Fingerprint Sensor Memory Integration for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fingerprint sensors lack efficient integration of memory units with sensing arrays, leading to suboptimal fingerprint identification accuracy and increased chip area, as they do not effectively utilize memory capacity and calibration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint sensor design that incorporates a sensing array with interlaced memory units adjacent to each sensing unit, allowing for voltage reading and error value storage to enhance fingerprint identification accuracy and self-calibration, while optimizing memory capacity and chip area through strategic memory placement between sensing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If memory units are integrated with sensing units in fingerprint sensors, then fingerprint identification accuracy is improved through self-calibration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines memory units and sensing units into a single integrated structure where each memory unit is physically coupled to its corresponding sensing unit. This merging allows the memory unit to store calibration data locally, enabling self-calibration of the sensing unit without external intervention, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated memory-sensing unit structure enables self-calibration functionality where the sensing unit uses calibration data stored in its adjacent memory unit to automatically correct its own measurements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external calibration systems, improving fingerprint identification accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate calibration hardware
2Area of stationary object
If memory units are disposed between sensing units, then chip area is reduced through efficient space utilization, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges memory units in the spatial dimension between sensing units in the sensing array, utilizing the available space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows both memory and sensing functions to coexist on the same chip without significant area increase, while the regular patterned layout helps manage manufacturing precision requirements through predictable fabrication processes
3Reliability
If calibration data is stored in integrated memory units, then self-calibration capability is enhanced, but loss of time in calibration procedures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The memory units store calibration data in advance during manufacturing, so that when the fingerprint sensor operates, the sensing units can immediately access and apply their calibration data without waiting for external calibration procedures. This preliminary preparation of calibration information enables instant self-calibration, enhancing reliability while eliminating calibration time during operation
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
The integration of memory units with sensing arrays improves fingerprint identification accuracy by enabling self-calibration and efficient memory utilization, reducing chip area and enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
When a user presses or slides his finger on or over the fingerprint sensor, a fingerprint sensor will sense the ridges and the valleys of the fingerprint, and generate different capacitance values corresponding to the ridges and valleys
Data Source
AI summary
A fingerprint sensor for sensing fingerprint information of a finger is provided. The fingerprint sensor includes a sensing array including a plurality of sensing units, an insulating surface disposed on the sensing array, a readout module, a memory array including a plurality of memory units respectively corresponding to the sensing units, and a processor. Each of the sensing units includes a sensing electrode. The readout module reads a sensing voltage of the sensing electrode of each of the sensing units, and provides a sensing output according to the sensing voltage. Each of the memory units is adjacent to the corresponding sensing unit and stores information of the corresponding sensing unit. The processor obtains the fingerprint information of the finger according to the sensing output and the information stored in the memory unit.