Non-lens Optical Fingerprint Imaging via Total Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fingerprint identification technologies face challenges such as complex structure, high cost, small sensing range, and high manufacturing and maintenance costs, particularly in meeting the demands of intelligent devices with large screen-to-body ratios and full-screen applications.
Innovation Solution
An improved image capturing apparatus and method utilizing a non-lens optical fingerprint identification technology based on total reflection, featuring a nonopaque cover plate, a light source module, and a sensor module with multiple sensor components and a scattering layer to prevent secondary total reflection, allowing for large-area imaging and efficient data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional capacitive fingerprint identification technology is used, then device structure is simple, but it cannot meet the demand for large screen-to-body ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/capacitive sensing systems with an optical imaging system. Specifically, it uses a camera module to capture optical images of fingerprints through the display screen, substituting the mechanical capacitive sensing approach with optical detection. This allows the system to achieve large sensing area compatible with full-screen displays while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing optical fingerprint identification scheme with microlens array is used, then imaging quality is improved, but structure becomes complex and module thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex microlens array component from the optical fingerprint identification system. Instead of using a microlens array for imaging, it directly utilizes the camera module's existing lens and sensor to capture fingerprint images through the display screen. This extraction of the microlens array simplifies the overall structure while maintaining imaging capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing optical fingerprint identification scheme with microlens array is used, then imaging quality is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera module serve multiple functions: it is used both for normal camera photography and for fingerprint identification. By reusing the existing camera module hardware for dual purposes, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated fingerprint sensing components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the bill of materials while maintaining imaging quality for fingerprint capture.
4Device complexity
If non-lens optical fingerprint identification technology is used, then structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but imaging efficiency needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning action for fingerprint image acquisition. The camera module captures multiple sequential images of the fingerprint at different positions or angles, then synthesizes these periodic captures into a complete fingerprint image. This periodic scanning approach improves imaging efficiency and completeness while maintaining the simplified non-lens optical structure.
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 solution enables efficient fingerprint collection with high data processing speed, reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, and improved imaging efficiency by using multiple small-area sensor components and a scattering layer to prevent secondary total reflection, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the second surface of the light source module is covered with a scattering layer, and the scattering layer is configured to scatter an incident light
Implementation Method 2
a light source module... configured to emit light, wherein the light is totally reflected by the nonopaque cover plate
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus and method, a storage medium, and an electronic equipment are provided. The image capturing apparatus includes: a nonopaque cover plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction of the nonopaque cover plate, wherein the first surface of the nonopaque cover plate is opposite to an object to be captured; a light source module having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction of the light source module, wherein the first surface of the light source module is opposite to the second surface of the nonopaque cover plate; and a sensor module disposed on the second surface of the light source module.