TFT Photodetector Display Panel for Integrated Biometric Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display systems in mobile devices lack the capability to efficiently acquire input signals for biometric recognition, such as fingerprint or face authentication, as image sensors cannot be integrated with the display panel due to technological limitations.
Innovation Solution
Integrate high-sensitivity image sensors using thin film transistor (TFT) photodetectors on a glass or flexible substrate, which utilize the display panel's light source for image sensing, enabling biometric processing without a separate image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate image sensor is used for biometric recognition, then biometric sensing function is achieved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor function with the display panel by integrating photodetectors directly into the display structure. The display panel serves dual purposes: displaying visual information and capturing images for biometric recognition, thereby eliminating the need for a separate image sensor component and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. It acts as both a display device and an image sensor for biometric recognition. The photodetectors integrated into the display enable the panel to capture light for imaging while maintaining its primary display function, achieving multi-functionality in a single component.
2Reliability
If a separate image sensor is integrated with the display panel, then biometric recognition capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the fabrication of the display panel and image sensor into a single integrated process. Photodetectors are formed using the same thin-film transistor fabrication techniques already employed for the display, allowing both components to be manufactured simultaneously on the same substrate without requiring separate production lines or additional complex manufacturing steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If the display panel functions as both display and image sensor, then fabrication cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming photodetectors only in specific regions of the display panel where image sensing is required, while other regions maintain standard display functionality. This localized integration allows the manufacturing process to meet precision requirements in critical areas without compromising the overall fabrication process, as the photodetector formation uses the same thin-film techniques as the display but with localized structural modifications.
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 the display panel to function as both a display and an image sensor, facilitating biometric recognition with high sensitivity and reducing fabrication costs by utilizing the display's light source for image sensing.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor pixel formed on an amorphous transparent substrate and configured to collect the light irradiated from the display pixel, reflected from a body, and passed through the transparent substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a display pixel configured to irradiate light, an image sensor pixel included together with the display pixel in one unit pixel, including a thin film transistor (TFT) photodetector including an active layer formed of amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon on an amorphous transparent material, and configured to collect light reflected from a body located on the transparent material, and a processor configured to process biometrics along with positioning of the body according to the light reflected from the body.