Integrating optical fingerprint sensors into the front-facing camera of smartphones

Abstract

In some implementations, the control system may receive touch sensor signals from a touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area, where a touch in the camera area corresponds to a target object touching a transparent cover in the camera area. The control system may respond to a touch in the camera area by controlling a light source system to provide light to the target object. The control system may receive image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected and / or scattered from the target object. The control system may perform a fingerprint authentication process at least in part based on the image data.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 301,708, filed April 12, 2021, entitled "Integrating an Optical Fingerprint into a Smartphone Front-Facing Camera," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to optical sensor devices and related methods. Background Technology

[0004] Fingerprint sensor systems typically play a vital role in a variety of devices. These include, but are not limited to, fingerprint-based biometric authentication, which serves as an important feature for controlling access to devices, secure areas, and more. While some existing fingerprint sensor systems offer satisfactory performance under certain conditions, improvements in methods and devices are still desired. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The systems, methods, and apparatus of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, and none of them is solely responsible for the desired properties of this disclosure.

[0006] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a device. According to some examples, the device may include a touch sensor system, a transparent cover, a camera near a camera area of ​​the transparent cover, a light source system, and a control system. According to some examples, the device may include a control system configured to communicate (e.g., electrically or wirelessly coupled to) the touch sensor system, the light source system, and the camera. In some examples, the control system may include memory, while in other examples, the control system may be configured to communicate with memory that is not part of the control system. According to some examples, the device may be integrated into a mobile device. The control system may include one or more general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof.

[0007] According to some examples, the control system may be configured to receive touch sensor signals from a touch sensor system indicating a touch in a camera area. For example, a touch in the camera area may correspond to a target object touching a transparent cover in the camera area. In some examples, the control system may be configured to control a light source system to provide light to the target object in response to a touch in the camera area. According to some implementations, the control system may be configured to receive image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object. In some examples, the control system may be configured to perform a fingerprint authentication process based at least in part on the image data. In some examples, the control system may be configured to focus the camera on at least a portion of the target object.

[0008] According to some implementations, the light source system may include at least one light source positioned near a camera and configured to illuminate a target object when the target object touches the camera area. In some examples, the at least one light source near the camera may be or may include a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0009] According to some examples, the light source system may be configured to couple light into a transparent cover. For example, in some instances, the light source system may include a light-directing film configured to couple light into the transparent cover. In some examples, the light-directing film may be present between the transparent cover and at least one light source of the light source system. In some embodiments, at least one light source of the light source system may be present on a first side of the transparent cover. In some such examples, the light-directing film may be present on a second, opposite side of the transparent cover. In some embodiments, the light-directing film may include one or more of a holographic volume grating, a surface relief grating, or a reflective facet. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the light source system may be configured to couple light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

[0010] In some implementations, the light source system may include one or more display pixels configured to provide light to a light-directing film. According to some examples, the one or more display pixels may include one or more light-emitting diode pixels, one or more organic light-emitting diode pixels, or one or more liquid crystal display pixels.

[0011] According to some examples, the control system may be configured to extract fingerprint features from image data. In some such examples, the fingerprint authentication process may involve comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process. For example, fingerprint features may include fingerprint details, key points, and / or sweat pores.

[0012] Other innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a method. In some examples, the method may involve receiving touch sensor signals from a touch sensor system, indicating a touch in a camera area, by a control system. For example, a touch in the camera area may correspond to a target object touching a transparent cover in the camera area. According to some examples, the method may involve controlling a light source system to provide light to a target object by a control system in response to a touch in the camera area. In some examples, the method may involve receiving image data from a camera, corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object, by a control system. According to some examples, the method may involve performing a fingerprint authentication process by a control system based at least in part on the image data. In some examples, the method may involve focusing a camera on at least a portion of the target object by a control system.

[0013] In some examples, the method may involve coupling light into a transparent cover via edge coupling. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the method may involve coupling light into a transparent cover via a light-directing film.

[0014] According to some examples, the method may involve a control system extracting fingerprint features from image data. In some such examples, the fingerprint authentication process may involve comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process. In some instances, fingerprint features may include fingerprint details, key points, and / or sweat pores.

[0015] Some or all of the operations, functions, and / or methods described herein can be performed by one or more devices according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more non-transitory media. Such non-transitory media may include memory devices such as those described herein, including but not limited to random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, etc. Therefore, some innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in one or more non-transitory media on which software is stored. For example, the software may include instructions for controlling one or more devices to perform a method.

[0016] In some examples, the method may involve a control system receiving a touch sensor signal from a touch sensor system indicating a touch in a camera area, the touch corresponding to a target object touching a transparent cover in the camera area. According to some examples, the method may involve a control system controlling a light source system to provide light to a target object in response to a touch in the camera area. In some examples, the method may involve receiving image data from a camera, corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object, by the control system. According to some examples, the method may involve a control system performing a fingerprint authentication process based at least in part on the image data. In some examples, the method may involve a control system focusing a camera on at least a portion of the target object.

[0017] In some examples, the method may involve coupling light into a transparent cover via edge coupling. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the method may involve coupling light into a transparent cover via a light-directing film.

[0018] According to some examples, the method may involve a control system extracting fingerprint features from image data. In some such examples, the fingerprint authentication process may involve comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process. In some instances, fingerprint features may include fingerprint details, key points, and / or sweat pores. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate detailed information about one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from these descriptions, drawings, and claims. Note that relative dimensions in the following figures may not be depicted to scale, and similar reference numerals in the various figures indicate similar elements.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating example components of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of the device.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device.

[0024] Figure 5A It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device.

[0025] Figure 5B It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device.

[0026] Figure 5C It shows Figure 1 A top view of another example of the device.

[0027] Figure 5D It shows Figure 1 A top view of another example of the device.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a flowchart providing examples of operations based on some of the methods disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description pertains to specific embodiments used to describe the innovative aspects of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of different ways. The described embodiments can be implemented in any device, apparatus, or system, including biometric systems as disclosed herein. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the described embodiments can be included in or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: mobile phones, cellular phones supporting multi-media internet, mobile TV receivers, wireless devices, smartphones, smart cards, wearable devices (e.g., bracelets, armbands, wristbands, loops, headbands, patches, etc.). Devices, personal data assistive devices (PDAs), wireless email receivers, handheld or portable computers, netbooks, laptops, smartbooks, tablets, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, GPS receivers / navigators, cameras, digital media players (such as MP3 players), camcorders, game consoles, watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, electronic reading devices (such as e-readers), mobile health devices, computer monitors, automotive displays (including odometer and speedometer displays), cockpit controls and / or displays, camera view displays (such as displays of rearview cameras in vehicles), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, building structures, microwave ovens, refrigerators, stereo systems, cassette recorders or players, DVD players, CD players, video recorders, radios, portable storage chips, washing machines, dryers, washer / dryer machines, parking timers, packaging (e.g., in electromechanical systems (EMS) applications, including microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications as well as non-EMS applications), decorative components (e.g., displaying images on jewelry or clothing), and various EMS devices. The teachings herein can also be applied to, for example but not limited to, electronic switching devices, radio frequency filters, sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, motion sensing devices, magnetometers, inertial components for consumer electronics, parts for consumer electronics products, steering wheels or other automotive parts, varactor diodes, liquid crystal devices, electrophoresis equipment, drive systems, manufacturing processes, and electronic testing equipment. Therefore, the teachings are not intended to be limited to the embodiments depicted only in the accompanying drawings, but have a wide applicability that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Fingerprint sensors are now widely used for authentication. (As used herein, the term "finger" can refer to any finger, including the thumb. Therefore, a thumbprint will be considered a type of "fingerprint.") In some examples, the device's control system can be configured to obtain the location of the target object (e.g., finger position) for fingerprint sensor scanning via input from a touch sensor system.

[0031] A growing number of mobile devices, such as smartphones, feature in-display fingerprint readers based on one or more optical sensors. Some such examples include optical scanners that illuminate the finger. In some implementations, a small camera beneath the screen captures an image of the finger and then compares it to a stored image during the authentication process. In addition to a front-facing "selfie" camera, an in-display camera for fingerprint authentication is typically deployed.

[0032] In some disclosed embodiments, the control system may receive touch sensor signals from a touch sensor system indicating that a target object has touched a transparent cover in the selfie camera area. In response to a touch in the camera area, the control system may be configured to provide light to the target object from a light source system. In some examples, the light source system may include a light source for optical fingerprint authentication, which is part of the display system. However, in other examples, the light source for optical fingerprint authentication may be separate from and / or attached to the light source of the display system. In some instances, the light source system may be configured to couple light into the transparent cover. The control system may be configured to receive image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object. The control system may be configured to perform the fingerprint authentication process at least in part based on the image data.

[0033] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. Some disclosed devices use a front-facing "selfie" camera to provide optical fingerprint authentication, eliminating the need for an additional in-display camera. These implementations can save costs compared to previously deployed under-display optical fingerprint sensors. In some implementations, the light source for the optical fingerprint sensor can also be the light source for the display system.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating example components of a device according to some disclosed embodiments. In this example, device 100 includes a camera system 102, a touch sensor system 103, a control system 106, a cover 112, and a light source system 114. Some embodiments may include an interface system 104, a memory system 108, and / or a display system 110.

[0035] According to some examples, camera system 102 may include one or more front-facing or "selfie" cameras. As used herein, the term "front-facing camera" refers to a camera located on the same side of a device (e.g., a mobile phone) including the device's main display screen (or one of the main displays). The front-facing camera is configured to receive light from the same side of the device including the main display screen. In some examples, camera system 102 may include one or more active pixel sensor arrays, such as an array of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. According to some implementations, camera system 102 may include one or more charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor arrays.

[0036] The touch sensor system 103 may be or may include a resistive touch sensor system, a surface capacitive touch sensor system, a projected capacitive touch sensor system, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor system, an infrared touch sensor system, or any other suitable type of touch sensor system. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the touch sensor system 103 may extend over most or all of the display portion of the display system 110.

[0037] Some embodiments of device 100 may include interface system 104. In some examples, interface system 104 may include a wireless interface system. In some embodiments, interface system 104 may include a user interface system, one or more network interfaces, one or more interfaces between control system 106 and camera system 102, one or more interfaces between control system 106 and touch sensor system 103, one or more interfaces between control system 106 and memory system 108, one or more interfaces between control system 106 and display system 110, and / or one or more interfaces between control system 106 and one or more external device interfaces (e.g., ports or application processors).

[0038] Interface system 104 may be configured to provide communication between components of device 100 (which may include wired or wireless communication, electrical communication, radio communication, etc.). In some such examples, interface system 104 may be configured to provide communication between control system 106 and camera system 102. According to some such examples, interface system 104 may couple at least a portion of control system 106 to camera system 102 and interface system 104 may couple at least a portion of control system 106 to touch sensor system 103, for example, via a conductive material (e.g., via conductive metal wires or traces). According to some examples, interface system 104 may be configured to provide communication between device 100 and other devices and / or people. In some such examples, interface system 104 may include one or more user interfaces. In some examples, interface system 104 may include one or more network interfaces and / or one or more external device interfaces (e.g., one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces or Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)).

[0039] Control system 106 may include one or more general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. According to some examples, control system 106 may also include one or more memory devices, such as one or more random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, etc. In this example, control system 106 is configured to communicate with and control camera system 102, touch sensor system 103, and display system 110. According to some examples, control system 106 may include dedicated components for controlling camera system 102, dedicated components for controlling touch sensor system 103, and / or dedicated components for controlling display system 110. If the device includes a memory system 108 separate from control system 106, control system 106 may also be configured to communicate with memory system 108. In some embodiments, the functionality of control system 106 may be differentiated among one or more controllers or processors, for example, between a dedicated sensor controller and an application processor in a mobile device.

[0040] In some examples, memory system 108 may include one or more storage devices, such as one or more RAM devices, ROM devices, etc. In some embodiments, memory system 108 may include one or more computer-readable media, storage media, and / or storage media. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any medium that can transfer a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. In some examples, memory system 108 may include one or more non-transitory media. By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer.

[0041] In some embodiments, device 100 includes a display system 110. In some such examples, the display system 110 may be or may include a light-emitting diode (LED) display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In some examples, the display system 110 may include liquid crystal display (LCD) pixels.

[0042] According to this example, device 100 includes a cover 112. In some embodiments, cover 112 includes one or more transparent portions. For example, cover 112 may include a “cover glass” proximate (e.g., extending beyond) the display system 110 and proximate one or more front-facing cameras of the camera system 102. Cover glass typically comprises a transparent material, which may be a type of glass, hard plastic, etc.

[0043] In this example, device 100 includes a light source system 114. In some instances, the transparent portion of the cover may be part of the light source system 114. In some such examples, the light source system 114 may be configured to couple light into the transparent portion of the cover 112. In some examples, the transparent portion of the cover 112 may act as an optical light guide. According to some examples, the light source system 114 may include a light-directing film. According to some such embodiments, the light source system 114 may include a holographic volume grating, a surface relief grating, a reflective surface, and / or a diffuser. In some examples, the light source system 114 may include a light source for an optical fingerprint sensor, which is also part of the display system 110. However, in other examples, the light source for the optical fingerprint sensor may be separate from and / or attached to the light source of the display system 110. Figures 2 to 5C Various examples of the light source system 114 are shown and described below.

[0044] Device 100 can be used in a variety of different environments, some of which are disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, a mobile device may include at least a portion of device 100. In some embodiments, a wearable device may include at least a portion of device 100. Wearable devices may be, for example, bracelets, armbands, wristbands, rings, headbands, or patches. In some embodiments, control system 106 may exist in more than one device. For example, a portion of control system 106 may exist in a wearable device, and another portion of control system 106 may exist in another device, such as a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). In some such examples, interface system 104 may also exist in more than one device.

[0045] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 2 The types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, the device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 covering 112, a camera 202 of the camera system 102 adjacent to a camera region 201 of the transparent cover 212, and a light source 214a of the light source system 114. According to this example, the camera region 201 of the transparent cover 212 corresponds to the region of the camera body 203, as shown by line 204. In other examples, the camera region 201 of the transparent cover 212 corresponds to the region of the camera lens portion 211, as shown by line 213. In other examples, the camera region 201 of the transparent cover 212 corresponds to a region within the area of ​​the camera body 203 or within the area of ​​the camera lens portion 211, such as within 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, etc.

[0046] although Figure 2 Not shown in the figure, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 An example of a touch sensor system 103 and a control system 106 is described. In this example, the control system has received a touch sensor signal from the touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area. According to this example, a touch in the camera area corresponds to a target object touching a transparent cover 212 in the camera area 201. In this example, the target object is a finger. Figure 2Some ridges 207 and valleys 209 of a finger are shown. In this example, the control system is configured to control the light source system 114 to provide light to the target object in response to a touch in the camera area. According to some examples, the camera may be configured to focus on at least a portion of the target object. In some examples, the control system may be configured, for example, in response to receiving a touch sensor signal indicating a touch in the camera area, to focus the camera on at least a portion of the target object.

[0047] According to this example, the light source system 114 includes at least a light source 214a near the camera 202 (and in some examples, one or more other light sources). In this embodiment, at least the light source 214a is configured to illuminate the target object with light 205 in response to the target object touching the camera area 201. In some examples, the light source 214a may be one of two or more light sources near the camera 202 and configured to illuminate the target object with light 205 when the target object is touching the camera area 201. Reference is made below. Figure 5D An example of this is described. In some embodiments, the light source 214a may be or may include a light-emitting diode (LED). According to some such embodiments, the light source 214a may be configured to emit light isotropically or substantially isotropically within a certain angular range. This angular range may correspond to a particular embodiment of the light source 214a, how the light source 214a is configured and / or mounted, etc. In some examples, this angular range may correspond to an angle α measured from the normal 217 of the light source 214a to the upper surface 215, or an angle α measured from the normal 217 to another surface (e.g., the lower surface 217 of the transparent cover 212).

[0048] According to this embodiment, some of the light 205 passes through the transparent cover 212 and hits the ridge 207. The light 205 hitting the ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from the ridge 207. The camera 202 receives some of the scattered and / or reflected light (which may be referred to herein as "scattered light 219"). In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from the camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from the ridge 207.

[0049] In this example, the control system is configured to perform the fingerprint authentication process based at least in part on image data. In some implementations, the control system may be configured to extract fingerprint features from a fingerprint image. Fingerprint features may include, for example, fingerprint details, key points, and / or sweat pores. The authentication process may involve comparing the currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

[0050] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 3The types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 of cover 112, a camera 202 of camera system 102 adjacent to camera region 201 of transparent cover 212, and a light source 314a of light source system 114. In this example, light source system 114 is configured to provide collimated light 305. For example, in some instances, light source 314a may be or may include a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) or an LED with a collimating lens.

[0051] although Figure 3 Not shown in the figure, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 An example of a touch sensor system 103 and a control system 106 is described. In this example, the control system has received a touch sensor signal from the touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area. A touch in the camera area corresponds to a target object touching a transparent cover 212 in the camera area 201. In this example, the target object is a finger. Figure 3 Some ridges 207 and valleys 209 of a finger are shown. In this example, the control system is configured to provide light to the target object via the light source system 114 in response to a touch in the camera area.

[0052] According to this example, the light source 314a is not close enough to the target object to directly illuminate it. Figure 3 In the example shown, light source 314a is located in region 301 of device 100, while camera 202 is located in region 303 of device 100. In some embodiments, region 301 may be the display area of ​​display system 110. According to some such examples, light source 314a is located below the display area. In some such examples, light source 314a can provide light 305 passing through a display stack aperture between display pixels of display system 110. The display stack aperture may be positioned between some or all of the display pixels. In some examples, the display stack aperture may be configured to collimate the light transmitted through the display stack aperture. In some such examples, the display stack aperture may be surrounded by light-absorbing sidewalls. In other examples, the display stack aperture may not include light-absorbing material in the sidewalls. According to some such examples, the sidewalls may be rough enough to scatter light hitting the sidewalls. Such scattering tends to prevent light hitting the sidewalls from propagating through the display stack aperture.

[0053] In other examples, light source 314a may exist in the "dead zone" of the display screen in place of one or more display pixels. According to some alternative examples, one of these examples... Figure 5B As shown in the diagram and described below, light source 314a may be the light source of display system 110.

[0054] In this example, because the light source 314a is not close enough to the target object to directly illuminate it, the light source system 114 is configured to couple the light 205 emitted by the light source 314a (and in some instances, one or more light sources) into the transparent cover 212. In this example, the light source system 114 includes a light-directing film 314b, configured to couple at least some of the light 305 into the transparent cover 212. In this example, the light-directing film 314b is present between the transparent cover 212 and the light source 314a. In some examples, the light-directing film 314b may include a holographic grating, a surface relief grating, and / or a reflective facet.

[0055] Some of the light rays 307 are partially or completely reflected from one or more surfaces of the transparent cover 212. When the angle of incidence of the light ray 307 approaches a certain limit (called the critical angle), the angle of refraction approaches 90°, where the refracted light ray becomes parallel to the surface of the transparent cover 212. For the angle of incidence exceeding the critical angle, no light ray is refracted and partial reflection becomes total internal reflection. Therefore, in this example, at least some of the light 307 coupled to the transparent cover 212 by the light-directing film 314b propagates within the transparent cover 212 via total internal reflection.

[0056] In some examples, the transparent cover 212 may be made of a type of glass, acrylic, or polycarbonate. For visible light, the critical angle of incidence of light at the boundary between the glass and air at the surface 317 of the transparent cover 212 is approximately 42°. In some embodiments, the refractive index of the transparent cover 212 and the refractive index of the layer 311 beneath the surface 217 of the transparent cover 212 may be selected to enhance total internal reflection. For example, in some embodiments, the transparent cover 212 may be polycarbonate with a refractive index of approximately 1.6, and the layer 311 may be an adhesive for bonding materials with a relatively low refractive index, such as approximately 1.4, approximately 1.38, etc.

[0057] According to this embodiment, some of the light 307 propagates through the transparent cover 212 and encounters the ridge 207, whose refractive index differs from that of the surrounding air. The light 307 that encounters the ridge 207 is scattered and / or reflected from it. The camera 202 receives some of the scattered light 219. In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from the camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered and / or reflected from the ridge 207.

[0058] In this example, the control system is configured to perform the fingerprint authentication process based at least in part on image data (e.g., as referenced above). Figure 2 (As described).

[0059] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1A cross-sectional view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 4 The types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 of cover 112, a camera 202 of camera system 102 adjacent to camera region 201 of transparent cover 212, and a light source 414 of light source system 114. In some examples, light source 414 may include one or more LEDs. In this example, light source 414 is configured to edge-couple light 405 into transparent cover 212.

[0060] although Figure 4 Not shown in the figure, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 Examples of the described touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 are provided. In some examples, the touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 may be configured as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It works as described.

[0061] According to this example, at least some of the light 405 coupled to the transparent cover 212 propagates within the transparent cover 212 via total internal reflection. According to this embodiment, some of the light 405 encounters a ridge 207, the refractive index of which differs from that of the surrounding air. The light 405 encountering the ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from the ridge 207. The camera 202 receives some of the scattered light 219. In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from the camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from the ridge 207. In this example, the control system is configured to at least partially base its data on the image data (e.g., as referenced above). Figure 2 The fingerprint authentication process is performed as described above.

[0062] Figure 5A It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 5A The types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 covering 112, a camera 202 of camera system 102 adjacent to camera region 201 of transparent cover 212, and a light source 514a of light source system 114. In some examples, light source 514a may include one or more LEDs. In some instances, light source 514a may include one or more display pixels of display system 110. In some such examples, one or more display pixels may include one or more LED pixels, one or more organic light-emitting diode (OLED) pixels, or one or more liquid crystal display (LCD) pixels.

[0063] Despite Figure 5A Not shown in the figures, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 Examples of the described touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 are provided. In some examples, the touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 may be configured as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It works as described.

[0064] In this example, the light source system 114 includes a light-directing patch 515a configured to couple at least some of the light 505 from the light source 514a into a transparent cover 212. In some examples, the light-directing patch 515a may be configured to diffuse the light 505 from the light source 514a. However, in some embodiments, the patch 515a may be configured to couple at least some of the light 505 from the light source 514a into the transparent cover 212 via a light-directing feature configured to guide the light in one or more specific directions. In some such examples, the light-directing patch 515a may be configured to couple at least some of the light 505 from the light source 514a into the transparent cover 212 via specular reflection according to such a light-directing feature. According to some embodiments, the light-directing patch 515a may include a holographic grating, a surface relief grating, and / or a reflective facet.

[0065] According to this example, at least some of the light 507 coupled to the transparent cover 212 by the light redirection patch 515a propagates within the transparent cover 212 via total internal reflection. According to this embodiment, some of the light 507 encounters ridge 207. The light 507 encountering ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. Some of the scattered light 219 is received by camera 202. In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. In this example, the control system is configured to perform a fingerprint authentication process at least partially based on the image data (e.g., as referenced above). Figure 2 (As described).

[0066] Figure 5B It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 5BThe types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 of cover 112, a camera 202 of camera system 102 (with its camera region 201 adjacent to the transparent cover 212), and a light source 514a of light source system 114. In some examples, light source 514a may include one or more LEDs. In some instances, light source 514a may include one or more display pixels of display system 110.

[0067] although Figure 5B Not shown in the figure, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 Examples of the described touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 are provided. In some examples, the touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 may be configured as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It works as described.

[0068] In this example, the light source system 114 includes a light steering film 515b configured to couple at least some of the light 505 from the light source 514a into a transparent cover 212. According to some embodiments, the light steering film 515b may include a holographic grating, a surface relief grating, and / or a reflective facet.

[0069] According to this example, at least some of the light 507 coupled to the transparent cover 212 by the light steering film 515b propagates within the transparent cover 212 via total internal reflection. According to this embodiment, some of the light 507 encounters ridge 207. The light 507 encountering ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. Some of the scattered light 219 is received by camera 202. In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. In this example, the control system is configured to perform a fingerprint authentication process (e.g., as referenced above) at least partially based on the image data. Figure 2 (As described).

[0070] Figure 5C It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 5CThe types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 of cover 112, a camera 202 of camera system 102 (with its camera region 201 adjacent to the transparent cover 212), and a light source 514a of light source system 114. In some examples, light source 514a may include one or more LEDs. In some instances, light source 514a may include one or more display pixels of display system 110.

[0071] According to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system. Figure 5C (Not shown in the image), these are references to the above. Figure 1 Examples of the described touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 are provided. In some examples, the touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 may be configured as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It works as described.

[0072] In this example, the light source system 114 includes a light-directing film 515c configured to couple at least some of the light 505 from the light source 514a into the transparent cover 212. According to this example, the light-directing film 515c is integrated into the transparent cover 212. In some instances, the light-directing film 515c can be fabricated during the fabrication of the transparent cover 212. In other examples, the light-directing film 515c can be added to the transparent cover 212 after its fabrication is complete. According to some embodiments, the light-directing film 515c may include a holographic volume grating, a surface relief grating, and / or a reflective facet.

[0073] According to some examples, in addition to integrating the light steering film 515c into the transparent cover 212, the light steering film 515c can be used with... Figure 5B The light-directing film 515b shown is the same as or substantially the same. In some alternative examples, it is similar to... Figure 5A The light-directing patch 515a can be integrated into the transparent cover 212.

[0074] According to this example, at least some of the light 507 coupled to the transparent cover 212 by the light steering film 515c propagates within the transparent cover 212 via total internal reflection. According to this embodiment, some of the light 507 encounters ridge 207. The light 507 encountering ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. Some of the scattered light 219 is received by camera 202. Here, for example, the control system is configured to receive image data from camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. In this example, the control system is configured to perform a fingerprint authentication process at least partially based on the image data (e.g., as referenced above). Figure 2(As described).

[0075] Figure 5D It shows Figure 1 A top view of another example of the device. As with other disclosed embodiments, Figure 5D The types, quantities, and arrangements of the components shown, as well as the dimensions of the components, are merely examples. In this example, device 100 includes a transparent cover 212 covering 112. Figure 5D Region 303 of the device 100 is depicted, and region 303 in Figure 3 and 5B Outside of area 301 shown, this area is the display area in some examples. In this example, Figure 5D The upper surface 317 of the transparent cover 212 is shown. The dashed rectangle in the camera area 201 represents the outline of the camera 202 below the transparent cover 212.

[0076] In this example, the light source system 114 includes light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e, all of which are located close to the camera region 201 and below the transparent cover 212 in this embodiment. According to some examples, light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e may include one or more LEDs. In some examples, light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e may all be located within one centimeter of the camera region 201, for example, within a few millimeters of the camera region 201. In some examples, each of light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e may be… Figure 2 An example of light source 214a shown.

[0077] although Figure 5D Not shown in the figure, but according to this example, device 100 includes a touch sensor system and a control system, which are referenced above. Figure 1 Examples of the described touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 are provided. In some examples, the touch sensor system 103 and control system 106 may be configured as described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It works as described. In this example, the control system is configured to control light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e to provide light to the target object in response to touch of the target object in the camera area.

[0078] In some instances, the target object is a finger with ridge 207 and valley 209, for example... Figure 2As shown. According to some such examples, some of the light from light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e passes through the transparent cover 212 and hits ridge 207. The light 205 hitting ridge 207 is scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207. Some of the scattered light 219 is received by camera 202. In this example, the control system is configured to receive image data from camera 202 corresponding to the light scattered by and / or reflected from ridge 207.

[0079] In some examples, all light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e provide light using a specific modulation frequency. According to some of these examples, the camera 202 or control system may be configured to distinguish the light provided by the light sources 514b, 514c, 514d, and 514e from other light based on the specific modulation frequency. Such implementations are potentially advantageous because they can filter out noise. In this example, the control system is configured to perform a fingerprint authentication process (e.g., as referenced above) based at least in part on image data received from the camera 202. Figure 2 The above).

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart providing examples of operations based on some of the methods disclosed herein. For example, Figure 6 The box can be made of Figure 1 The apparatus 100 or similar apparatus is used to perform this. As with other methods disclosed herein, Figure 6 The methods outlined herein may include more or fewer blocks than shown. Furthermore, the blocks of the methods disclosed herein need not be executed in the order shown. In some embodiments, one or more blocks may be executed simultaneously.

[0081] In this example, block 605 relates to the control system receiving a touch sensor signal from a touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area. A touch in the camera area may correspond to a target object touching a transparent cover in the camera area. For example, block 605 may involve... Figure 1 The control system 106 receives touch sensor signals from the touch sensor system 103 to obtain touch sensor data in the camera area. In some instances, the camera area may be... Figure 2 The camera area 201 is shown in the diagram.

[0082] According to this example, box 610 relates to a control system that controls a light source system to provide light to a target object in response to a touch in the camera area. For example, refer again... Figure 2Box 610 may involve a control system that controls at least light source 214a to illuminate a target object in camera region 201. In some instances, box 610 may involve coupling light into a transparent cover. In some such examples, box 610 may involve coupling light into the transparent cover via a light-directing film present between the light source and the transparent cover. In other examples, box 610 may involve coupling light into the transparent cover via a light-directing patch present on the side of the transparent cover opposite to the light source. In some alternative examples, box 610 may involve coupling light into the transparent cover via edge coupling. According to some examples, method 600 may include (e.g., by a control system) focusing the camera on at least a portion of the target object.

[0083] In this example, box 615 relates to receiving image data from a camera and by a control system corresponding to light reflected or scattered from a target object. For example, refer again... Figure 2 Block 615 may relate to a control system receiving light 219 reflected or scattered from ridge 207.

[0084] According to this example, block 620 relates to performing a fingerprint authentication process by a control system based at least in part on image data. In some such examples, block 620 may relate to performing the authentication process based at least in part on image data. According to some examples, method 600 may relate to extracting fingerprint features from image data. For example, fingerprint features may include fingerprint details, key points, and / or sweat pores. The authentication process of block 620 may involve comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

[0085] Examples of implementation methods are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0086] 1. An apparatus comprising:

[0087] Transparent cover;

[0088] Touch sensor system;

[0089] The camera is located near the camera area, which is covered by a transparent cover;

[0090] Light source system; and

[0091] The control system is configured to communicate with the touch sensor system, camera, and light source system. The control system is also configured to:

[0092] The system receives touch sensor signals indicating touch in the camera area, where a touch in the camera area corresponds to a transparent cover being touched by a target object in the camera area.

[0093] In response to a touch in the camera area, the control system directs light to the target object;

[0094] Receive image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object; and

[0095] The fingerprint authentication process is performed at least in part based on image data.

[0096] 2. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the light source system includes at least one light source located near the camera and configured to illuminate the target object when the target object touches the camera area.

[0097] 3. The apparatus according to Clause 2, wherein at least one light source near the camera comprises a light-emitting diode.

[0098] 4. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the light source system is configured to couple light into the transparent cover.

[0099] 5. The apparatus according to Clause 4, wherein the light source system includes a light-directing film configured to couple light into a transparent cover.

[0100] 6. The apparatus according to Clause 5, wherein the light-directing film is present between the transparent cover and at least one light source of the light source system.

[0101] 7. The apparatus according to Clause 5, wherein at least one light source of the light source system is present on a first side of the transparent cover, and wherein the light-directing film is present on the opposite second side of the transparent cover.

[0102] 8. The apparatus according to Clause 5, wherein the light-directing film comprises one or more of a holographic grating, a surface relief grating, or a reflective surface.

[0103] 9. The apparatus according to Clause 5, wherein the light source system includes one or more display pixels configured to provide light to the light-directing film.

[0104] 10. The apparatus according to Clause 9, wherein one or more display pixels comprise one or more light-emitting diode pixels, one or more organic light-emitting diode pixels, or one or more liquid crystal display pixels.

[0105] 11. The apparatus according to Clause 4, wherein the light source system is configured to couple light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

[0106] 12. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-11, wherein the control system is configured to extract fingerprint features from image data, and wherein the fingerprint authentication process involves comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

[0107] 13. The device according to Clause 12, wherein the fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

[0108] 14. The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1-13, wherein the control system is configured to focus the camera on at least a portion of the target object.

[0109] 15. A method comprising:

[0110] The control system receives touch sensor signals from the touch sensor system indicating touch in the camera area. Touch in the camera area corresponds to the target object touching and transparently covering the camera area.

[0111] The control system, in response to touch in the camera area, controls the light source system to provide light to the target object;

[0112] The control system receives image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object; and

[0113] The fingerprint authentication process is performed by the control system based at least in part on image data.

[0114] 16. The method according to Clause 15 further includes coupling light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

[0115] 17. The method according to Clause 15 or Clause 16 further includes extracting fingerprint features from image data by a control system, wherein the fingerprint authentication process involves comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

[0116] 18. The method according to Clause 17, wherein the fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

[0117] 19. The method according to any one of Clauses 15-18 further includes having the camera focused on at least a portion of the target object by the control system.

[0118] 20. One or more non-transitory media having software stored thereon, the software including a set of instructions for controlling one or more devices to perform a method comprising:

[0119] The control system receives touch sensor signals from the touch sensor system indicating touch in the camera area. Touch in the camera area corresponds to the target object touching and transparently covering the camera area.

[0120] The control system, in response to touch in the camera area, controls the light source system to provide light to the target object;

[0121] Image data corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object is received from the camera and by the control system; and

[0122] The fingerprint authentication process is performed by the control system based at least in part on image data.

[0123] 21. One or more non-temporary media as described in Clause 20, wherein the method further includes coupling light into a transparent cover via edge coupling.

[0124] 22. One or more non-transitory media as described in Clause 20 or Clause 21, wherein the method further includes extracting fingerprint features from image data by a control system, wherein the fingerprint authentication process involves comparing currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

[0125] 23. One or more non-temporary media according to any one of Clauses 20-22, wherein the fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

[0126] 24. One or more non-temporary media according to any one of Clauses 20-23, wherein the method further includes focusing a camera on at least a portion of the target object by a control system.

[0127] 25. An apparatus comprising:

[0128] Transparent cover;

[0129] Touch sensor system;

[0130] The camera is located near the camera area, which is covered by a transparent cover;

[0131] Light source system; and

[0132] Controller, used for:

[0133] The system receives touch sensor signals indicating touch in the camera area, where a touch in the camera area corresponds to a transparent cover being touched by a target object in the camera area.

[0134] In response to a touch in the camera area, the lighting system is controlled to provide light to the target object;

[0135] Receive image data from the camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object; and

[0136] The fingerprint authentication process is performed at least in part based on image data.

[0137] 26. The apparatus according to Clause 25, wherein the light source system includes at least one light source that is located near the camera and configured to illuminate the target object when the target object touches the camera area.

[0138] 27. The apparatus according to Clause 26, wherein at least one light source near the camera comprises a light-emitting diode.

[0139] 28. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 25-27, wherein the light source system is configured to couple light into a transparent cover.

[0140] 29. The apparatus according to Clause 28, wherein the light source system includes a light-directing film configured to couple light into a transparent cover.

[0141] 30. The apparatus according to Clause 29, wherein the light-directing film is present between the transparent cover and at least one light source of the light source system.

[0142] As used in this article, the phrase “at least one” in the list of items refers to any combination of those items, including a single member. As an example, “at least one: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc.

[0143] The various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described in terms of functionality and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the design constraints imposed on the entire system and the specific application.

[0144] Hardware and data processing apparatuses that implement or perform the various illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented using general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations, specific processes and methods can be performed by circuitry specific to a given function.

[0145] In one or more aspects, the described functions can be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., modules of one or more computer program instructions encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by a data processing apparatus or for controlling the operation of a data processing device.

[0146] If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory medium) or transmitted as one or more instructions or code. The processes of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented in processor-executable software modules that can reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that allows a computer program to be transferred from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that is accessible to a computer. By way of example and not limitation, non-transitory media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, any connection can be properly referred to as a computer-readable medium. The disks and discs used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically via laser. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Furthermore, the operation of a method or algorithm may exist as one or any combination or set of code and instructions on machine-readable and computer-readable media, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0147] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to be given the broadest scope consistent with the claims, principles, and novel features disclosed herein. Herein, the word “exemplary” is used specifically to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” if any. No embodiment described herein is to be construed as preferred or advantageous over others.

[0148] Some features described in this specification in the context of individual implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, or even as the originally claimed features, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be separated from that combination, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0149] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or requiring that all shown operations be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. In addition, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims can be performed in a different order and the desired result can still be achieved.

[0150] It should be understood that unless features in any of the specifically described embodiments are explicitly identified as incompatible with each other or the surrounding context suggests that they are mutually exclusive and not easily combined in a complementary and / or supporting sense, the general concept of this disclosure is to selectively combine specific features of those complementary embodiments to provide one or more comprehensive, but slightly different, technical solutions. Therefore, it will be further appreciated that the above description is given by way of example only and may be modified in detail within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for biometric authentication, comprising: Transparent cover; Touch sensor system; The selfie camera is located near the camera area, which is covered by a transparent cover; A light source system, including at least one light source; and The control system is configured to communicate with the touch sensor system, the selfie camera, and the light source system, and the control system is further configured to: The system receives a touch sensor signal indicating a touch in the camera area, where the touch in the camera area corresponds to a target object touching the transparent cover in the camera area. In response to a touch on the camera area, the light source system is controlled to provide light to the target object; Receive image data from the selfie camera that corresponds to light reflected or scattered from the target object; and The fingerprint authentication process is performed at least in part based on the image data; The light source system includes a light-directing film configured to couple light into the transparent cover, wherein at least some of the light coupled to the transparent cover by the light-directing film propagates within the transparent cover via total internal reflection.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one light source is located near the selfie camera and configured to illuminate the target object when the target object touches the camera area.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one light source near the selfie camera includes a light-emitting diode.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-directing film is present between the transparent cover and at least one light source of the light source system.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least one light source of the light source system is present on a first side of the transparent cover, and wherein the light-directing film is present on the opposite second side of the transparent cover.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light-directing film includes one or more of a holographic grating, a surface relief grating, or a reflective surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source system includes one or more display pixels configured to provide light to the light-directing film.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more display pixels include one or more light-emitting diode pixels, one or more organic light-emitting diode pixels, or one or more liquid crystal display pixels.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The light source system is configured to couple light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control system is configured to extract fingerprint features from the image data, and the fingerprint authentication process involves comparing the currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The control system is configured to focus the selfie camera on at least a portion of the target object.

13. A method for biometric authentication, comprising: The control system receives touch sensor signals from the touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area, wherein the touch in the camera area corresponds to a transparent cover being touched by a target object in the camera area; A light source system, including at least one light source, is controlled by a control system and in response to touch in the camera area to provide light to the target object; Image data corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object is received from the selfie camera and by the control system. and The fingerprint authentication process is performed by the control system based at least in part on the image data; The light source system includes a light-directing film configured to couple light into the transparent cover, wherein at least some of the light coupled to the transparent cover by the light-directing film propagates within the transparent cover via total internal reflection.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising coupling light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising extracting fingerprint features from the image data by the control system, wherein, The fingerprint authentication process involves comparing the currently acquired fingerprint features with the fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising focusing the selfie camera on at least a portion of the target object by the control system.

18. One or more non-transitory media having software stored thereon, the software including a set of instructions for controlling one or more devices to perform a method, the method comprising: The control system receives touch sensor signals from the touch sensor system indicating a touch in the camera area, wherein the touch in the camera area corresponds to a transparent cover being touched by a target object in the camera area; The control system, in response to touch in the camera area, controls a light source system, including at least one light source, to provide light to the target object; The control system receives image data from the selfie camera corresponding to light reflected or scattered from the target object; and The fingerprint authentication process is performed by the control system based at least in part on the image data; The light source system includes a light-directing film configured to couple light into the transparent cover, wherein at least some of the light coupled to the transparent cover by the light-directing film propagates within the transparent cover via total internal reflection.

19. One or more non-temporary media according to claim 18, wherein, The method also includes coupling light into the transparent cover via edge coupling.

20. One or more non-temporary media according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes extracting fingerprint features from the image data by the control system, wherein the fingerprint authentication process involves comparing the currently acquired fingerprint features with fingerprint features acquired during the registration process.

21. One or more non-temporary media according to claim 20, wherein, The fingerprint features include one or more of fingerprint details, key points, or sweat pores.

22. One or more non-temporary media according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes having the selfie camera focus on at least a portion of the target object by the control system.

Images