Fingerprint Sensor Sharing for Wraparound Display Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to implement fingerprint identification on electronic devices with wraparound display screens, where space for a fingerprint identification module is greatly compressed due to the increased screen-to-body ratio, requiring a solution that can efficiently use limited space without compromising the display area or mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a display screen having first and second display regions on different surfaces, utilizing a reflector and a single sensor to reflect light from both regions onto the sensor, allowing for fingerprint identification without additional sensors, thus reducing hardware costs and maintaining hermeticity and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wraparound display screen is used to increase screen-to-body ratio, then the display area is improved, but the space for fingerprint identification module is compressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths from both front and back display regions into a single sensor system. Light from either display region is reflected by the same reflector and detected by the same sensor, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that saves space while maintaining full functionality for fingerprint identification on both surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth) by positioning the sensor and reflector in the space between the display screen and the back cover. This vertical arrangement allows the optical components to be stacked rather than laid out horizontally, effectively using unused vertical space to accommodate the fingerprint identification system without compromising the wraparound display area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors are added for fingerprint identification on both surfaces, then the fingerprint identification capability is improved, but the hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single sensor system universal by designing it to handle fingerprint identification from both front and back surfaces. The reflector is positioned and shaped to capture light from either display region and direct it to the sensor, allowing one sensor to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate sensors for each surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the two display regions and the single sensor. It redirects light from either surface to the sensor, enabling the sensor to receive optical signals from multiple sources without requiring multiple sensors, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If holes are opened in the display screen for the fingerprint module, then the fingerprint identification is enabled, but the hermeticity and mechanical strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the fingerprint identification module within the existing display structure. The sensor and reflector are positioned in the internal space between the display screen and back cover, with light passing through the display screen material itself rather than through holes. This nested arrangement eliminates the need to compromise the display screen integrity while still enabling fingerprint functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of creating physical holes in the display screen with an optical solution. Instead of mechanically opening passages through the screen, the system uses light transmission through the display material combined with internal reflection and detection, substituting a mechanical modification with an optical field-based approach that preserves structural integrity.
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 solution enables effective fingerprint collection and identification across both display surfaces using a single sensor, reducing space occupancy and enhancing the display area, while maintaining the device's hermeticity and mechanical strength without the need to open holes in the screen.
Implementation Method 1
light transmitted from the first display region and the second display region is reflected by the reflector and then irradiated on the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the first lens is configured to converge light transmitted from the first display region to the reflector, and the second lens is configured to converge light transmitted from the second display region to the reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus, includes: a display screen, a reflector and a sensor, wherein a region of the display screen located on a front surface of the electronic apparatus is a first display region, a region of the display screen located on a back surface of the electronic apparatus is a second display region, and the display screen is configured to transmit light; the reflector and the sensor are arranged inside the electronic apparatus, and light transmitted from the first display region or the second display region is reflected by the reflector and then irradiated on the sensor; and the sensor generates an electric signal for fingerprint identification based on the light received. Sharing the sensor under the display screen can therefore be realized, with a single sensor to implement fingerprint collection and identification of a multi-surface display device.