Biometric Light-Source Sets for Clone-Resistant Fingerprint Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fingerprint scan sensors struggle to differentiate between genuine fingerprints and cloned fingerprints made from substances mimicking human skin, leading to authentication inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device employs a display that emits light of different properties through distinct pixel sets to capture multiple biometric information types, including fingerprint images and biometric change information, using a combination of visible light and infrared sensors to enhance authentication accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fingerprint scan sensor uses only visible light to capture fingerprint images, then the device structure remains simple, but the authentication accuracy deteriorates because cloned fingerprints made from skin-mimicking substances cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidlight source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible light only to include infrared light. By using infrared light sources and infrared sensors, the system can detect biometric information that is not visible to the human eye, such as subsurface blood flow patterns and tissue characteristics, which cannot be replicated by cloned fingerprints made from skin-mimicking substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the light spectrum by incorporating infrared wavelengths alongside visible wavelengths. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture multiple types of biometric information simultaneously - both visible light reflections for fingerprint imaging and infrared light absorption patterns for physiological verification, thereby resolving the authentication accuracy issue without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the display outputs light through all sub-pixels simultaneously, then the light output is sufficient for basic fingerprint imaging, but the authentication security deteriorates due to inability to detect biometric changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidpixel set control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sub-pixels into multiple distinct pixel sets, where each pixel set is responsible for capturing specific types of biometric information. This segmentation allows the system to selectively illuminate and sense different regions with different light properties, enabling simultaneous acquisition of fingerprint images, heart rate, and oxygen saturation data from the same contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display is designed to serve multiple functions by outputting different light wavelengths through different pixel sets. The same display structure that normally only displays visual information now also functions as an infrared light source and sensor, enabling it to simultaneously perform fingerprint imaging, heart rate monitoring, and oxygen saturation measurement - all from the same user contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If the electronic device uses only a single type of sensor, then the device structure remains simple, but the information obtained is insufficient for comprehensive authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric information completenessVSAvoidsensor array
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor types into a unified sensor array that operates simultaneously. By combining visible light sensors and infrared sensors in the same array, the system can capture both reflected visible light for fingerprint imaging and absorbed infrared light for physiological measurements from the same spatial location, eliminating information loss while managing device complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds another dimension to the sensing capability by incorporating infrared sensors alongside visible light sensors. This dimensional addition enables the system to detect invisible infrared radiation patterns that reveal physiological information such as blood flow and tissue characteristics, complementing the visible light fingerprint imaging and providing comprehensive biometric data for secure authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This method improves authentication security by combining fingerprint images with biometric change information, such as heart rate and oxygen saturation, to verify user identity, reducing the risk of impersonation.

Implementation Method 1

a first pixel set capable of outputting light of a first wavelength range, a second pixel set capable of outputting light of a second wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from display pixels: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

obtain the first biometric information using light reflected from the external object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3447685B1Method for obtaining biometric information using light source sets with different properties corresponding to biometric information and electronic device thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3447685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447685B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An apparatus and method for obtaining biometric information in an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display comprising one or more pixels, the one or more pixels including a first sub pixel, a second sub pixel, and a third sub pixel, and one or more sensors configured to obtain biometric information about an external object, and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the electronic device to: identify first biometric information and second biometric information from the biometric information, and output light having first properties through a first pixel set corresponding to the first biometric information, and obtain the first biometric information using the one or more sensors, and output light having second properties through a second pixel set corresponding to the second biometric information, and obtain the second biometric information using the one or more sensors.