Flexible Infrared Pixel Array for Reliable Biometric Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices lack flexibility and reliability for diverse applications, including biometric authentication and industrial inspections, and existing authentication devices are not highly convenient or reliable for various surface types.
Innovation Solution
A flexible imaging device with a substrate, pixel array, and adhesive layer, incorporating a light-receiving element and light-emitting element that uses infrared light, and an authentication device that includes this imaging device for capturing images and performing biometric authentication, utilizing transistors with low off-state current for enhanced reliability and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible substrate is used to improve adaptability, then the device can be applied to various surfaces including curved surfaces, but the structural stability and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent layers including substrate, adhesive layer, pixel array, and protective layer. Each layer can be optimized independently for flexibility and stability, allowing the overall structure to maintain reliability while adapting to various surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible substrates and thin film structures throughout the device architecture, enabling the imaging device to conform to curved and irregular surfaces while maintaining functional integrity through careful design of layer thickness and material properties
2Use of energy by moving object
If transistors with low off-state current are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to specialized transistor structures
Solution Approach 1:
Different transistor types are used in different regions of the device: oxide semiconductor transistors with extremely low off-state current are deployed in pixel circuits where power saving is critical, while standard transistors are used in peripheral circuits where high-speed operation is prioritized, optimizing the overall power-performance balance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes oxide semiconductor materials with fundamentally different electrical characteristics (extremely low off-state current) compared to conventional semiconductors, changing the key parameter of transistor leakage current to achieve ultra-low power consumption in imaging devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared light-emitting and light-receiving elements are integrated for biometric authentication, then authentication functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements within the same pixel array structure, combining illumination and sensing functions into a unified device that can perform both imaging and biometric authentication operations
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel array is designed to serve multiple functions: standard imaging, infrared illumination, and biometric authentication (fingerprint, vein, face recognition), allowing a single device structure to perform diverse authentication tasks through software control and signal processing
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 provides a highly convenient and reliable imaging device capable of capturing undistorted images of moving objects and performing biometric authentication efficiently, with reduced power consumption and increased flexibility for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The light-receiving element has a function of sensing infrared light
Implementation Method 2
The light-emitting element has a function of emitting infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A highly convenient imaging device is provided. Alternatively, a highly reliable imaging device is provided. Alternatively, a highly convenient authentication device is provided. Alternatively, a highly reliable authentication device is provided. The imaging device includes a substrate, a pixel array, and an adhesive layer. The substrate has flexibility, the pixel array is positioned over a first surface of the substrate, and the adhesive layer is positioned on a second surface facing the first surface of the substrate. The pixel array includes a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element. The light-receiving element has a function of sensing infrared light and includes a first pixel electrode, an active layer, and a common electrode. The light-emitting element has a function of emitting infrared light and includes a second pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer, and the common electrode. The active layer is positioned over the first pixel electrode and contains a first organic compound. The light-emitting layer is positioned over the second pixel electrode and contains a second organic compound different from the first organic compound. The common electrode includes a portion overlapping with the first pixel electrode with the active layer therebetween, and a portion overlapping with the second pixel electrode with the light-emitting layer therebetween.