Display Panel as Light Source for Optical Fingerprint Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive fingerprint identification technologies face difficulties when the finger is wet or contaminated, and the identification area can be easily damaged, leading to degraded sensitivity over time, and existing optical fingerprint identification methods require dedicated light sources, resulting in complex structures and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A display panel is used as the light source for optical fingerprint identification, employing an organic light-emitting layer and optical sensors to illuminate patterns, allowing full-screen fingerprint identification with improved sensitivity and reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate dedicated light source is used for optical fingerprint identification, then the identification accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display pixels are designed to serve dual functions: displaying visual information to users and providing illumination light for fingerprint identification. By making the display panel itself a light source, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated light sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the display function and illumination function into a single integrated system. The same pixel array that displays images also emits light for optical fingerprint sensing, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure
2Device complexity
If capacitive fingerprint identification is used, then the device structure is simple, but the identification fails when finger is wet or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensing mechanism with an optical sensing mechanism. Instead of measuring electrical capacitance changes that are affected by moisture and contaminants, the system uses optical sensors to detect fingerprint patterns through light reflection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity
3Ease of operation
If the press keys for capacitive fingerprint identification are used, then the identification area is accessible, but the keys are easily damaged and sensitivity degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fingerprint identification function from the physical press key structure and integrates it into the display panel itself. By removing the need for separate mechanical press keys and using the display pixels as both interface and sensor, the system improves durability while maintaining accessibility
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 approach enables thinner, more miniaturized display apparatuses with higher sensitivity and accuracy for fingerprint identification, eliminating the need for separate light sources and allowing full-screen pattern recognition, enhancing security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an organic light-emitting layer disposed over the substrate and having at least one pixel
Implementation Method 2
measuring electrical currents generated by the at least one optical sensor from light reflected by the pattern to be identified
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a substrate, an organic light-emitting layer disposed over the substrate and having at least one pixel, and at least one optical sensor disposed over the substrate distal from the organic light-emitting layer; wherein the at least one pixel is configured to display an image and as a light source for the at least one optical sensor to realize pattern identification.