Integrated Fingerprint Sensor and Touch Screen via Signal Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional terminal devices face limitations in design and user convenience due to the combination of fingerprint identification and touch button functions, which require separate openings and structures, restricting the integration level and external appearance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus integrating fingerprint identification and touch screen functions using a fingerprint identification sensor with sub-sensors, an all-in-one switch, and touch screen circuitry, where the all-in-one switch combines signals from sub-sensors for both fingerprint and touch operations, enhancing integration and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical button structure is used for fingerprint identification, then button press function is achieved, but device integration level and external appearance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fingerprint sensor and touch button into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor array can operate in two modes: individually for fingerprint recognition or collectively as a capacitive touch button, eliminating the need for separate physical button structures and openings in the cover glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is designed to perform multiple functions: it can identify fingerprints when sensors are individually activated, and function as a capacitive touch button when all sensors work together. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace both the fingerprint sensor and physical button.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate openings are formed for fingerprint identification, then fingerprint sensor function is achieved, but device exterior appearance and integration are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate openings by integrating the fingerprint sensor directly into the touch screen structure. The sensor array is positioned beneath the cover glass in the same region where a physical button would traditionally be located, allowing the fingerprint function to be seamlessly integrated with the touch interface.
3Ease of operation
If a physical button with travel is used, then button press detection is achieved, but device compactness and user convenience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button press system with a capacitive touch system. Instead of requiring physical button travel, the integrated sensor array detects touch operations through capacitive changes, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and allowing for a more compact design while maintaining ease of 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
This integration enables simultaneous capacitive touch and fingerprint identification, improving user convenience and device integration, allowing for more compact and user-friendly designs.
Implementation Method 1
the all-in-one switch is connected with the touch screen circuitry; the fingerprint identification sensor is provided below a cover glass and in occupation of a portion of a lower region of the touch screen, and is configured, when the all-in-one switch is opened (it forms an open circuit), to transmit a signal generated by a detection by the plurality of sub-sensors to the fingerprint identification circuitry, respectively, and when the all-in-one switch is closed (it forms a closed circuit), to combine the signal generated by a detection by the plurality of sub-sensors into touch signal through the all-in-one switch and transmit the touch signal to the touch screen circuitry
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
An apparatus for implementing functions of touch screen and fingerprint identification includes: a fingerprint identification sensor (21) including a plurality of sub-sensors, which is provided below a cover glass and in occupation of a portion of a lower region of the touch screen, and is configured, when an all-in-one switch (23) is opened, to transmit signal generated by a detection by the plurality of sub-sensors to a fingerprint identification circuitry (22) for further processing the signal, respectively, and when the all-in-one switch is closed, to combine the signal generated by a detection by the plurality of sub-sensors into touch signal through the all-in-one switch and transmit the touch signal to a touch screen circuitry (24) for determining presence of a touch operation according to the combined touch signal. According to the present disclosure, functions of fingerprint identification and touch screen are implemented by a commonly used fingerprint identification sensor.