Communication Device To Sense One Or More Biometric Characteristics Of A User

What is this patent about?

’776 is related to the field of portable electronic devices , specifically those capable of sensing biometric characteristics. The background acknowledges the increasing convergence of magnetic cards (credit, debit, ID) and portable user devices (smartphones, computers). Existing devices augment magnetic cards or interface with card readers, but lack a seamless integration and robust resistance to environmental factors.

The underlying idea behind ’776 is to create a multifunctional communication device that integrates display, biometric sensing, and processing capabilities into a single, robust form factor. This is achieved by layering output pixel elements (light emitting or piezoelectric) and biometric input pixel elements (light detecting or piezoelectric) beneath a protective cover structure. The key insight is to overlap these pixel layers, maximizing functionality within a limited space.

The claims of ’776 focus on a communication device with a layered structure designed for biometric sensing. Claim 1 specifies a cover structure, a layer of display light emitting output pixels, a plurality of biometric output pixels (light emitting or piezoelectric), a plurality of biometric input pixels (light detecting or piezoelectric), and a processor. Claim 11 broadens this to a cover structure, a layer of output pixels (light emitting or piezoelectric), a layer of biometric input pixels (light detecting or piezoelectric), and a processor.

In practice, the device emits light or pressure towards the user via the output pixel elements. The reflected light or pressure, carrying biometric information, is then captured by the input pixel elements. The processor analyzes this input to determine biometric characteristics. This differs from prior approaches by integrating biometric sensing directly into the device's display surface, rather than requiring separate sensors or peripherals. The overlapping pixel arrangement allows for a compact design.

The invention leverages the concept of pixel stacks to maximize functionality within the limited space of a communication device. By vertically stacking different types of pixel elements (light emitting, light detecting, piezoelectric), the device can both output information and sense biometric data through the same surface area. This contrasts with traditional devices that require separate components for each function, leading to a more bulky and less integrated design.