Patent shows optical fingerprint technology for under-display Touch ID

Apple appears to be using optical biometric fingerprint scanning technology for the under-display version of its Touch ID, according to patent information reported by Patently Apple.

A patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes a “display stack” for a system scanning a fingerprint from static placement or a swiping motion across the sensor area. The optical imaging arrays can include single or multi-element imaging sensors, and can be used for imaging, sensing, proximity sensing, depth sensing, receiving structured light, optical communication, or biometric imaging, the application says.

The documentation describes an embodiment in which an imaging aperture is placed beneath a low pixel density region of the display, and in some embodiments, the active display area can show a shape to draw the user’s attention.

In addition to possible implementation in iPhone models, the application also depicts a MacBook incorporating the technology.

Several other patents relating to under-display Touch ID have already been published this year.

Apple files numerous patents, such as a recent design for AirPods that measure blood flow biometrics, not all of which appear in its products.

Samsung adds mysterious sensor placement for Galaxy S11

A patent granted to Samsung by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) shows a punch-hole smartphone design updated from the Galaxy S10 series, with room for three front-facing sensors, PhoneArena.com reports. That could mean a gesture recognition sensor or an ultra-wide-angle selfie camera, in addition to the depth sensor and regular selfie camera, according to the report.

The usefulness of the depth sensor that Samsung previously used was widely questions, according to the report, so it may also be that the extra sensor space is to accommodate a new dual-sensor system, like those used for biometric facial recognition by Apple, Huawei, and in the forthcoming Google Pixel 4.

The Galaxy S11 is slated for launch in early 2020.

Article Topics

Apple  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint authentication  |  patents  |  research and development  |  Samsung  |  smartphones  |  Touch ID