Integrated Optical Module for Fingerprint Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical finger navigation devices require separate illumination and imaging optical components, which occupy space and generate non-uniform illumination, making them inefficient for both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition operations.

Innovation Solution

An integrated optical module with a light guiding array for illumination and a micro-lens array for imaging, including an elongated recognition lens unit and a navigation unit, allows for both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition modes in a compact, low-profile package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate illumination and imaging optical components are arranged around the sensing surface, then the device can perform finger navigation and fingerprint recognition operations, but the device occupies more space and generates non-uniform illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform finger navigation and fingerprint recognition operationsVSAvoidspace occupied by optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate illumination and imaging optical components into an integrated optical module. The illumination optical component and imaging optical component are merged into a single module that can perform both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition operations, reducing the overall space occupied while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical module is designed to perform multiple functions - both illumination for finger navigation and imaging for fingerprint recognition - within a single component structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each operation mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate illumination and imaging optical components are used, then the device can support different operation modes, but the illumination output is less uniform across the sensing surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different operation modesVSAvoiduniformity of illumination output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the illumination and imaging optical components into an integrated module with coordinated design, the patent achieves uniform illumination distribution across the sensing surface while maintaining the ability to switch between different operation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate optical components suitable for each individual mode are placed in the same device, then both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition can be performed, but the device is inefficient in terms of cost and space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform both finger navigation and fingerprint recognitionVSAvoidnumber of optical components required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate optical components into a single integrated optical module that handles both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition operations, reducing component count and simplifying device structure while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated optical module is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions - illumination for navigation and imaging for recognition - eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each operation mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated optical module provides uniform illumination and efficient operation for both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition, reducing space and cost while maintaining performance.

Implementation Method 1

an light guiding array arranged to direct incident light from the light source toward the window module at a predetermined angle of incidence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

an imaging lens array arranged thereon to direct reflected light from the window module (off a scanned object) toward the light sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS8428450B2Integrated optical module

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 LITE ON SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

The instant disclosure relates to an integrated optic module for adapting in a finger sensing apparatus. The integrated optic module comprises an illumination portion including a light guiding array arranged to direct incident light from the electronic module toward the window module at a predetermined angle of incidence and an imaging portion having an imaging lens array arranged thereon to direct reflected light from the window module toward the electronic module for photo imaging. The micro-lens array includes an elongated recognition unit having a row axis substantially normal toward the light guiding array and a navigation unit adjoining the recognition unit and offsetting the row axis thereof. The optic module mediates a window module and an electronic module to provide both finger navigation and fingerprint recognition capabilities.