Fingerprint Sensor SPI Control for Power Savings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fingerprint recognition systems in smart terminals often maintain a serial peripheral interface (SPI) in an open state for extended periods when no fingerprint is detected, leading to increased power consumption due to idle states.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method and apparatus for controlling the SPI of a fingerprint sensor by detecting fingerprint signals, such as changes in capacitance or light reflection, to open the interface only when a valid fingerprint signal is detected, and closing it when no signal is present for a predetermined time, thereby reducing unnecessary power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the SPI is maintained in an open state for extended periods when no fingerprint is detected, then the system is ready to transmit signals quickly, but power consumption increases due to idle states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission readinessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The SPI interface dynamically changes its state between open and closed based on fingerprint detection status. The controller opens the SPI when a fingerprint signal is detected and closes it when no signal is present, making the system adaptable to actual usage conditions rather than maintaining a fixed state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic fingerprint signal detection to control SPI state transitions. The controller continuously monitors for fingerprint signals and periodically adjusts the SPI state accordingly, creating a rhythm of open/closed states that balances readiness with power conservation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the SPI is opened only when a fingerprint signal is detected, then power consumption is reduced, but signal transmission may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary fingerprint signal detection before opening the SPI interface. By detecting the fingerprint signal in advance and then opening the SPI immediately upon detection, the system prepares the transmission path proactively, minimizing actual transmission delay while maintaining power savings during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the SPI remains closed to save power, then energy efficiency improves, but the system cannot respond quickly to fingerprint signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidfingerprint signal detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors fingerprint sensor output and uses this feedback to determine when to open the SPI interface. This closed-loop control ensures the SPI is opened at the appropriate moment to maintain reliable fingerprint signal detection while minimizing power consumption during idle states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10474621B2Method and apparatus for controlling serial peripheral interface of fingerprint sensor, and mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US10474621B2 patent drawing
  • US10474621B2 patent drawing
  • US10474621B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for controlling a serial peripheral interface of a fingerprint sensor, and a mobile terminal. The method includes: detecting a fingerprint signal via a fingerprint sensor; and when the fingerprint signal is detected, opening the serial peripheral interface of the fingerprint sensor.