Patent Publication Number: US-2023136964-A1

Title: Controller with biometric sensor pattern

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/931,142, entitled “CONTROLLER WITH BIOMETRIC SENSOR PATTERN,” filed on Nov. 3, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Biometric sensors, such as fingerprint sensors are becoming common in various electronic devices, including mobile communication devices. As a result, there may be instances when a separate biometric sensor takes space from other components and adds complexity to implementation. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one example, a display unit comprises a display panel that is configured to display digital images. The display unit further comprises an at least partially transparent protective layer that is arranged above the display panel. The display unit further comprises a controller that is communicatively attached onto an upper surface of the display panel. A biometric sensor pattern is integrated in the controller, and the controller is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern. 
     In another example, an electronic device and a sensor controller have been discussed along with the features of the display unit. 
     Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is an example block diagram of a display unit in accordance with an example embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    is an example block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with an example embodiment; and 
         FIG.  10    illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus capable of implementing example embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a display unit  100  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  100  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  100  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     The display unit  100  comprises a display panel  110  that is configured to display digital images. The display unit  100  further comprises an at least partially transparent protective layer  120  that is arranged above the display panel  110 , such that the digital images displayed by the display panel  110  are visible through the at least partially transparent protective layer  120 , and the at least partially transparent protective layer  120  protects the display panel  110  e.g. against wear and tear, impacts, and the like. The display unit  100  further comprises a controller  130  that is communicatively attached onto an upper surface of the display panel  110 . Herein, the “upper” surface of the display panel  110  refers to the surface of the display panel  110  that faces the at least partially transparent protective layer  120 . Herein, the “communicatively” attached refers to an attachment enabling routing of signals (such as control signals and the like) via the display panel  110 . A biometric sensor pattern  131  is integrated in the controller  130 , and the controller  130  is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern  131 . In the example embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the controller  130  may be further arranged below the at least partially transparent protective layer  120 , and more particularly between the at least partially transparent protective layer  120  and the display panel  110 . Herein, the term “at least partially transparent” refers to the protective layer  120  being transparent enough to allow biometric sensing to work through it (in embodiments in which the protective layer  120  covers the biometric sensor pattern  131 ) and to allow viewing the digital images displayed by the display panel  110  through it. The protective layer  120  may include e.g. text and/or graphics and the like as long as they do not substantially interfere with the biometric sensing and the viewing of the digital images. 
     The biometric sensor pattern  131  may be integrated on the upper surface of the controller  130  or at least partly inside the upper surface of the controller  131 . Herein, the “upper” surface of the controller  130  refers to the surface of the controller  130  that is furthest from the surface of the controller  130  attached to the display panel  110 . The biometric sensor pattern  131  may comprise at least a fingerprint sensor pattern and/or a pulse sensor pattern. The fingerprint sensor pattern may comprise e.g. capacitive sensing electrodes arranged in a pattern having a suitably high pitch or resolution to allow fingerprint sensing. 
     The controller  130  (or its body) and the biometric sensor pattern  131  may comprise semiconductor material, such as silicon. The controller  130  may comprise an integrated circuit (IC). The controller  130  may be further configured to control the display panel  110  in which case the controller  130  may comprise e.g. a display driver IC (DDI). Alternatively, the display unit  100  may comprise an additional controller (not shown in  FIG.  1   ) configured to control the display panel  110 . 
     The display unit  100  may comprise e.g. one of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) unit, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display unit, and an electrophoretic ink (E Ink) display unit. The at least partially transparent protective layer  120  may comprise e.g. any suitable glass, plastic, film, ceramic, or flexible material. 
     The biometric sensor pattern  131  is utilized to sense one or more predefined biometric properties of an external object (such as a fingertip of a user) placed against the biometric sensor pattern  131 . For embodiments in which the at least partially transparent protective layer  120  covers the biometric sensor pattern  131 , properties, such as thickness and material of the at least partially transparent protective layer  120  (and any optional additional layers between the at least partially transparent protective layer  120  and the biometric sensor pattern  131 ) are selected such that they do not obstruct achieving these sensing objectives of the biometric sensor pattern  131 . In an embodiment, the display panel  110  may comprise flexible material. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a display unit  200  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  200  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  200  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  2   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  210 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  220 , the controller  230 , and the biometric sensor pattern  231  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the example of  FIG.  1   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. 
     The example of  FIG.  2    further comprises a touch screen layer  240  that is arranged aside the controller  230  and above the display panel  210 , e.g. between the display panel  210  and the at least partially transparent protective layer  220 . In an embodiment, the touch screen layer  240  may comprise flexible material. In an embodiment, the touch screen layer  240  may comprise e.g. capacitive, resistive or inductive sensing electrodes arranged in a pattern having a suitably high pitch or resolution to allow touch sensing. 
     The location of the touch screen layer  240  in  FIG.  2    illustrates an example for deploying the touch screen layer (also known as on-cell type of touch). Other examples may include e.g. deploying the touch screen layer integrated in the display panel  210  (also known as in-cell type of touch), and deploying the touch screen layer as one layer on top of the display panel  210  and one layer integrated in the display panel  210  (also known as hybrid type of touch). 
     Similar to the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the controller  230  is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern  231 . The controller  230  may be further configured to control the display panel  210  in which case the controller  230  may comprise e.g. a display driver IC (DDI). Alternatively, the controller  230  may be further configured to control touch screen layer  240  in which case the controller  230  may comprise a touch driver IC. Alternatively, the controller  230  may be further configured to control both the display panel  210  and the touch screen layer  240  in which case the controller  230  may comprise e.g. a touch and display driver IC (TDDI). Alternatively, the display unit  200  may comprise one or more additional controllers (not shown in  FIG.  2   ) configured to control the display panel  210  and/or the touch screen layer  240 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a display unit  300  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  300  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  300  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  310 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  320 , the controller  330 , and the biometric sensor pattern  331  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. The example of  FIG.  3    may further comprise a touch screen layer similar to the touch screen layer  240  of  FIG.  2    that is arranged aside the controller  330  and above the display panel  310 , e.g. between the display panel  310  and the at least partially transparent protective layer  320 , even though it is not explicitly shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the controller  330  is further arranged below the at least partially transparent protective layer  320 , such that the at least partially transparent protective layer  320  does not directly cover the controller  330 . E.g. an additional protective layer or film (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) may be arranged to directly cover the controller  330 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a display unit  400  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  400  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  400  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  410 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  420 , the controller  430 , and the biometric sensor pattern  431  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  3   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. The example of  FIG.  4    may further comprise a touch screen layer similar to the touch screen layer  240  of  FIG.  2    that is arranged aside the controller  430  and above the display panel  410 , e.g. between the display panel  410  and the at least partially transparent protective layer  420 , even though it is not explicitly shown in  FIG.  4   . 
     In the example of  FIG.  4   , the at least partially transparent protective layer  420  comprises a recess in its lower surface configured to receive the controller  430  and the biometric sensor pattern  431  at least partly. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a display unit  500  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  500  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  500  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  5   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  510 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  520 , the controller  530 , and the biometric sensor pattern  531  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  4   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. The example of  FIG.  5    may further comprise a touch screen layer similar to the touch screen layer  240  of  FIG.  2    that is arranged aside the controller  530  and above the display panel  510 , e.g. between the display panel  510  and the at least partially transparent protective layer  520 , even though it is not explicitly shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     The example of  FIG.  5    details an example of providing the communicative attachment of the controller  530  onto the upper surface of the display panel  510 . The controller  530  is communicatively attached onto the upper surface of the display panel  510  via at least one of a conductive adhesive layer  550  that is arranged between the upper surface of the display panel  510  and a lower surface of the controller  530 , and multiple conductive bonding points  551  that are arranged on the lower surface of the controller  530 . The conductive adhesive layer  550  may comprise e.g. a layer of anisotropic conductive film (ACF). A similar arrangement may be used at least in any of the examples of  FIGS.  1 - 4  and  6 - 10   . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a display unit  600  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  600  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  600  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  6   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  610 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  620 , the controller  630 , and the biometric sensor pattern  631  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  5   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. The example of  FIG.  6    may further comprise a touch screen layer similar to the touch screen layer  240  of  FIG.  2    that is arranged aside the controller  630  and above the display panel  610 , e.g. between the display panel  610  and the at least partially transparent protective layer  620 , even though it is not explicitly shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     In the example of  FIG.  6   , the controller  630  with the biometric sensor pattern  631  is attached to the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer  620  via an adhesive layer or film  660  arranged between the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer  620  and an upper surface of the controller  630 . A similar arrangement may be used at least in any of the examples of  FIGS.  1 - 5 ,  7  and  9 - 10   . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a display unit  700  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  700  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  700  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  7   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  710 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  720 , the controller  730 , the biometric sensor pattern  731 , the touch screen layer  740  and the adhesive layer or film  760  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  6   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. 
     The example of  FIG.  7    further illustrates an example structure of an LCD type the display unit  700 . The display unit  700  further comprises an optically clear layer  770  that is arranged between the at least partially transparent protective layer  720  and the display panel  710 . The optically clear layer  770  may comprise e.g. optically clear resin (OCR) and/or optically clear adhesive (OCA). In an embodiment, the optically clear layer  770  may comprise an air gap or the like. The display unit  700  may further comprise a polarizer  771  that is arranged between the at least partially transparent protective layer  720  and the display panel  710  and configured to direct light emitting from the display panel  710 . The display unit  700  may further comprise a color filter  772  that is arranged between the at least partially transparent protective layer  720  and the display panel  710  and configured to adjust the visible color saturation of the display panel  710 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a display unit  800  in accordance with an example embodiment. The display unit  800  may be employed, for example, in the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    or the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . However, it should be noted that the display unit  800  may also be employed on a variety of other devices and apparatuses, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to application on devices and apparatuses such as the electronic device  900  of  FIG.  9    and the apparatus  1000  of  FIG.  10   . Furthermore, it should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  810 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  820 , the controller  830 , the biometric sensor pattern  831 , the touch screen layer  840 , the polarizer  871 , and the color filter  872  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  7   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. 
     In the example of  FIG.  8   , the display unit  800  further comprises an optically clear layer  870  that is arranged between the at least partially transparent protective layer  820  and the display panel  810 . The optically clear layer  870  may comprise e.g. optically clear resin (OCR) and/or optically clear adhesive (OCA). In the example of  FIG.  8   , the optically clear layer  870  extends between the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer  820  and an upper surface of the controller  830  with the biometric sensor pattern  831 . 
       FIG.  9    is an example block diagram of an electronic device  900  in accordance with an example embodiment. The electronic device  900  may comprise e.g. a display unit  100  of  FIG.  1   , a display unit  200  of  FIG.  2   , a display unit  300  of  FIG.  3   , a display unit  400  of  FIG.  4   , a display unit  500  of  FIG.  5   , a display unit  600  of  FIG.  6   , a display unit  700  of  FIG.  7   , or a display unit  800  of  FIG.  8   . It should be noted that at least some of the elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. 
     In the example of  FIG.  9   , the functionalities and properties of the display panel  910 , the at least partially transparent protective layer  920 , the controllers  930   a,    930   b,  the biometric sensor pattern  931 , the touch screen layer  940 , the conductive adhesive layers  950   a,    950   b,  and the conductive bonding points  951   a,    951   b  are substantially similar to those of their counterparts in the examples of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  8   , so their descriptions are not repeated here in detail. 
     The electronic device  900  further comprises a printed circuit board  980  that is arranged such that at least a part of the display panel  910  is located above the printed circuit board  980 . In the example of  FIG.  9   , a single connector  990  connects the display panel  910  and the printed circuit board  980  to communicate e.g. the signals routed from/to the controllers  930   a,    930   b  via the conductive adhesive layers  950   a,    950   b  and the conductive bonding points  951   a,    951   b.    
       FIG.  10    is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus  1000  capable of implementing embodiments of the techniques described herein. It should be understood that the apparatus  1000  as illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of apparatus or an electronic device and should not be taken to limit the scope of the embodiments. As such, it should be appreciated that at least some of the components described below in connection with the apparatus  1000  may be optional and thus in an example embodiment may include more, less or different components than those described in connection with the example embodiment of  FIG.  10   . As such, among other examples, the apparatus  1000  could be any of apparatuses utilizing a biometric sensor, such as wireless or mobile communication apparatuses (for example smartphones and tablet computers), e-book readers and apparatuses included in a vehicle dashboard. 
     The illustrated apparatus  1000  includes a controller or a processor  1002  (i.e.—a signal processor, microprocessor, ASIC, or other control and processing logic circuitry) for performing such tasks as signal coding, data processing, input/output processing, power control, and/or other functions. An operating system  1004  controls the allocation and usage of the components of the apparatus  1000  and support for one or more application programs  1006 . The application programs  1006  can include common mobile applications, for instance, telephony applications, email applications, calendars, contact managers, web browsers, messaging applications, or any other application. 
     The illustrated apparatus  1000  includes one or more memory components, for example, a non-removable memory  1008  and/or removable memory  1010 . The non-removable memory  1008  can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard disk, or other well-known memory storage technologies. The removable memory  1010  can include flash memory or smart cards. The one or more memory components can be used for storing data and/or code for running the operating system  1004  and the applications  1006 . Example of data can include web pages, text, images, sound files, image data, video data, or other data sets to be sent to and/or received from one or more network servers or other devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. The electronic device  1000  may further include a subscriber identity module (SIM)  1012 . The SIM  1012  typically stores information elements related to a mobile subscriber. A SIM is well known in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) communication systems, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, or with third-generation (3G) wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA1000, wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and time division-synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), or with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols such as LTE (Long-Term Evolution). 
     The apparatus  1000  can support one or more input devices  1020  and one or more output devices  1030 . Examples of the input devices  1020  may include, but are not limited to, a touchscreen  1022  (i.e., capable of capturing finger tap inputs, finger gesture inputs, multi-finger tap inputs, multi-finger gesture inputs, or keystroke inputs from a virtual keyboard or keypad), a microphone  1024  (i.e., capable of capturing voice input), a camera module  1026  (i.e., capable of capturing still picture images and/or video images) and a physical keyboard  1028 . Examples of the output devices  1030  may include, but are not limited to a speaker  1032  and a display  1034 . Other possible output devices (not shown) can include piezoelectric or other haptic output devices. Some devices can serve more than one input/output function. For example, the touchscreen  1022  and the display  1034  can be combined into a single input/output device. The display  1034  may include any of the display units of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  9   . The touchscreen  1022  may include any of the touch screen layers of  FIG.  1   - FIG.  9   . 
     In an embodiment, the apparatus  1000  may comprise a wireless radio(s)  1040 . The wireless radio(s)  1040  can support two-way communications between the processor  1002  and external devices, as is well understood in the art. The wireless radio(s)  1040  are shown generically and can include, for example, a cellular modem  1042  for communicating at long range with the mobile communication network, a Wi-Fi radio  1044  for communicating at short range with a local wireless data network or router, and/or a Bluetooth radio  1046 . The cellular modem  1042  is typically configured for communication with one or more cellular networks, such as a GSM/3G/4G network for data and voice communications within a single cellular network, between cellular networks, or between the mobile device and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). 
     The apparatus  1000  can further include one or more input/output ports  1050 , a power supply  1052 , one or more sensors  1054 , for example an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a compass, or an infrared proximity sensor for detecting the orientation or motion of the electronic device  1000 , and a transceiver  1056  (for wirelessly transmitting analog or digital signals). The illustrated components are not required or all-inclusive, as any of the components shown can be deleted and other components can be added. 
     Computer executable instructions may be provided using any computer-readable media that is accessible by computing based devices. Computer-readable media may include, for example, computer storage media such as memory and communications media. Computer storage media, such as memory includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device. In contrast, communication media may embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media. Therefore, a computer storage medium should not be interpreted to be a propagating signal per se. Propagated signals may be present in a computer storage media, but propagated signals per se are not examples of computer storage media. Although the computer storage media is shown within the computing based devices it will be appreciated that the storage may be distributed or located remotely and accessed via a network or other communication link, for example by using a communication interface. 
     At least some of the examples disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 10    are able to provide a biometric sensor integrated with a controller chip. At least some of the examples disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 10    are able to provide reduced space requirements for device implementation. At least some of the examples disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 10    are able to provide less complex device implementation. At least some of the examples disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 10    are able to provide reduced costs for device implementation. At least some of the examples disclosed in  FIGS.  1 - 10    are able to provide a reduced number of external connectors due to the signals from/to the biometric sensor being routed via the conductive adhesive layer and the conductive bonding points in connection with the associated controller rather than via an external connector. 
     An embodiment of a display unit comprises a display panel configured to display digital images; an at least partially transparent protective layer arranged above the display panel; and a controller communicatively attached onto an upper surface of the display panel, wherein a biometric sensor pattern is integrated in the controller, and the controller is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the display unit further comprises a touch screen layer arranged above the display panel, and the controller is further configured to control at least one of the display panel and the touch screen layer. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the at least partially transparent protective layer comprises a recess in its lower surface configured to receive the controller at least partly. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is arranged below the at least partially transparent protective layer. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is attached to the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer via an adhesive layer arranged between the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer and an upper surface of the controller. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the display unit further comprises an optically clear layer arranged at least between the lower surface of the at least partially transparent protective layer and an upper surface of the controller. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the display unit further comprises an optically clear layer arranged between the at least partially transparent protective layer and the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the biometric sensor pattern comprises at least one of a fingerprint sensor pattern and a pulse sensor pattern. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the biometric sensor pattern is integrated one of: on the upper surface of the controller and at least partly inside the upper surface of the controller. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is communicatively attached onto the upper surface of the display panel via at least one of: a conductive adhesive layer arranged between the upper surface of the display panel and a lower surface of the controller, and multiple conductive bonding points arranged on the lower surface of the controller. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller and the biometric sensor pattern comprise semiconductor material. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the display unit comprises one of: a liquid-crystal display unit, an organic light-emitting diode display unit, and an electrophoretic ink display unit. 
     An embodiment of an electronic device comprises a printed circuit board and a display unit arranged at least partly above the printed circuit board. The display unit comprises a display panel configured to display digital images; an at least partially transparent protective layer arranged above the display panel; and a controller communicatively attached onto an upper surface of the display panel, wherein a biometric sensor pattern is integrated in the controller, and the controller is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the display panel. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the display unit further comprises a touch screen layer arranged above the display panel, and the controller is further configured to control at least one of the display panel and the touch screen layer. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the biometric sensor pattern comprises at least one of a fingerprint sensor pattern and a pulse sensor pattern. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller is communicatively attached onto the upper surface of the display panel via at least one of: a conductive adhesive layer arranged between the upper surface of the display panel and a lower surface of the controller, and multiple conductive bonding points arranged on the lower surface of the controller. 
     In an embodiment, alternatively or in addition to the above described embodiments, the controller and the biometric sensor pattern comprise semiconductor material. 
     An embodiment of a sensor controller comprises a body comprising semiconductor material; and a biometric sensor pattern comprising semiconductor material and integrated in the body of the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the biometric sensor pattern. 
     The term ‘computer’ or ‘computing-based device’ is used herein to refer to any device with processing capability such that it can execute instructions. Those skilled in the art will realize that such processing capabilities are incorporated into many different devices and therefore the terms ‘computer’ and ‘computing-based device’ each include mobile telephones (including smart phones), tablet computers and many other devices. 
     The processes described herein may be performed by software in machine readable form on a tangible storage medium e.g. in the form of a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of any of the processes described herein when the program is run on a computer and where the computer program may be embodied on a computer readable medium. Examples of tangible storage media include computer storage devices comprising computer-readable media such as disks, thumb drives, memory etc. and do not include propagated signals. Propagated signals may be present in a tangible storage media, but propagated signals per se are not examples of tangible storage media. The software can be suitable for execution on a parallel processor or a serial processor such that the method steps may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously. 
     This acknowledges that software can be a valuable, separately tradable commodity. It is intended to encompass software, which runs on or controls “dumb” or standard hardware, to carry out the desired functions. It is also intended to encompass software which “describes” or defines the configuration of hardware, such as HDL (hardware description language) software, as is used for designing silicon chips, or for configuring universal programmable chips, to carry out desired functions. 
     Those skilled in the art will realize that storage devices utilized to store program instructions can be distributed across a network. For example, a remote computer may store an example of the process described as software. A local or terminal computer may access the remote computer and download a part or all of the software to run the program. Alternatively, the local computer may download pieces of the software as needed, or execute some software instructions at the local terminal and some at the remote computer (or computer network). Those skilled in the art will also realize that by utilizing conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art that all, or a portion of the software instructions may be carried out by a dedicated circuit, such as a DSP, programmable logic array, or the like. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like. 
     Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims. 
     It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items. 
     Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought. 
     The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list, and a system, a device or an apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements. 
     It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification. In particular, the individual features, elements, or parts described in the context of one example, may be connected in any combination to any other example also.