Electronic device with digital camera for general-purpose photography and fingerprint sensing

A method of authenticating the user of an electronic device that includes a general-purpose digital camera, the method comprising:

• placing a fingerprint lens assembly over a primary lens of the digital camera, the fingerprint lens assembly including a first surface for supporting a finger to be imaged, the fingerprint lens assembly configured to work in conjunction with the primary lens of the digital camera to provide a focused image of the finger;
• capturing an image of the finger with the digital camera;
• comparing the captured image to stored image data to determine whether the captured image matches a stored image;
• and
• controlling operation of the electronic device based on the comparison.

An electronic device including a general-purpose digital camera, the electronic device comprising:

• a display screen for displaying images captured with the digital camera;
• an input device for inputting information into the electronic device;
• a fingerprint lens assembly configured to be positioned over a primary lens of the digital camera, the fingerprint lens assembly including a first surface for supporting a finger to be imaged, the fingerprint lens assembly configured to work in conjunction with the primary lens of the digital camera to provide a focused image of the finger;
• a processor for comparing a captured image of a finger to stored image data to determine whether the captured image of the finger matches a stored image;
• and
• wherein the electronic device is configured to prevent access to features of the device if the captured image of the finger does not match a stored image.