Integrated Biometric Sensor with Multi-Wavelength Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biologic sensors are limited to single functions, are not flexible, and are difficult to integrate into consumer products for both medical and non-medical uses, such as user authentication, as they require specific designs for each body part and can be fooled by simulated or forged biometric data.
Innovation Solution
A compact and integrated light emitter and sensor device that uses multi-wavelength light sources and photodetectors to detect biologic characteristics like fingerprints and blood vessel patterns, capable of being integrated into devices like smartphones and guns for authentication, with a processor to analyze signals and provide reliable user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple biologic characteristics are detected simultaneously, then authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (fingerprint detection, blood vessel pattern detection, pulse detection) into a single integrated optical sensor device. The same light source and photodetector array are used to capture multiple biologic characteristics simultaneously, reducing the need for separate sensors and simplifying the overall device architecture while improving authentication reliability through multi-factor verification
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor device is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified platform. The photodetector array can detect reflected light patterns for fingerprints, transmitted light absorption for blood vessel patterns, and light intensity variations for pulse detection, making the device universal for various biologic authentication and monitoring purposes without requiring separate specialized sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If light penetrates deeper into the body part, then more biologic characteristics can be detected, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple wavelengths of light (red and infrared) with different penetration depths to probe different layers of tissue. The red light detects superficial characteristics like fingerprints, while infrared light penetrates deeper to detect blood vessel patterns and pulse. This local quality approach allows precise detection at different depths simultaneously, maintaining measurement precision while expanding detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic modulation of light sources at different wavelengths to sequentially illuminate the body part. By alternating between red and infrared light, the system can separately measure absorption characteristics at different depths and combine the information, maintaining precision for each measurement while achieving comprehensive detection capability
3Measurement precision
If the device is designed for a specific body part, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor device is designed with a universal platform that can detect multiple biologic characteristics (fingerprints, blood vessel patterns, pulse) across different body parts. The photodetector array and light source configuration can be adapted to work with fingers, palms, or other body surfaces, maintaining measurement precision for each specific application while providing broad adaptability through software control and optical parameter adjustment
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 device provides high-resolution detection of biologic characteristics, enhancing authentication reliability and versatility, allowing for medical diagnostics and non-medical uses while being compact and cost-effective for integration into various consumer products.
Implementation Method 1
the light is guided within the light guide by TIR due to the very different indices of refraction of the light guide and air
Implementation Method 2
An array of photodetectors is integrated in the light emitter and detects the magnitude of light reflected back from the body part
Implementation Method 3
the magnitude of the light reflected back is affected by absorption of the light by the body part
Data Source
AI summary
A bio-sensor device, integrated with a display portion, includes a surface for touching by a body part, such as a finger. A light source, such as an array of LEDs, emit light through the surface so as to be reflected and partially absorbed by the body part An array of photodetectors detects light reflected back by the body part and generates signals corresponding to an image of the light reflection, which corresponds to the light absorption pattern in the body part. The light absorption pattern may correlate to a fingerprint, a blood vessel pattern, blood movement within the blood vessels, combinations thereof, or other biometric feature. A processor receives the signals from the photodetectors and analyzes the signals to determine a characteristic of the body part. The characteristic may be used to authenticate the user of the bio-sensor device by comparing the detected characteristic to a stored characteristic.