Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor for One-Handed Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with fingerprint sensors on the rear surface pose difficulties for one-hand operation during fingerprint authentication, and users face inconvenience in accessing security messages due to the need for unlocking and executing security apps.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a fingerprint sensor disposed under the display, allowing for fingerprint authentication through a transparent display region, with a fingerprint position object and affordance object to guide the user, enabling one-handed operation and improved accessibility to security apps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fingerprint sensor is disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device, then the security authentication function is achieved, but the one-hand operation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity authentication functionVSAvoidone-hand operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fingerprint sensor is inverted from the conventional rear surface position to the front surface display region. This inversion allows the sensor to be positioned within the display area, enabling users to perform fingerprint authentication with one hand while viewing the screen, thus resolving the contradiction between security function and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the display dimension, transitioning from a separate rear surface component to an embedded front surface element. This dimensional integration allows the sensor to occupy display space rather than requiring separate physical space on the rear surface, enabling improved ergonomics while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the fingerprint sensor is activated continuously, then the fingerprint authentication response speed is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerprint authentication response speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fingerprint sensor operates on a periodic activation basis rather than continuously. The sensor is activated only when a touch event is detected or when authentication is explicitly requested, allowing the system to maintain fast response times when needed while consuming minimal power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the touch screen interface to trigger sensor activation automatically. When the user interacts with the display, the system self-detects the touch event and activates the fingerprint sensor accordingly, eliminating the need for continuous sensor operation while maintaining responsive authentication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3724797B1Electronic device and fingerprint authentication interface method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3724797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3724797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3724797B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosed electronic device may include a front plate and a rear plate, a touch screen display exposed through a part of the front plate, a fingerprint sensor disposed to overlap a region of the display when viewed from above the front plate, a processor operatively connected to the display and the fingerprint sensor, and a memory operatively connected to the processor. the memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the electronic device to display a user interface including a first object at a first location of the display, to obtain a gesture input to drag the first object from the first location to the region, to move the first object to the region depending on the gesture input, and to perform authentication using the fingerprint sensor based on the finger being located on the region.