3D Fingerprint Sensor Using Light Injection and Image Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fingerprint sensors in electronic devices face challenges in quickly and efficiently performing authentication while allowing users to perform other tasks, as existing technologies often require separate authentication steps and may not effectively utilize light sources and image sensors to generate accurate 3D fingerprint data.
Innovation Solution
A finger biometric sensor system that includes a dielectric layer with a light source capable of injecting light into the user's finger and a plurality of image sensors adjacent to the back surface, which collect data based on diffuse scattering and specular reflections to generate 3D fingerprint ridge data, allowing for simultaneous authentication and task performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fingerprint sensor is integrated into an electronic device to enable quick authentication, then authentication speed is improved, but the system requires separate authentication steps that interrupt user tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image sensors with different target areas into a single integrated fingerprint sensing system. The controller merges data from multiple sensors to generate comprehensive 3D fingerprint information, enabling fast authentication without requiring separate authentication steps that would interrupt user tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D fingerprint imaging to 3D fingerprint ridge data generation by incorporating multiple image sensors with overlapping target areas. This dimensional enhancement allows for more accurate and faster authentication while maintaining seamless user operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to generate accurate 3D fingerprint data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fingerprint sensing area into multiple overlapping target areas, each captured by a separate image sensor. This segmentation allows for comprehensive 3D data collection while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor arrangement and systematic data processing.
3Measurement precision
If light sources and image sensors are positioned to capture specular reflections, then 3D data quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in light reflection parameters (specular vs. diffuse reflection) at different angles to generate 3D fingerprint data. By positioning light sources and image sensors to capture these reflection parameter variations, the system achieves high 3D data quality while the controller compensates for positioning variations through algorithmic processing.
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 fast and accurate fingerprint authentication by generating high-resolution 3D data, allowing users to perform tasks without separate authentication steps and improving the efficiency of fingerprint recognition.
Implementation Method 1
collect image data from the plurality of image sensors based upon diffuse scattering and specular reflections from the user's finger
Implementation Method 2
collect image data from the plurality of image sensors based upon diffuse scattering and specular reflections from the user's finger
Data Source
AI summary
A finger biometric sensor may include a dielectric layer having a front surface capable of receiving a user's finger thereon and at least one light source capable of injecting light into the user's finger. The finger biometric sensor may also include image sensors adjacent a back surface of the dielectric layer defining overlapping target areas directed toward the user's finger, and a controller capable of collecting image data from the image sensors based upon diffuse scattering and specular reflections from the user's finger, and generating fingerprint ridge three-dimensional (3D) data.