Fingerprint Sensor and Capacitive Touch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal devices with integrated fingerprint identification and physical keys face challenges in distinguishing between fingerprint identification and touch key functions due to overlapping sensor operations, which affects signal integrity and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that vertically integrate a capacitive touch sensor and a fingerprint identification sensor beneath a cover glass, with a switch controlling their operation based on turn-on or cut-off signals, allowing independent activation of fingerprint identification and touch key functions without interfering with each other's signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fingerprint identification sensor and a physical key are integrated in the same structure, then the device achieves multi-functionality, but signal interference occurs between fingerprint identification and touch key operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing area into two distinct sensing zones: a first sensing area for fingerprint identification and a second sensing area for touch key operations. This spatial segmentation allows each function to operate independently in its designated zone, eliminating signal interference while maintaining multi-functionality in the integrated button structure.
2Device complexity
If the fingerprint identification sensor is placed directly over the physical key button, then structural integration is achieved, but the sensor cannot distinguish between fingerprint touches and key presses
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing area is segmented into a first sensing area overlapping the button for touch key detection and a second sensing area adjacent to it for fingerprint identification. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between key presses and fingerprint touches while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensing characteristics are applied to different regions: the first sensing area is optimized for detecting button press forces, while the second sensing area is optimized for capturing fingerprint patterns. This local differentiation enables clear function distinction within the integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hole is made in the cover glass for the fingerprint sensor, then fingerprint identification functionality is enabled, but structural integrity and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor is positioned adjacent to the button in the same plane rather than requiring a hole through the cover glass. This dimensional arrangement allows the sensor to be integrated into the button structure without compromising cover glass integrity or aesthetics.
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 solution enables seamless integration of fingerprint identification and touch key functions, improving user experience and structural integrity by reducing signal interference and allowing for flexible cover glass designs with or without holes, while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios for accurate touch key operations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive touch sensor arranged below the fingerprint identification sensor and configured to collect a capacitance generated on the cover glass
Implementation Method 2
the fingerprint identification sensor is configured to collect fingerprint information applied on the cover glass
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for implementing touch key and fingerprint identification includes a fingerprint identification sensor arranged below a cover glass of a terminal device and a capacitive touch sensor arranged below the fingerprint identification sensor. The fingerprint identification sensor is configured to collect fingerprint information applied on the cover glass. The capacitive touch sensor is configured to collect a capacitance generated on the cover glass.