Door Station Camera Module with Integrated Fingerprint Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door communication systems with both audio-visual communication and access control using fingerprint sensors have a modular structure, resulting in large dimensions and limited design flexibility due to separate modules for camera units and fingerprint sensors.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a fingerprint detection device within the optically transparent cover of the camera module, utilizing a proximity sensor to switch the camera module's operating mode and adjusting its focus or focal length to accommodate fingerprint capture without affecting video communication, allowing a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are provided for camera unit and fingerprint sensor, then functional completeness is achieved, but structural dimensions become large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidstructural dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the camera module and fingerprint sensor into a single integrated door station unit. The fingerprint sensor is positioned behind the transparent cover in the corner region, while the camera module occupies the central area, allowing both functions to coexist in one compact structure rather than requiring separate modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent cover serves multiple functions: it protects the internal components, allows optical penetration for the camera module, and provides a surface for fingerprint detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby compacting the overall structure.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate modules are provided for camera unit and fingerprint sensor, then functional completeness is achieved, but design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the camera module and fingerprint sensor into one integrated unit with a unified housing and common transparent cover, the patent enables more flexible design arrangements compared to connecting separate modules. The integrated structure allows optimized positioning of components within the housing without the constraints of modular interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If camera module focus is adjusted for fingerprint capture, then fingerprint detection accuracy is improved, but video communication capability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint detection accuracyVSAvoidvideo communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module incorporates a variable focus lens that can dynamically adjust between two focal positions: one optimized for capturing fingerprints on the transparent cover and another for capturing distant objects for video communication. This dynamic focusing capability allows the single camera module to perform both functions effectively without compromising either capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 a compact door station design while maintaining biometric functionality, with the camera module serving dual purposes of video communication and fingerprint evaluation, enhancing design flexibility and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a device for detecting a fingerprint arranged behind the same cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the device for capturing a fingerprint has a proximity sensor which is set up to detect an approach of an object to the front side of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 3

the camera module can have a lens with a variable focus that can be adjusted back and forth between a focus for capturing a fingerprint on the cover and at least one focus for capturing an object arranged at a distance from the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLens focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3737072B1Door station for a door communication system
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 GIRA GIERSIEPEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3737072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3737072B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a door station (1) for a door communication system, with a housing (2) which has an optically transparent cover (4) on its front (3), behind which a camera module (5) is arranged, characterized in that a device (6) for capturing a biometric feature is arranged behind the same cover (4).