Fingerprint Module Light Guide Structure for Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fingerprint identifying modules with Invisible Fingerprint Sensor (IFS) configurations are difficult to align due to being covered by a glass cover plate, making it hard for users to obtain a fingerprint image.

Innovation Solution

A fingerprint identifying module with an indicating function, comprising a circuit board, a fingerprint sensing element, a light emitting element, and a light guide structure, where the light guide structure surrounds the fingerprint sensing element to project a light beam and display its position, facilitating alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the fingerprint identifying module is covered by the glass cover plate (IFS configuration), then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the user cannot visually observe the position of the fingerprint identifying module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidalignment of finger with fingerprint module
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a light guide structure that changes the visual appearance of the glass cover plate by guiding light from a light emitting element below. This creates a visible indication pattern on the glass surface that shows users where to place their finger, while the glass cover plate itself remains transparent and aesthetically pleasing. The light guide structure utilizes optical properties to create visual information without compromising the aesthetic design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the fingerprint identifying module is exposed outside the glass cover plate, then the user can visually observe the position for finger alignment, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment of finger with fingerprint moduleVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light guide structure as an intermediary between the fingerprint identifying module and the user. This intermediate component transmits light from the hidden module below through the glass cover plate, creating a visible indication without exposing the module itself. The light guide structure acts as a mediator that conveys positional information while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the glass cover plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the glass cover plate thickness is increased, then the structural strength is improved, but the fingerprint identifying module cannot obtain the fingerprint image when covered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglass cover plate strengthVSAvoidfingerprint image acquisition
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light emitting element from the fingerprint identifying module itself and places it separately below the glass cover plate. This separation allows the fingerprint module to remain hidden under the thick glass cover plate for aesthetic purposes, while the extracted light emitting element provides the necessary illumination for fingerprint image acquisition through the glass surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 users to visually locate the fingerprint sensing element, improving alignment and functionality while maintaining an aesthetic appearance under IFS configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The light guide structure surrounds the fingerprint sensing element, is close to the light emitting element, and is configured to guide the light beam and enable the light beam to move within the light guide structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

The light emitting element is provided on the circuit board, is located below the fingerprint sensing element, and is configured to generate a light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10372964B2Fingerprint identifying module with indicating function
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD
  • US10372964B2 patent drawing
  • US10372964B2 patent drawing
  • US10372964B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fingerprint identifying module with an indicating function, including a circuit board, a fingerprint sensing element, a light emitting element, and a light guide structure. Both the fingerprint sensing element and the light emitting element are provided on the circuit board. The light guide structure surrounds the fingerprint sensing element and is close to the light emitting element; and may guide a light beam generated by the light emitting element, and enable the light beam to move within the light guide structure. Because the light guide structure surrounding the fingerprint sensing element generates a light emitting effect, a position of the fingerprint sensing element may be displayed.