Fingerprint Readout Circuit Adaptive Sharpening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with fingerprint authentication functions face challenges in achieving reliable fingerprint recognition due to variations in fingerprint patterns and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint authentication device is developed, which includes a fingerprint sensing unit and a readout circuit. The readout circuit processes the fingerprint image by dividing it into split images, extracting 1D signals, estimating fingerprint features, and applying specific sharpening processing methods based on the detected features to enhance image quality and matching accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sharpening processing method is used for all fingerprint images, then the processing is simple and fast, but the matching accuracy deteriorates due to variations in fingerprint patterns and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sharpening processing methods to different regions of the fingerprint image based on local characteristics. The ridge-direction-component extraction unit identifies regions with ridges extending in specific directions, and the estimation unit determines the appropriate sharpening method for each region. This allows the system to adapt the processing quality to local variations in fingerprint patterns, improving overall matching accuracy while managing processing complexity through region-specific approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of sharpening processing methods based on real-time analysis of fingerprint features. The estimation unit dynamically determines whether to apply the first sharpening processing method (for ridge-direction features) or the second sharpening processing method (for minutiae features) based on the extracted fingerprint characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize processing accuracy for varying fingerprint patterns without requiring multiple fixed processing paths.
2Reliability
If multiple sharpening processing methods are applied to handle different fingerprint features, then the fingerprint recognition reliability is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of ridge-direction components and estimation of fingerprint features before applying the sharpening processing. The ridge-direction-component extraction unit and estimation unit analyze the fingerprint image in advance to determine which sharpening method should be applied, allowing the subsequent sharpening processing to be executed more efficiently. This preliminary analysis enables the system to prepare the fingerprint image for optimal processing without requiring multiple sequential processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fingerprint processing into distinct functional units: the area division unit divides the fingerprint image into multiple regions, the ridge-direction-component extraction unit extracts directional information, the estimation unit determines the appropriate sharpening method, and the sharpening processing units apply the selected methods. This segmentation allows each unit to process specific aspects of the fingerprint independently, improving overall efficiency and reducing total processing time while maintaining high reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the fingerprint image is divided into multiple split images for processing, then the feature extraction accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The area division unit divides the fingerprint image into multiple split images, allowing each region to be processed independently for feature extraction. This segmentation enables the ridge-direction-component extraction unit to analyze specific regions more thoroughly, improving feature extraction accuracy. The patent manages the resulting processing complexity by organizing the segmented regions through a structured workflow where each split image follows the same processing pipeline, making the increased complexity manageable through systematic organization.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display unit which displays an image; a fingerprint sensing unit that senses a fingerprint including a ridge and a valley and outputs a fingerprint sensing signal including a fingerprint image, a readout circuit which generates a fingerprint processing signal based on the fingerprint sensing signal and determines whether the fingerprint processing signal matches a stored fingerprint signal, by comparing the fingerprint processing signal with the stored fingerprint signal, and a memory connected to the readout circuit. The readout circuit includes an area division unit, an estimation unit, a first sharpening processing unit, a second sharpening processing unit, and a processing unit.