Light Field Imaging Module for Thin Wearable Biometric Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric authentication systems for wearable devices require large imaging modules due to the need for stable imaging and accurate capture of internal body information, making them unsuitable for compact designs like watches.
Innovation Solution
Employing a thin imaging module with a light field camera incorporating a liquid crystal lens array and image sensor array, capable of capturing and processing biometric data efficiently, and a processor for feature extraction and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional lens array is used for biometric authentication imaging, then accurate capture of internal body information is achieved, but the imaging module becomes thick and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lens array with a light field camera system that uses computational imaging methods. Instead of relying on physical lens curvature and focal length to achieve accurate imaging, the system uses an array of microlenses combined with computational algorithms to reconstruct internal body information, thereby reducing the physical thickness while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging module employs a composite structure combining multiple microlens elements with specific optical properties arranged in an array. This composite optical system, integrated with the light field camera and processing unit, achieves both compact form factor and accurate biometric capture capability through the synergistic combination of optical and computational components.
2Reliability
If a conventional imaging system is used for biometric authentication, then stable imaging is achieved, but the device size increases making it unsuitable for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple segments: an array of microlenses for light collection, a light field camera for capturing spatial information, and a processing unit for computational reconstruction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal size while collectively achieving stable and reliable biometric authentication imaging suitable for wearable devices.
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
Enables compact, thin biometric authentication suitable for wearable devices by providing accurate and secure biometric data capture without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal lens array, which is ultra-thin and can be focused to a short focal point even though the liquid crystal lens array is a flat surface
Implementation Method 2
a light emitting element that is provided to face a measurement target side in a worn state and that emits light to a measurement target
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging module having a biometric authentication function, which is suitable for a wearable electronic device, is thin, and can be made compact. An imaging module is included in a wearable electronic device, the imaging module including: a light emitting element that is provided to face a measurement target side in a worn state and that emits light to a measurement target; a light field camera that is provided to face the measurement target side in a worn state and that images the light emitted from the light emitting element to the measurement target; and a processor configured to process an image obtained by imaging the light emitted from the light emitting element to the measurement target using the light field camera, in which the light field camera includes a liquid crystal lens array and an image sensor array in order from the measurement target side.