Fingerprint Collection Device With Time-Division Sensor Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint recognition technologies face challenges in integrating fingerprint collection apparatuses into electronic devices due to the large size of analog-to-digital conversion components, which hinder the integration into full-screen terminals.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint collection apparatus and method that reduces the size of the fingerprint collection apparatus by multiplexing data lines of sensor units to share a fewer number of analog front end components, utilizing a switch component for time division multiplexing and a row scanning circuit to select sensor units for data conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of analog front end components are used to convert data from all sensor units, then the conversion capability is sufficient, but the size of the fingerprint collection apparatus becomes too large for integration into full-screen terminals
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data lines from different sensor units are merged and connected to a shared analog front end component through a switch component. The switch component enables time-division multiplexing where data from multiple columns are sequentially routed to the same AFE input channel, reducing the total number of AFE components needed while maintaining full sensor array coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch component dynamically routes data lines to different AFE input channels based on which group of sensor units should be read out at that moment. By controlling the switch component with row scanning signals and column selection signals, the system dynamically assigns data paths to optimize the use of limited AFE resources while capturing data from the entire sensor array.
2Area of stationary object
If data lines of sensor units are multiplexed to share fewer analog front end components, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the complexity of data routing and timing control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple groups based on column segments, where each group can be independently selected and routed to the AFE. The switch component is organized with control logic that segments the routing decisions into manageable units (row scanning signals for row selection and column selection signals for column grouping), making the complex routing task more controllable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic row scanning signals to sequentially activate different rows of sensor units, combined with column selection signals that periodically enable specific column groups. This periodic activation pattern simplifies the control logic by creating a predictable, repeating sequence of data routing operations, reducing the overall control complexity despite the multiplexing arrangement.
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 solution allows for the integration of fingerprint collection into full-screen terminals by reducing the size of the apparatus through efficient multiplexing, enabling seamless integration into electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor converts an optical signal projected onto the sensor into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
This application provides a fingerprint collection method and a related apparatus. According to the fingerprint collection method and the related apparatus that are provided in this application, a sensor array is divided into a plurality of areas in terms of a column based on a quantity of input ports of an analog front end component and a quantity of columns of the sensor array, and sensor units in different areas multiplex input channels of the analog front end component by using switches. In this way, when scanning row scanning lines in the sensor array, a row scanning circuit may control the switches to output, to the analog front end component in a time division manner, original fingerprint data collected by the sensor units in the different areas, so that fewer input channels of the analog front end component can be required, and a size of a fingerprint collection apparatus can be reduced.