Fingerprint Sensor Array with Light Blocking Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in acquiring high-quality fingerprint images using low-resolution fingerprint sensors.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a fingerprint sensing layer with a light blocking layer having holes that allow reflected light to reach fingerprint sensors, coupled with a sensor driver that processes signals to generate high-quality fingerprint images by comparing data with prestored reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a low-resolution fingerprint sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but fingerprint image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor array is divided into multiple sensing areas, with each area containing multiple fingerprint sensors. This segmentation allows different regions to capture different portions of the fingerprint pattern, enabling a low-resolution sensor array to collectively capture high-quality fingerprint information through spatial distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional optical path configuration. By positioning the light blocking layer with holes at a specific distance from the fingerprint sensing layer and using multiple sensing areas at different spatial positions, the system captures light reflections from multiple dimensions, effectively increasing the information gathering capability beyond the limitations of sensor pixel count
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing areas with multiple fingerprint sensors are used, then fingerprint image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data from multiple fingerprint sensors across different sensing areas are merged and processed together to generate a complete fingerprint image. The sensor driver integrates signals from all sensing areas, combining the captured light reflection information to produce a high-quality fingerprint image that leverages the collective capability of all sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking layer with holes creates multiple optical path copies, allowing light to reach different sensing areas through different paths. This copying of optical paths enables the system to capture fingerprint information from multiple angles and positions, effectively multiplying the information gathering capability without proportionally increasing sensor count
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 configuration enables the display device to produce high-quality fingerprint images despite using low-resolution sensors, improving image clarity and distinguishing ridge and valley patterns effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a light blocking layer having a plurality of holes, the holes allowing reflected light to reach the fingerprint sensing layer
Implementation Method 2
the sensor pixels configured to sense light reflected by a fingerprint and generate image information corresponding to the fingerprint
Data Source
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AI summary
The display device comprises: a display panel displaying an image, a light blocking layer disposed under the display panel and comprising a plurality of holes, a fingerprint sensing layer disposed under the light blocking layer and comprising a plurality of fingerprint sensors receiving reflected light passing through the plurality of hole and generating a sensing signal, and a sensor driver controlling operations of the plurality of fingerprint sensors. The sensor driver compares fingerprint data generated based on a sensing signal generated from reflected light by a user's fingerprint with prestored reference data to generate a fingerprint image.