Under-Display Biometric Imaging Module for Full-Screen Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capturing technologies for full-screen smart devices lack integrated solutions for both under-screen fingerprint and face recognition, with existing solutions either being costly or compromising on image quality and functionality.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device with a protective layer, display panel, first image sensing module, optical imaging element, and second image sensing module, configured to perform near-field and mid-field imaging, enabling both under-screen fingerprint and face recognition through an integrated structural design, with optical filtering and reflective elements to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and compatibility between near-field and far-field imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If optical fingerprint recognition technology is used with display screen light source, then the technology reaches maturity and mass production is achieved, but the light source intensity and imaging quality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidlight source intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the light source and imaging sensor into a single integrated module located beneath the display screen. This merging allows the use of the display screen's backlight as the light source while positioning the sensor optimally to capture reflected light from the fingerprint, achieving both manufacturability and sufficient imaging quality without requiring separate external light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical membrane or optical guide structure as an intermediary between the display screen backlight and the imaging sensor. This intermediary component directs and concentrates the light from the display screen toward the fingerprint area, enhancing the effective light intensity reaching the sensor while maintaining the integrated structure's manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If iris recognition technology is used for high-security biometric recognition, then misrecognition rate is reduced, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric recognition accuracyVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs an integrated imaging module that can perform multiple biometric recognition functions including fingerprint, face, and iris recognition using the same hardware structure. By making the imaging system universal, the patent achieves high-security recognition capabilities without requiring separate dedicated modules for each biometric type, thereby controlling costs while maintaining reliability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable focal length lenses or movable imaging sensors that can dynamically change focus between different biometric targets (fingerprint, face, iris). This dynamic capability allows a single imaging module to adapt to different recognition modes, reducing the need for multiple fixed-function modules and associated costs while maintaining high recognition accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If 3D camera structure is used for face recognition, then image quality resolution is improved, but device structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage quality resolutionVSAvoidcamera structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the imaging sensor, optical elements, and light source within the thin space beneath the display screen. By nesting these components in a compact configuration, the patent achieves 3D imaging capability with high resolution without significantly increasing the overall device structure complexity or thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin-film optical elements and flexible circuit boards to create the 3D camera structure within the constrained space. These thin-film components enable complex optical paths and sensor arrangements without adding significant bulk, maintaining image quality resolution while controlling structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate imaging modules are used for fingerprint and face recognition, then functionality is comprehensive, but device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric recognition functionalityVSAvoidimaging module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fingerprint sensor, face recognition camera, and iris recognition optics into a single integrated imaging module beneath the display screen. This consolidation achieves comprehensive biometric recognition functionality while significantly reducing structural complexity compared to using separate modules for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal imaging module that can perform fingerprint, face, and iris recognition through software control and optical adjustment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated modules for each biometric type, achieving versatility while simplifying the overall device structure

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

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 achieves improved function integration for full-screen smart devices by enabling both under-screen fingerprint and face recognition with enhanced image quality and signal-to-noise ratio, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

The display panel includes a plurality of display pixels configured to emit a first light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from display pixels: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The optical imaging element is configured to conduct optical imaging according to a second light signal received from an object above the first surface of the protective layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The first image sensing module is configured to receive a reflected light signal formed by the first light signal reflected on the first surface of the protective layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11656700B2Image capturing device and electronic equipment comprising the same
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SHANGHAI HARVEST INTELLIGENCE TECH CO LTD
  • US11656700B2 patent drawing
  • US11656700B2 patent drawing
  • US11656700B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an image capturing device and an electronic equipment. The image capturing device includes: a protective layer, a display panel, a first image sensing module, an optical imaging element and a second image sensing module. The protective layer is disposed on a first side of the display panel and has a first surface. The display panel includes a plurality of display pixels configured to emit a first light signal. The first image sensing module is configured to receive a reflected light signal formed by the first light signal reflected on the first surface. The optical imaging element is configured to conduct optical imaging according to a second light signal received from an object above the first surface of the protective layer. The second image sensing module is configured to receive the second optical signal imaged by the optical imaging element.