Speaker Unit Fingerprint Detection via Nested Sensing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices lack effective fingerprint detection capabilities, especially in areas designated for speakers, which are typically non-functional for sensing purposes due to their design.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensing elements within the speaker unit, including a speaker cover with speaker holes and a sensing substrate, allowing the speaker unit to detect fingerprints by emitting sounds and sensing pressure changes or reflected light, enhancing fingerprint detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If speaker holes are formed in the speaker cover for emitting sound, then sound emission capability is improved, but fingerprint detection capability deteriorates because the holes create gaps that reduce sensing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are nested within the speaker holes, with the sensing substrate positioned behind the speaker cover such that the sensing elements are located inside the speaker holes. This allows the speaker cover to serve dual purposes: emitting sound through the holes while also housing the fingerprint sensing elements within the same hole structures, thereby maintaining sound emission capability while enabling fingerprint detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker holes are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as sound emission openings for the speaker unit and as housing structures for the fingerprint sensing elements. The speaker cover with its holes provides both acoustic functionality and a mounting structure for the sensing elements, allowing the same structural feature to fulfill both sound emission and fingerprint detection purposes.
2Measurement precision
If sensing elements are located in the speaker holes, then fingerprint detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple functions in one unit
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker unit and fingerprint sensor are merged into a single integrated component. The sensing substrate is positioned behind the speaker cover, and the sensing elements are located within the speaker holes, combining the sound emission function of the speaker with the fingerprint detection function of the sensor in one unified structure, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker cover and speaker holes are designed to perform multiple functions: serving as the acoustic emission structure for the speaker while simultaneously providing the mounting structure and housing for the fingerprint sensing elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Measurement precision
If front surfaces of sensing elements are set at a lower level than the speaker cover, then fingerprint detection sensitivity is improved by reducing blur, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are positioned at a specific local level within the speaker holes, with their front surfaces set at a lower level than the front surface of the speaker cover. This localized positioning creates an optimal sensing zone within the holes that reduces blur and improves fingerprint detection clarity, while the speaker cover maintains its overall structural integrity and sound emission function.
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
Enables reliable fingerprint detection through areas originally intended for speakers, improving sensing sensitivity and reducing blur, thus enhancing user interaction with display devices.
Implementation Method 1
The speaker unit generates a sound and emits the generated sound to the outside
Implementation Method 2
Each of the sensing elements may include: a piezoelectric element for generating a sensing signal, corresponding to a pressure applied thereto
Implementation Method 3
The sensing elements may sense reflected light obtained as light generated by a display element disposed in the display area is reflected by a fingerprint of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A display device including a display surface for displaying an image; and a speaker unit located on the display surface, the speaker unit generating a sound and emitting the generated sound to the outside. The speaker unit may detect a fingerprint of a user.