Integrated Display and Biometric Sensing via Light Reflection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices require separate biometric sensors for authentication, which increases complexity and size, whereas integrating improved resolution display devices with biometric sensing capabilities is desirable for enhanced security in devices like smartphones and tablets.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a substrate divided into light-emitting and non-light-emitting regions, featuring a sensing panel with a photosensitive layer and a lens layer that senses light reflected from external objects, allowing for biometric data capture without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate biometric sensor is used for authentication, then authentication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display panel and sensing panel into a single integrated structure where the display panel serves both as a visual output device and as a biometric sensor. The sensing panel is disposed on the display panel with sensing transistors that detect light reflected from external objects (such as fingerprints), eliminating the need for separate biometric authentication hardware and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously functions as a biometric authentication sensor. The sensing transistors in the sensing panel enable the display structure to detect optical signals from external objects, making the display component universal and eliminating the need for dedicated separate sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate biometric sensor is used for authentication, then authentication functionality is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing panel is integrated onto the display panel, sharing the same physical space and structural footprint. This merging of functions allows biometric sensing to occur within the existing display area without requiring additional device volume or surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing panel is nested within or on top of the display panel structure, with sensing transistors positioned to detect light reflected from external objects while occupying the same spatial envelope as the display component, thereby eliminating the need for additional device volume
3Measurement precision
If the sensing transistor is positioned to overlap the light-emitting region, then light sensing capability is improved, but display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing panel is positioned to overlap specifically with the non-light-emitting regions of the display panel, not the light-emitting regions. This localized positioning allows the sensing transistors to detect light reflected from external objects without interfering with the light emission and display quality in the active display areas
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is divided into light-emitting regions and non-light-emitting regions, with the sensing panel strategically positioned to overlap only the non-light-emitting regions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of display quality in light-emitting areas and sensing capability in non-light-emitting areas without mutual interference
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
Enables improved resolution and integrated biometric sensing, reducing device size and complexity while enhancing security through the use of a single display device capable of both image output and biometric authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing transistor configured to sense light that is emitted from the pixel and reflected by an external object... generates a current by receiving the light
Implementation Method 2
the lens layer overlaps the light-transmitting area in the first direction... a bottom surface of the lens layer has a shape which is convex toward the sensing transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel includes a substrate divided into a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region including a sensing area, a pixel disposed on the light-emitting region, and a pixel-defining layer disposed on the non-light-emitting region, and a sensing panel which is disposed on the display panel and includes a sensing transistor configured to sense light that is emitted from the pixel and reflected by an external object. The sensing transistor overlaps the sensing area in a first direction parallel to a thickness direction of the display panel, is spaced apart from the light-emitting region in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and generates a current by receiving the light. The generated current may be used to sense light which is emitted from the pixel and reflected by an external object, such as a fingerprint, to allow the display to act as a biometric sensor.