Semiconductor Imaging Circuit for Faster Fingerprint Authentication
Solution Overview
Problem
Fingerprint authentication using light-emitting and light-receiving elements is often time-consuming, leading to user stress due to prolonged authentication times.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a light-emitting unit and an imaging unit, incorporating a register circuit and latch circuit, utilizes a shift register circuit to alternately connect latch and register circuits, enabling high-speed data transmission and accurate authentication by selectively reading image data from specific pixel rows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional fingerprint authentication methods are used, then authentication accuracy is maintained, but authentication time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the authentication process into two distinct modes: a first mode for快速获取位置信息 (quick position acquisition) and a second mode for detailed fingerprint verification. The imaging unit is segmented to read out different regions selectively - initially reading all pixel rows to locate the finger, then subsequently reading only specific pixel rows corresponding to the finger position for authentication. This segmentation of the authentication process and imaging data reading enables faster overall authentication by avoiding unnecessary data processing.
2Measurement precision
If all pixel rows are read out for authentication, then comprehensive data is obtained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the necessary data for authentication. After initially reading out all pixel rows to determine finger position, the system extracts and processes only the image data from specific pixel rows that correspond to the finger location. This selective extraction of relevant data from the complete image data set maintains authentication accuracy while significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed, thereby decreasing processing time.
3Productivity
If high-speed data transmission is implemented, then authentication speed improves, but data accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic data reading strategy where the imaging unit adapts its reading behavior based on the authentication stage. In the first mode, all pixel rows are read out at high speed to quickly locate the finger. In the second mode, only specific pixel rows are read out at high speed for verification. This dynamic adjustment of reading scope and speed maintains data accuracy by selectively processing relevant data while achieving high authentication speed through optimized data transmission of only necessary information.
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 device performs highly accurate fingerprint authentication in a shorter time, reducing user stress and improving authentication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a finger is irradiated with light from a light-emitting element and light reflected by the finger is detected by a light-receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device capable of performing authentication in a short time can be provided. The semiconductor device includes a light-emitting unit and an imaging unit. The imaging unit includes a row driver circuit, and the row driver circuit includes first to m latch circuits (m is an integer greater than or equal to 2) and first to m register circuits. A first start pulse signal is input to a first latch circuit and second start pulse signals are input to first to m latch circuits. Scan signals output from the first to (m−1)-th register circuits are input to the second to m-th latch circuits, respectively. The first latch circuit has a function of outputting one of the first start pulse signal and the second start pulse signal to the first register circuit on the basis of data held, and the second to m-th latch circuits have a function of outputting one of the scan signal and the second start pulse signal to the second to m-th register circuits on the basis of data held.