Samsung patents point to new fingerprint reader options for smartphones

Over the course of the past week, some patents have been revealed that show Samsung is working on some technologies to change how fingerprint readers work in smartphones. The changes may not be considered especially earth-shattering, but if implemented they could make using a fingerprint to secure a phone a bit easier. The new technologies include an optical scanner and a whole screen scanner.

The first of the patents that was spotted is for an under display fingerprint scanner that relies on optical scanning technologies. This is noteworthy in that it may explain why Samsung has not yet brought a product to market with an under display scanner despite other companies managing to do so. Apparently Samsung hopes to avoid licensing or patent fees by coming up with their own solution.

The second patent appears to be a bit more complicated in describing a scanner that uses the entire screen. Currently, under display fingerprint scanners are limited to the bottom portion of the screen. Samsung does not stop with making the whole screen available though. They also add in a dedicated low-power processor just for the fingerprint scanning capability. The patent also describes how the screen – controlled by the independent processor – will increase brightness when it detects finger contact. Combined with multiple passes, this is supposed to improve fingerprint recognition.

Sources have pointed out that this new technology could be incorporated into folding devices. Sources are also wondering whether Samsung is ready to deploy any of this new technology into upcoming products. Probably the candidate most are interested in seeing the new scanner find its way into is the Galaxy S10. On the downside, Samsung has repeatedly delayed deployment of under display fingerprint scanner technology, so the existence of a patent filings is not much comfort for those who want to see this in an actual product.

sources: GizChina (1), GizChina (2)

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Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.

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