Ultrasonic Biometric Sensor Integration in Display Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display modules lack integrated biometric sensing capabilities without compromising the design aesthetic or requiring significant changes to existing manufacturing processes, and they often interfere with other touch interface technologies.
Innovation Solution
Integrating ultrasonic biometric sensors, such as fingerprint sensors, into the peripheral area of pixelated display modules using existing display pixel circuit backplanes with minimal modifications, allowing for through-cover-glass fingerprint imaging and coexistence with other touch technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic biometric sensors are integrated into display modules, then biometric access control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasonic biometric sensor with the display module by integrating the sensor into the peripheral region of the display panel's active device array substrate. This merging allows the display module to provide both display functionality and biometric sensing capability through a single integrated component, reducing the need for separate sensor modules while adding security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The display module is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a display device and a biometric sensor. The peripheral region of the display panel incorporates ultrasonic sensing elements that can detect fingerprint ridges and valleys, enabling the same device to perform both visual output and authentication functions without requiring additional standalone sensor devices.
2Shape
If fingerprint sensor is disposed in the peripheral region of the display panel, then design aesthetic is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into distinct functional regions: a central display region and a peripheral sensing region. The peripheral region contains the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor elements integrated into the active device array substrate. This segmentation allows the fingerprint sensor to be positioned in the peripheral region where it does not interfere with the display aesthetic while still providing biometric functionality through the same substrate manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display panel are assigned different functions with appropriate local properties. The peripheral region incorporates ultrasonic sensing elements that are optimized for biometric detection, while the central region maintains optimized properties for visual display. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function effectively without compromising the overall design aesthetic or requiring complex manufacturing changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing display pixel circuit backplanes are used with minimal modifications, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sensor integration capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The existing display pixel circuit backplane is designed to support multiple functions. The same substrate that provides display pixel circuits also incorporates sensor pixel circuits for ultrasonic fingerprint sensing. This universal backplane design allows minimal modifications while enabling both display and biometric sensing capabilities, thereby reducing manufacturing costs compared to creating entirely new specialized substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane design incorporates parameter changes that enable sensor functionality without requiring complete redesign. By modifying certain parameters of the existing pixel circuit structure and adding sensor-specific elements to the peripheral region, the system achieves biometric sensing capability while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes and substrate designs, thus controlling manufacturing costs.
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 biometric access control with enhanced security for portable devices while maintaining design aesthetics and reducing the need for new backplane designs, allowing for seamless integration with various touch sensing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitter may be used to send an ultrasonic wave through an ultrasonically transmissive medium or media and towards an object to be detected
Implementation Method 2
The transmitter may be operatively coupled with an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect portions of the ultrasonic wave that are reflected from the object
Implementation Method 3
A piezoelectric material and an array of pixel circuits may be provided on a substrate. The array of pixel circuits may be configured to generate a voltage signal to cause the piezoelectric material to generate ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 4
The array of pixel circuits may be configured to detect charges generated by the piezoelectric material in response to received ultrasonic waves
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Various techniques and apparatuses are disclosed that provide for pixelated display modules that integrate an ultrasonic fingerprint or biometric sensing capability. In some implementations, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and the display components of the display module may share a common backplane. In some implementations, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may share a flex cable with other components in the display module. In some implementations, the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may leverage conductive traces on a cover glass used to provide for touch input to the display module.