation of second gear 412 by applying pressure on second gear 412. In an example, actuator 414 restrains the rotation of second gear 412 upon receipt of a lock signal and permits the rotation of second gear 412 upon receipt of an unlock signal. Example actuator 414 includes a piezoelectric element or a solenoid. The piezoelectric element may be a transducer that can convert any form of pressure or mechanical stress into electrical energy and translate electrical signal into physical movement that operates a function to lock or unlock hinge 400.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example electronic device 500 including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 504, storing instructions to transition electronic device 500 from a power saving state to a power-on state. Electronic device 500 may include a processor 502 and computer-readable storage medium 504 communicatively coupled through a system bus. Processor 502 may be any type of central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, or processing logic that interprets and executes computer-readable instructions stored in computer- readable storage medium 504.

[0041] Computer-readable storage medium 504 may be a random-access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that may store information and computer-readable instructions that may be executed by processor 502. For example, computer-readable storage medium 504 includes synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate (DDR), Rambus® DRAM (RDRAM), Rambus® RAM, and the like, or storage memory media such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a pen drive, and the like. In an example, computer-readable storage medium 504 includes a non-transitory computer- readable medium, where the term “non-transitory” does not encompass transitory propagating signals. In an example, computer-readable storage medium 504 is remote but accessible to electronic device 500.

[0042] Computer-readable storage medium 504 may store instructions 506, 508, 510, and 512. Instructions 506 may be executed by processor 502 to detect an authentication device for authenticating electronic device 500. In an example, electronic device 500 includes a first housing and a second housing that are rotatably connected between a closed orientation and an open orientation via a hinge. Further, the rotation of the first housing relative to the second housing may be restrained using a hinge lock mechanism connected to the hinge. In an example, instructions 506 to detect the authentication device include instructions to detect the authentication device for authenticating electronic device 500 when the authentication device is within a range of short-range wireless communication of electronic device 500.

[0043] Instructions 508 may be executed by processor 502 to receive authentication information from the authentication device while electronic device 500 is in the closed orientation. Upon authenticating the authentication device based on the authentication information, instructions 510 may be executed by processor 502 to generate an unlock signal to the hinge lock mechanism. The hinge lock mechanism, in response to receiving the unlock signal, unlocks the hinge to enable movement of the first housing relative to the second housing to the open orientation.

[0044] In an example, computer-readable storage medium 504 stores instructions to generate a lock signal to an actuator of the hinge lock mechanism when the authentication device is not within a detection range for a short-range wireless communication. In this example, the actuator, responsive to the lock signal, moves a gear clutch into a locking engagement with the hinge. The locking engagement prevents relative movement between the first housing and the second housing. In another example, computer-readable storage medium 504 stores instructions to generate the unlock signal to the actuator when the authentication device is within the detection range for the short-range wireless communication. In this example, the actuator, responsive to the unlock signal, moves the gear clutch to release the locking engagement with the hinge. Releasing the locking engagement enables relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0045] Further, instructions 512 may be executed by processor 502 to transition electronic device 500 from a power saving state to a power-on state, for instance, when the first housing is moved to the open orientation. Further, computer- readable storage medium 504 may store instructions to receive a fingerprint input of the user using a biometric sensor upon transitioning electronic device 500 to the power-on state. In an example, the first housing includes a display panel on a first surface and the biometric sensor is disposed on a second surface of the first housing. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. In this example, instructions to receive the fingerprint input of the user include instructions to receive the fingerprint input of the user while the user holds the first housing and moves the first housing relative to the second housing to the open orientation.

[0046] Further, computer-readable storage medium 504 may store instructions to authenticate the fingerprint input by comparing the captured fingerprint of the user with a registered fingerprint. In response to authenticating the fingerprint input, computer-readable storage medium 504 may store instructions to unlock a display panel of electronic device 500. Unlocking the display panel may allow access to electronic device 500.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example electronic device 600, including a hinge lock mechanism 612 to lock or unlock a hinge of electronic device 600. As shown in FIG. 6, electronic device 600 includes a fingerprint scanner 604, an antenna device 606, a processor 610, and hinge lock mechanism 612. During operation, when a user carrying a tag 608 comes in close proximity to electronic device 600, tag 608 can trigger a matched antenna using antenna device 606. Once tag 608 is matched, the user may put user’s hands on fingerprint scanner 604 to open a display panel to a hinge-up position. Subsequently, processor 610 may receive a fingerprint input 602 and release the lock of the hinge using hinge lock mechanism 612. Thus, examples described herein combines the fingerprint sensor and the wireless technology to lock or unlock the hinge. For example, when the user comes close to electronic device 600, wireless antenna device 606 will be triggered. Further, when the user holds electronic device 600 to open electronic device 600, fingerprint scanner 604 may send a signal to unlock the hinge.

[0048] Thus, examples described herein facilitates the user to hinge-up the display panel, and then directly logging into the electronic device without the user having to input an additional authentication input. When a user brings the antenna tag with a matching protocol to the electronic device and when the user’s fingerprint is matched, then the user can be allowed to open a display housing relative to a base housing. However, if an unauthorized user brings the antenna tag with the right protocol, the electronic device may receive a signal, but the unauthorized user cannot open the display housing since biometric input is needed to open the display housing. An example operation of the electronic device is explained with respect to FIGs. 7A and 7B.

[0049] FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating an example process 700 for generating a signal to unlock or lock a hinge of an electronic device. At 702, an authentication device may be detected by the electronic device. Upon detecting the authentication device, authentication information may be received from the authentication device while the electronic device is in a closed orientation.

[0050] At 704, a check may be made to determine whether the authentication device is authenticated using the authentication information. When the authentication device is not authenticated, a fingerprint sensor of the electronic device may be deactivated or may remain deactivated, at 706. In other examples, the electronic device remains in a power-saving state (e.g., a hibernate mode).

[0051] When the authentication device is authenticated, the fingerprint sensor may be activated, at 708. At 710, a fingerprint input may be received via the fingerprint sensor. In response to authenticating the fingerprint input, at 712, an unlock signal may be transmitted to a solenoid. Upon receiving the unlock signal, at 714, the solenoid may release a gear clutch to unlock the hinge. At 716, a check may be made to determine whether a finger of the user is on the fingerprint sensor. At 718, when the fingerprint input is not received (i.e., when the finger is not on the fingerprint sensor), the hinge may be locked. At 720, when the finger is on the fingerprint sensor, then the hinge may be unlocked (i.e., until the finger is on the fingerprint sensor).

[0052] FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating another example process 750 for unlocking a display panel of an electronic device. At 752, an authentication device may be detected by the electronic device. Upon detecting the authentication device, authentication information may be received from the authentication device while the electronic device is in a closed orientation.

[0053] At 754, a check may be made to determine whether the authentication device is authenticated using the authentication information. When the authentication device is not authenticated, a hinge of the electronic device may be locked or may remain locked, at 756.

[0054] When the authentication device is authenticated, the hinge may be unlocked, at 758. At 760, the electronic device may be powered on. At 762, a fingerprint input may be received while the user holds the display panel to move the display panel to an open orientation. At 764, a check may be made to determine whether the fingerprint input is authenticated. In response to authenticating the fingerprint input, at 766, the display panel may be unlocked to allow access to the electronic device. In response to failure of authenticating the fingerprint input, at 768, the display panel may be locked or may remain locked, thus denying access to the electronic device.

[0055] Example processes 700 and 750 depicted in FIGs. 7A and 7B represent generalized illustrations, and those other processes may be added, or existing processes may be removed, modified, or rearranged without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. In addition, processes 700 and 750 may represent instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium that, when executed, may cause a processor to respond, to perform actions, to change states, to make decisions, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, processes 700 and 750 may represent functions, actions, or both performed by functionally equivalent circuits like analog circuits, digital signal processing circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other hardware components associated with the system. Furthermore, the flow charts are not intended to limit the implementation of the present application, but the flow charts illustrate functional information to design/fabricate circuits, generate computer-readable instructions, or use a combination of hardware and computer-readable instructions to perform the illustrated processes 700 and 750.

[0056] The above-described examples are for the purpose of illustration. Although the above examples have been described in conjunction with example implementations thereof, numerous modifications may be possible without materially departing from the teachings of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Also, the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where some of such features are mutually exclusive.

[0057] The terms “include,” “have,” and variations thereof, as used herein, have the same meaning as the term “comprise” or appropriate variation thereof. Furthermore, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “based at least in part on.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on stimulus can be based on the stimulus or a combination of stimuli including the stimulus. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used to identify individual elements and may not meant to designate an order or number of those elements.

[0058] The present description has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms, details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter that is defined in the following claims.