Under Display Camera Module for Integrated Fingerprint and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with under-display camera (UDC) modules face challenges in integrating fingerprint recognition and photographing modes due to complex display structures required for separate camera and sensor modules, limiting display area expansion and fingerprint recognition performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an integrated UDC module that includes both a camera and sensor module, where a processor controls the transmittance of the UDC area to switch between fingerprint recognition and photographing modes by configuring different optical paths using a rotatable prism, allowing for simultaneous fingerprint recognition and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate camera module and fingerprint sensor are disposed in different areas, then each module can be independently optimized, but the display structure becomes complicated and display area expansion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera module and fingerprint sensor into a single integrated UDC (under-display camera) module disposed at the same location under the display. This merging eliminates the need for separate areas and complex display structures, while maintaining independent optimization of both functions through shared optical components and coordinated control by the processor.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated UDC module serves multiple functions: it acts as both a camera for photographing external objects and a fingerprint sensor for authentication. The module includes both a camera sensor and a fingerprint sensor that share common optical elements (lens, prism, light source), enabling one structural unit to perform multiple functions without requiring separate optimized areas.
2Area of stationary object
If under display camera structure is used to expand display area, then display area increases, but the disposition density of pixels and electric wires must be lowered in the camera area
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure is designed with local quality variations: the UDC area has reduced pixel and wire density to accommodate the under-display camera module, while other areas maintain normal high-density configurations. This localized adjustment minimizes the impact on overall display performance while enabling display area expansion through the integrated module.
3Area of moving object
If optical fingerprint sensor is disposed under display to reduce effective surface area, then surface area is reduced, but fingerprint recognition performance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide layer and prism as intermediary optical elements between the display and the fingerprint sensor. These intermediaries efficiently guide and focus light from the display through the UDC area onto the fingerprint sensor, ensuring adequate illumination for high-quality fingerprint capture despite the sensor's position under the display with reduced surface area.
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
This solution simplifies the display module design, enhances fingerprint recognition performance, and improves security by determining counterfeit fingerprints through color distribution analysis, while maintaining display area expansion and user interface experience.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a first image based on light transferred to the sensor module through the first path after light from the display module is reflected from a first external object on the UDC area
Implementation Method 2
control the UDC module to configure a first path facing the sensor module, obtain a first image based on light transferred to the sensor module through the first path
Implementation Method 3
obtain a second image based on light reflected from a second external object outside of the electronic device and transferred to the camera module through the second path
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic device according to an embodiment may include a display module, a UDC module, and a processor. The processor may operate to identify an operation mode of the UDC module. The processor may operate to change, when the operation mode is a first designated operation mode, transmittance of a UDC area in a display area of the display module, control the UDC module to configure a first path facing the sensor module, and obtain a first image based on light transferred to the sensor module. The processor may operate to change, when the operation mode is a second designated operation mode, the transmittance of the UDC area, control the UDC module to configure a second path facing the camera module, and obtain a second image based on light transferred to the camera module through the second path.