New Samsung patent application fuels ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor speculation
The U.S. Patent Office has published a patent application from Samsung for a system to integrate an ultrasonic in-display sensor for fingerprint biometrics into smartphones, Patently Mobile reports, fueling speculation that the technology will be included in the Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup.
The patent application, which was filed on January 22, 2018, describes a system for integrating a biometric sensor, which could be an optical sensor, electrostatic electrode pattern module, or ultrasonic transmission/reception module, which activates an area on the display of a smartphone with either a “home button style display” or an “edge to edge display.” Patently Mobile also reports that Samsung says the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor was designed for integration under the display, it could also be integrated on the side or back of a device, or anywhere a button is located.
It also describes the possible use of elastomers, such as rubber, between the display surface and the sensor to shield it from impact or interference from foreign materials.
It was recently reported that Samsung will integrate ultrasonic fingerprint sensors from Qualcomm under the glass of its Note 10 and high-end Galaxy S10 models, which are expected to launch in 2019. Ultrasonic fingerprint sensors have been rumored to be in development at many manufacturers, but hurdles, including cost-efficient manufacturing, have held back the technology so far.
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