Integrated Infrared Visible Light Source for Biometric Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In consumer handheld devices, the space reserved for displays is significant, and integrating additional components like camera detectors makes the display side wider and longer, necessitating additional space, which is a challenge in designing smaller and lighter devices.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a visible light source and an infrared source into a single radiation source component within the display, allowing the infrared source to emit radiation for biometric authentication, and using a light guide panel to direct this radiation for authentication while maintaining the display's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional components such as camera detectors are located next to the display, then biometric authentication functionality is achieved, but the display side becomes wider and longer requiring additional space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric authentication functionalityVSAvoiddisplay side area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the infrared source and visible light source into a single integrated radiation source component that is positioned behind the display. This merging eliminates the need for separate components located next to the display, thereby achieving biometric authentication functionality without increasing the display side area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated radiation source component serves multiple functions: it provides visible light for display illumination and infrared radiation for biometric authentication. This multi-functionality allows both display operation and authentication capability within a single component, avoiding additional space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate infrared source and detector are positioned outside the display, then biometric authentication is enabled, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric authentication capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared source is nested within the display structure by positioning it behind the display panel, and the infrared detector is integrated into the same housing that contains the display. This nesting arrangement allows biometric authentication components to be embedded within the existing device volume without requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of moving object

If display occupies nearly one side of the device, then display functionality is maximized, but space for other components becomes scarce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidspace for additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar arrangement where components are positioned next to the display to a depth-based arrangement where the infrared source is positioned behind the display panel. This dimensional change utilizes the z-axis space within the device thickness, preserving the display area while accommodating authentication components in the vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces the physical space required for biometric authentication components, allowing for a smaller device size, improved aesthetics, and reliable user authentication that is not affected by environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared source, the visible light source and the infrared source being integrated into a single radiation source component within the display, and the infrared source emitting an infrared radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation emission: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a light guide panel, wherein the light guide panel is configured to guide radiation from the backlight from a parallel direction to a transversal direction with respect to the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance through refraction and total internal reflection: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

wherein the display is configured to allow infrared radiation to pass through it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared transmission: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 4

the infrared detector is configured to receive reflected infrared radiation from a user of the device for biometric authentication of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20220365574A1Device having display integrated infrared and visible light source

Publication Date: 2022.11.17 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

In an embodiment, device having display integrated infrared and light source is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device comprises a display, comprising: a visible light source; and an infrared source, the visible light source and the infrared source being integrated into a single radiation source component within the display, and the infrared source emitting an infrared radiation biometrically authenticating a user of the device. In another embodiment a display integrated infrared source is disclosed.