Finger Vein Sensor Layout for Larger, Clearer Pattern Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional finger vein sensors capture only a small portion of the finger vein pattern due to a small sensing surface, are prone to authentication errors from contamination, and fail with moisture on the sensor surface, limiting their use to indoor applications.

Innovation Solution

The finger vein sensor design includes an infrared light source positioned at the bottom, an image sensor at the top, and an optical reflector to capture larger and clearer finger vein patterns, with a transparent resting surface and infrared filter to prevent contamination and moisture interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensing surface area is increased to capture more finger vein pattern, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinger vein pattern capture qualityVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the sensing surface in the horizontal plane rather than increasing vertical depth, allowing larger capture area without proportionally increasing overall device volume. The sensor array is arranged in a planar configuration that matches the natural placement of fingers on a flat surface.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing surface is divided into multiple independent sensing elements arranged in an array. Each element captures a portion of the finger vein pattern, and the combined data from all elements provides comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows the large sensing area to be constructed from manageable modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the sensing surface is made larger to reduce contamination impact, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication accuracyVSAvoidsensor assembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is constructed from multiple discrete sensing elements that can be manufactured separately with standard precision tolerances and then assembled into a larger array. This modular approach reduces the cumulative precision requirements compared to manufacturing a single large integrated sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor design incorporates universal mounting structures and standardized element configurations that can be replicated across the array. This universality simplifies the assembly process and reduces the precision requirements for individual components, as each element follows the same design template.

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

3Reliability

If the sensor space is sealed to prevent moisture damage, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistanceVSAvoidfinger placement convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor employs a transparent protective cover that acts as a barrier to moisture while maintaining optical transparency for infrared transmission. This thin film structure protects the internal electronics from water damage without creating a physical barrier that would interfere with finger placement or vein pattern transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Measurement precision

If the sensing surface is made larger to capture more vein pattern, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevein pattern capture completenessVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source and sensor array into a single integrated module, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and reducing overall system complexity. The infrared LEDs are positioned directly adjacent to the sensing elements, creating a compact configuration that simplifies alignment and reduces the number of optical components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design captures larger and clearer finger vein patterns, reducing authentication errors and enabling outdoor use by preventing contamination and moisture-related failures.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) 409 irradiates infrared light on a finger 407

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an image sensor 1006 captures at least one infrared image of finger vein pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an optical reflector to capture larger and clearer finger vein patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3663964B1Finger vein image acquisition device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 NANJING EASTHOUSE INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • EP3663964B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3663964B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3663964B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to several types of finger vein sensor. In certain embodiments, the finger vein sensor includes: an image sensor, and an infrared light source. Image sensor captures infrared image of finger vein pattern of a finger of a target human. The image sensor faces down and is positioned at top of finger vein sensor. The infrared light source may include a predetermined number of infrared light-emitting diodes (LED), and they are arranged in one or more rows and one or more columns and positioned at bottom of finger vein sensor. The finger is positioned between infrared light source and image sensor. The infrared light from the infrared light source irradiates the finger vertically from the bottom to generate the infrared image of finger vein pattern of the finger on the image sensor, and the image sensor captures the infrared image of finger vein pattern of the finger.