Optical Sensor Coded Pattern Filter for Biometric Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical sensors in electronic devices face challenges in detecting sufficient biometric information for user authentication due to limited space, which restricts the superposition of object information, leading to inadequate image detection and security concerns.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensor with a coded pattern filter layer that allows the superposition of light beams, enabling the detection of sufficient information for user authentication, even in compact devices, by producing second image information through the convolution of the restored pattern and detected image information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pin hole array is used to prevent superposition of light beams, then image information can be detected, but the required gap between pin holes cannot be provided in limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage information detectionVSAvoidspace for pin hole array
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a coded aperture pattern that creates a coded version of the light field, which is then decoded through computational processing to reconstruct the image. This copying approach allows the use of a compact aperture structure instead of requiring large gaps between pin holes, resolving the space constraint while maintaining image detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the optical detection problem into a computational problem by changing the parameter space from physical aperture spacing to coded pattern design and computational decoding. This allows image information to be extracted from superimposed light patterns that would be impossible to separate with traditional pin hole arrays in limited space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a refractive lens is used for optical detection, then image quality can be improved, but it is difficult to equip in small electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/refractive lens system with a coded aperture mask and computational processing system. Instead of using physical lens refraction to focus light, the system uses a coded pattern to modulate the light field and computational algorithms to reconstruct the image, eliminating the need for bulky refractive lenses while maintaining or improving image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the optical processing function from the spatial dimension (refractive lens focusing) to the computational dimension (digital signal processing). By encoding spatial information into a coded aperture pattern and then decoding it computationally, the system achieves lens-like functionality without the physical constraints of refractive optics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of information

If adequate gap is left between pin holes to avoid superposition, then light-based object information can be detected, but the limited space inside the electronic device does not permit it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject information detectionVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of light superposition (which traditional optics must avoid) into a beneficial coded signal. By deliberately allowing superposition through a coded aperture pattern and then using computational methods to decode the superimposed signals, the system recovers object information that would be lost in traditional pin hole arrays with required gaps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution enhances the detection efficiency of biometric information, allowing for secure user authentication while maintaining a slim and compact device design, with improved light receiving efficiency and image restoration capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor layer for detecting first image information corresponding to an object from light reflected by the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a filter layer to guide or sort light beams incident onto the sensor layer, the filter layer comprising a coded pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentEP3631683B1Electronic device with optical sensor
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3631683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3631683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3631683B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an optical sensor, the optical sensor comprising a lighting device configured to emit light, a sensor layer including an array of sensors configured to detect first image information corresponding to an object from light reflected by the object, and a filter layer including openings configured to transmit the light reflected by the object, the filter layer disposed on the sensor layer, wherein the openings may be arrayed to form a coded pattern. The electronic device may be diversified according to embodiments.