Pinhole Imaging Module for Ultrathin Fingerprint Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint image scanners, particularly those using optical lenses, are bulky and costly, making them unsuitable for mobile devices due to their large size and thickness, and they lack the necessary anti-static and anti-corrosion properties.
Innovation Solution
An image acquisition apparatus utilizing multiple imaging pinholes instead of a traditional optical lens, with image sensors spaced apart to capture fingerprint images efficiently, reducing the device's thickness and size while maintaining effective image acquisition capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical lens and image acquisition prism are used for fingerprint imaging, then image quality can be maintained, but the device volume and thickness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex optical components (lens and image acquisition prism) from the fingerprint imaging system, retaining only the essential pinhole aperture for light passage. This extraction eliminates the volume-consuming elements while preserving the core imaging function through simplified pinhole-camera principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical system parameters by replacing the lens-based continuous optical path with a pinhole-based geometric projection system. This parameter change fundamentally alters the imaging mechanism, enabling ultra-thin device structure while maintaining acceptable image quality for fingerprint recognition.
2Measurement precision
If an optical lens and image acquisition prism are used for fingerprint imaging, then image quality can be maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive optical components (lens and image acquisition prism) from the system, retaining only the simple pinhole aperture. This extraction eliminates the need for precision optical manufacturing and assembly, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while preserving essential imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured optical components with a simple, inexpensive pinhole aperture that can be easily fabricated. This substitution uses a cheap structural element (pinhole) instead of costly optical elements, making the device economically viable for mass production.
3Volume of stationary object
If a semiconductor chip method is used for fingerprint acquisition, then device size can be reduced, but anti-static and anti-corrosion abilities become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging surface that serves both as the fingerprint acquisition area and as a protective barrier. The pinhole aperture structure integrated into the imaging plate provides both the necessary light passage for imaging and a protective layer that offers anti-static and anti-corrosion properties, eliminating the vulnerability of exposed semiconductor chips.
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 significantly reduces the thickness and size of the image acquisition module, enabling its integration into mobile devices, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for fingerprint and image acquisition, suitable for various electronic terminals and applications.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging plate is provided with an imaging pinhole corresponding to the image sensor, and light through the imaging pinhole is imaged by the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition apparatus, a terminal device, a liquid crystal terminal device and an image acquisition method are provided according to the disclosure. The image acquisition apparatus includes an imaging plate and an image sensor disposed to be spaced apart from one side of the imaging plate. The imaging plate is provided with an imaging pinhole corresponding to the image sensor. The liquid crystal terminal device includes an LCD panel and a backlight element. The image acquisition apparatus is disposed at a position corresponding to the LCD panel within the backlight element. The image acquisition method includes acquiring an image of an object to being scanned by the image sensor through the imaging pinhole at a side of the imaging panel. An ultrathin fingerprint scanner can be formed based on pinhole imaging principle in the disclosure, and can be further combined with an LCD screen to accomplish fingerprint acquisition function. Alternatively, an ultrathin image acquisition device can be formed to acquire an image of a general object. This can significantly reduce the size and thickness of an image acquisition module in the device and greatly facilitate the implementation of mobile devices and embedded devices with an image acquisition function.