Multispectral Sensor Window for Compact Biometric and Health Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incorporating multiple discrete sensor devices in user devices leads to increased cost, size, power consumption, and network resource utilization, while connecting to external peripherals results in additional costs and network traffic.

Innovation Solution

A user device incorporating a multispectral sensor device with a multispectral filter and sensor element array that performs biometric authentication and health parameter monitoring functionalities, utilizing subcutaneous spectroscopic measurements for improved accuracy and reduced resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete sensor devices are incorporated in user devices, then sensing functionalities are provided, but device size, cost, and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalitiesVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete sensor devices into a single integrated sensor device that includes a sensor element array with multiple sensor elements. Each sensor element is configured to sense different parameters (such as different wavelengths of light), allowing the single integrated device to perform multiple sensing functionalities that previously required separate devices, thereby reducing device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor element array is designed with multiple sensor elements that can detect various physical quantities (e.g., different wavelengths, intensities, or types of light). This multi-functional design allows a single sensor device to replace multiple specialized sensors, providing versatile sensing capabilities while reducing the overall device footprint and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete sensor devices are incorporated in user devices, then sensing functionalities are provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalitiesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sensor elements into a single sensor device structure, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, test, and assemble multiple separate sensor devices, while still providing comprehensive sensing functionalities through the multi-element array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete sensor devices are incorporated in user devices, then sensing functionalities are provided, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalitiesVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated sensor device shares common support structures, signal processing circuits, and control logic across all sensor elements. This shared infrastructure reduces redundant power consumption that would occur in multiple discrete devices, as components like readout circuits, amplifiers, and data processing units can be consolidated and operated more efficiently in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external peripherals are connected for sensing, then sensing functionalities are provided, but network traffic and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing functionalitiesVSAvoidnetwork traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing functionality from external peripherals and integrates it directly into the user device. By incorporating the sensor element array within the device itself, the system eliminates the need for continuous communication with external sensors, thereby reducing network traffic and associated costs while maintaining full sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 multispectral sensor device reduces device size, cost, and resource consumption while enhancing biometric authentication accuracy by using subcutaneous measurements, distinguishing between living tissue and artificial imprints, and providing health monitoring capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Each interface between two adjacent layers of the set of layers may be associated with a critical angle. The critical angle may be an angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs at the interface between the two adjacent layers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a sensor element to receive light in the sensing spectral range and provide a plurality of sensing functionalities based on at least one measurement of the light in the sensing spectral range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4715433A2User device incorporating multi-sensing sensor device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC(US)
  • EP4715433A2 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4715433A2 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4715433A2 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A device may include a sensor window. The sensor window may include a substrate. The sensor window may include a set of layers disposed onto the substrate. The set of layers may include a first subset of layers of a first refractive index and a second set of layers of a second refractive index different from the first refractive index. The set of layers may be associated with a threshold transmissivity in a sensing spectral range, and may be configured to a particular color in a visible spectral range and associated with a threshold opacity in the visible spectral range. The device may include a spectral sensor device aligned to the sensor window and including at least one sensor element to receive light in the sensing spectral range and provide a plurality of sensing functionalities based on at least one measurement of the light in the sensing spectral range.