Transparent Electrode Integration for Biometric Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices capable of measuring biometric information face challenges with metal electrodes, which obscure display regions and require waterproof structures that enlarge the device bezel or limit design, while transparent electrodes necessitate complex connections to printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that uses a transparent electrode on a transparent member, electrically connected to a printed circuit board via a metal side face, eliminating the need for a flexible printed circuit board and waterproof structure, allowing for enhanced display area and resistance-measurement-type biometric sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal electrode is used to achieve high electrical conductivity, then the electrical conductivity is improved, but the display area is reduced because metal is opaque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from opaque metal to transparent material (such as transparent conductive oxide), allowing the electrode to maintain electrical conductivity while becoming transparent to light, thus preserving the display area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures, combining transparent conductive materials with metal layers or using metal mesh patterns on transparent substrates, to achieve both transparency and electrical conductivity in the electrode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If a transparent electrode is used to maintain display area, then the display area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring FPCB connection structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrode structure with the display panel structure itself, integrating the transparent electrode directly into the display assembly, which eliminates the need for separate FPCB connection structures and reduces overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display interface and the substrate for the transparent electrode, eliminating the need for separate structural components and simplifying the overall device architecture

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

3Reliability

If a waterproof structure is added to protect the FPCB connection, then the reliability is improved, but the bezel area is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidbezel area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the FPCB connection structure from the device, which removes the need for waterproof protection around the FPCB, thereby allowing the bezel area to be reduced while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 a compact design with an enlarged display area and effective biometric sensing capabilities without the need for a waterproof structure, improving the device's appearance and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode formed over at least a portion of the display panel to be visually transparent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3357415B1Electronic device capable of measuring biometric information
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3357415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3357415B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3357415B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device that is capable of measuring biometric information is provided. The electronic device includes a housing; a display panel at least partially accommodated in the housing; a first electrode formed over at least a portion of the display panel to be visually transparent and to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device; and a second electrode formed in at least a portion of one face of the housing below the display panel to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device.