Foldable Device Fingerprint Sensor Using Reflective Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges in mounting fingerprint sensors due to limited space, leading to increased cost and weight, as multiple fingerprint recognition modules are required for flexible and auxiliary displays.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design with a hinge structure and dual displays, where a fingerprint recognition module includes a first and second fingerprint contact portion on each display, and reflective members to direct light to a single image sensor, allowing bidirectional fingerprint recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fingerprint recognition modules are disposed for flexible display and auxiliary display, then fingerprint recognition function is improved, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single fingerprint recognition module is designed to serve dual purposes: it can recognize fingerprints on both the flexible display and the auxiliary display. The module includes a light source that can emit light in multiple directions and an image sensor that can capture light from different angles, enabling one module to replace what would traditionally require two separate modules, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining comprehensive fingerprint recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fingerprint recognition functions into a single integrated module. By merging the light source, reflective members, and image sensor into one unified structure, the system achieves fingerprint recognition for both displays using shared components, thus reducing overall device weight and component count
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fingerprint recognition modules are disposed for flexible display and auxiliary display, then fingerprint recognition function is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint recognition module is designed as a universal component that can handle fingerprint recognition for both the flexible display and auxiliary display. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of modules needed from two to one, directly lowering material costs, assembly costs, and R&D expenses associated with developing and manufacturing multiple separate modules
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple fingerprint recognition functions into a single module with shared components (light source, reflective members, image sensor), the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and component procurement costs, making the device more cost-effective while maintaining full fingerprint recognition capability across both displays
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fingerprint recognition modules are disposed in the same housing structure, then fingerprint recognition function is improved, but mounting space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single fingerprint recognition module is designed with multi-functional capability to serve both the flexible display and auxiliary display. By positioning the module strategically and using reflective members to redirect light, the system achieves comprehensive fingerprint recognition coverage without requiring separate modules for each display, thus minimizing the space occupied in the housing structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple fingerprint recognition functions into one compact module, reducing the total mounting space required. Instead of allocating separate spaces for two independent modules, the unified design consolidates all necessary components (light source, reflective members, image sensor) into a single footprint, optimizing space utilization in the limited housing area
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fingerprint recognition modules are disposed in the same housing structure, then fingerprint recognition function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint recognition module is engineered as a universal solution that can perform fingerprint recognition for both the flexible display and auxiliary display. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized modules, simplifying the overall system architecture by reducing the number of distinct components while maintaining comprehensive functionality
Solution Approach 2:
By combining multiple fingerprint recognition functions into a single integrated module, the patent reduces system complexity. Instead of managing two separate modules with their own light sources, reflective members, and image sensors, the unified design consolidates these functions, reducing assembly complexity, easing maintenance, and simplifying the overall device architecture
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 design enables efficient fingerprint recognition on both flexible and auxiliary displays, reduces the device's thickness, and minimizes mounting space and weight while lowering costs by using a single image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective member configured to reflect the first light, a second reflective member configured to reflect the second light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing structure including a hinge, a first housing connected to the hinge and including a first surface and a second surface directed in the opposite direction of the first surface, and a second housing connected to the hinge and including a third surface and a fourth surface directed in the opposite direction of the third surface, and configured such that the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state and such that the first surface and the third surface are directed in the same direction in an unfolded state, a first display disposed over the first surface and the third surface, a second display exposed to the outside through at least a portion of the fourth surface, and a fingerprint recognition module including a first fingerprint contact portion formed in at least a portion of the first display corresponding to the third surface and transmitting a first light into the second housing, a second fingerprint contact portion formed in at least a portion of the second display and transmitting a second light into the second housing, a first reflective member configured to reflect the first light, a second reflective member configured to reflect the second light, and an image sensor configured to detect the first light or the second light, wherein the first reflective member is disposed to reflect the first light such that the reflected first light forms a first path from the first reflective member toward the image sensor, and wherein the second reflective member is disposed to reflect the second light such that the reflected second light forms a second path from the second reflective member toward the image sensor.