Optically Adaptive Interface for Fingerprint Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint sensors face challenges in obtaining consistent and high-quality fingerprint images due to the need for finicky and time-consuming high-quality contact between the finger and the sensor, which is affected by individual characteristics and environmental variability.
Innovation Solution
An optically adaptive interface that changes its optical characteristics in response to contact, allowing for a non-contact state that is opaque and a contact state that is partially transparent, preventing ambient light and internal illumination from affecting image quality while enhancing aesthetics and improving fingerprint pattern visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-quality contact between finger and sensor is required, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to finicky and time-consuming contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical interface adaptive rather than static. The optical interface changes its optical characteristics based on whether contact is detected, transitioning between opaque and transparent states. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high image quality when contact occurs while presenting an aesthetically pleasing opaque appearance when idle, effectively resolving the contradiction between image quality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical properties (transparency/opacity) of the interface material in response to contact detection. When contact is detected, the optical interface transitions to a transparent state allowing light transmission for imaging; when no contact is present, it transitions to an opaque state. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high image quality during capture and ease of operation during idle states.
2Measurement precision
If the optical interface is made transparent to allow light transmission, then imaging capability is improved, but aesthetics deteriorate due to visible internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical interface adaptive rather than static. The optical interface changes its optical characteristics based on whether contact is detected, transitioning between opaque and transparent states. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high image quality when contact occurs while presenting an aesthetically pleasing opaque appearance when idle, effectively resolving the contradiction between image quality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical properties (transparency/opacity) of the interface material in response to contact detection. When contact is detected, the optical interface transitions to a transparent state allowing light transmission for imaging; when no contact is present, it transitions to an opaque state. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high image quality during capture and ease of operation during idle states.
3Shape
If the optical interface is made opaque to improve aesthetics, then appearance is improved, but light transmission is blocked affecting imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical interface adaptive rather than static. The optical interface changes its optical characteristics based on whether contact is detected, transitioning between opaque and transparent states. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high image quality when contact occurs while presenting an aesthetically pleasing opaque appearance when idle, effectively resolving the contradiction between image quality and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical properties (transparency/opacity) of the interface material in response to contact detection. When contact is detected, the optical interface transitions to a transparent state allowing light transmission for imaging; when no contact is present, it transitions to an opaque state. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high image quality during capture and ease of operation during idle states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The optically adaptive interface enhances image quality by reducing ambient light interference, preventing sensor saturation, and providing a more user-friendly experience by changing its optical properties based on contact, thus improving the effectiveness of fingerprint biometric identification.
Implementation Method 1
An optically adaptive interface can change its optical characteristics in response to contact (or the presence) of a finger at the optically adaptive interface
Implementation Method 2
An optically adaptive interface can also cut down on ambient light entering the sensor that can cause image degradation, sensor saturation
Implementation Method 3
An optically adaptive interface can also prevent light from within the sensor (e.g., from illumination optics) from exiting the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a biometric system with an optically adaptive interface are described. In some embodiments, an optically adaptive interface changes optical characteristics in response to the placement of a finger on the optically adaptive interface. In some embodiments, the optically adaptive interface can include an active layer and a surface layer. The active layer and the surface layer can have different optical properties. For example, one layer may be opaque and the other transparent, the two layers may have complementary colors, the two layers may have orthogonal polarization reflectors, one layer may be reflective and the other absorptive, etc. Moreover, the active layer can be a fluid with either high or low viscosity. For example, the viscosity can be such that the active layer fluid is either completely displaced or not displaced in locations corresponding to finger valleys.