Integrated Pixel Fingerprint Authentication for Wearable Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack effective authentication methods with high security and usability, particularly in wearable devices, which are prone to unauthorized use.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device incorporating a pixel portion with display and light-receiving elements, a sensor portion for attachment detection, and an authentication portion for processing authentication information, utilizing transistors with metal oxide or silicon in the channel formation region, and a touch sensor for position sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fingerprint authentication is implemented in wearable devices, then security level is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fingerprint sensor, display element, and light-receiving element into a single integrated pixel portion structure. The fingerprint sensor is formed in the same semiconductor substrate as the display and sensing elements, eliminating the need for separate authentication modules and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high security levels through integrated biometric authentication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pixel portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a display element for visual output, a light-receiving element for sensing external light, and a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while providing comprehensive security and display capabilities

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensing functions are integrated in the pixel portion, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel portion is divided into distinct functional regions including a first pixel circuit for display control, a second pixel circuit for light-receiving sensing, and a fingerprint sensor region with capacitor electrodes. Each region is independently designed and formed through separate manufacturing steps, allowing optimized fabrication for each function while maintaining overall integration, thereby managing manufacturing precision requirements effectively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different semiconductor materials are used in different regions of the pixel portion: metal oxide semiconductors are employed in specific areas requiring high precision and stability, while other regions use appropriate materials optimized for their specific functions. This localized material selection allows each region to meet its specific manufacturing precision requirements while contributing to the overall multi-functional capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Provides enhanced security and usability through fingerprint authentication, enabling high-security authentication methods in wearable devices while maintaining design flexibility and mechanical strength.

Implementation Method 1

the light-receiving element obtains authentication information by capturing an image of a target object touching the pixel portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sensor portion has a function of detecting attachment or detachment to a living body or an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAttachment detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260045115A1Electronic device and authentication method for electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SEMICON ENERGY LAB CO LTD
  • US20260045115A1 patent drawing
  • US20260045115A1 patent drawing
  • US20260045115A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device having an authentication method with a high security level is provided. The electronic device includes a pixel portion, a sensor portion, an authentication portion, and a housing. The pixel portion includes a display element and a light-receiving element. The pixel portion has a function of turning on the display element. The pixel portion has a function of obtaining authentication information by capturing an image of a target object touching the pixel portion. The sensor portion has a function of detecting attachment or detachment to a living body or an object. The authentication portion has a function of performing authentication processing with the use of the authentication information. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The pixel portion is positioned on the first surface and the sensor portion is positioned on the second surface.