Fingerprint Sensor Package with Multi-Layer Sensing Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fingerprint sensors, particularly of the capacitance method, face challenges in enhancing recognition rates without increasing production costs and maintaining flexibility, which is crucial for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A fingerprint sensor package design featuring a package substrate with specific conductive patterns and ground patterns, integrated with a controller IC, that utilizes a capacitance method for fingerprint recognition, allowing for flexible and cost-effective integration in various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the area of the fingerprint sensor is increased to improve recognition rate, then the resolution and recognition rate improve, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint recognition rateVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fingerprint sensor is divided into multiple sensing patterns arranged in a matrix configuration, where each sensing pattern acts as an independent sensing element. This segmentation allows the sensor to achieve high resolution through multiple discrete points rather than requiring a large continuous sensing area, thereby improving recognition rate while controlling production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer sensing structure to a multi-layer structure with sensing patterns distributed across different levels. By stacking sensing patterns in multiple layers and directions, the sensor achieves enhanced resolution and recognition capability without proportionally increasing the planar area, thus avoiding excessive production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the complexity of the sensor structure is increased to improve sensing performance, then the fingerprint recognition accuracy improves, but the flexibility and ease of application decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint sensing accuracyVSAvoidflexibility and ease of application
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal sensing structure where sensing patterns, ground patterns, and insulating layers form a standardized multi-layer configuration that can be applied to various fingerprint sensor types and applications. This universal design maintains flexibility and ease of application while achieving high sensing accuracy through the standardized yet configurable pattern arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin film structures for insulating layers and conductive patterns that can be flexed and adapted to different form factors. The sensing patterns are formed as thin conductive layers that maintain electrical functionality while providing mechanical flexibility, allowing the sensor to be applied in various devices including wearable devices and smartphones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design enhances fingerprint recognition rates while maintaining low production costs and flexibility, suitable for applications in smart cards and wearable devices, providing a high level of user experience and security.

Implementation Method 1

the first sensing patterns and the second sensing patterns constitute a plurality of capacitors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11397883B2Fingerprint sensor package and smart card including the same
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11397883B2 patent drawing
  • US11397883B2 patent drawing
  • US11397883B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A smart card including a fingerprint sensor package is provided. The fingerprint sensor package includes first sensing patterns, second sensing patterns, ground patterns, and a controller integrated circuit (IC). The first sensing patterns extend in a first direction. The second sensing patterns are disposed on the first sensing patterns and extend in a second direction crossing the first direction. The ground patterns are between the first sensing patterns and the controller IC.