Patent Publication Number: US-2018039811-A1

Title: Biometric apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/371,230, filed on Aug. 5, 2016, and Taiwan application serial no. 105126890, filed on Aug. 23, 2016. The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a biometric apparatus. 
     Description of Related Art 
     The types of biometrics include face, voice, iris, retina, vein, and fingerprint identifications. Since each person&#39;s fingerprints are unique, and the fingerprints are not easy to change with age or health status, a fingerprint identification apparatus has become the most popular biometric apparatus at present. According to different sensing methods, the fingerprint identification apparatus may be further divided into an optical type, a capacitive type, an ultrasonic type, a thermal-sensing type, etc. 
     The working principle of the optical-type fingerprint identification apparatus is as follows. The fingerprint of a finger is composed of multiple irregular peaks and valleys. When the finger presses the fingerprint identification apparatus, the peaks are in contact with the fingerprint identification apparatus, and the valleys are not in contact with the fingerprint identification apparatus. A light beam will be directly reflected to an image capture device by the peaks, thereby forming a light region. At the same time, the light beam irradiated to the valleys will be reflected several times in the valleys and then transferred to the image capture device, thereby forming a dark region. Thereby, the light beam corresponding to the peaks and the valleys of the fingerprint forms a light and dark alternating fringe pattern on a light receiving surface of the image capture device, such that the image capture device obtains a fingerprint image. An algorithm is used to calculate information corresponding to the fingerprint image, so as to identify user identity. 
     In recent years, the biometric apparatus has been gradually combined with many electronic products (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, notebooks, flash drives), so as to be a checkpoint for safety protection apparatus. In order to match the appearance design of electronic products, a working surface of the biometric apparatus is required to be designed with a corresponding color. For example, the biometric apparatus may be applied to the mobile phone with a white border, and thus the working surface of the fingerprint identification apparatus needs to be designed to be white. The working surface of a conventional fingerprint identification apparatus is non-white, and the demand can not be met. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a biometric apparatus, of which a working surface represents a desired color. 
     The invention provides a biometric apparatus including a light emitting device, an image capture device, a band pass filter, and a light scattering layer. The light emitting device is used to emit a sensing light having a first wavelength range. The band pass filter is disposed on the image capture device. The light scattering layer is disposed on the band pass filter. A portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter, and the band pass filter is able to reflect a portion of any light having a second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus is irradiated by an ambient light from outside of the biometric apparatus. A portion of the ambient light has the second wavelength range. The portion of the ambient light is reflected by the band pass filter and then passing through the light scattering layer, such that the biometric apparatus represents a color corresponding to the second wavelength range. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensing light is an infrared light. The portion of the ambient light is a visible light. The biometric apparatus represents white color. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensing light is an infrared light. The portion of the ambient light is a blue light. A red light and a green light of the ambient light are further able to pass through the band pass filter, and the biometric apparatus represents blue color. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensing light is an infrared light. The portion of the ambient light is a red light and a green light. A blue light of the ambient light is further able to pass through the band pass filter, and the biometric apparatus represents yellow color. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light scattering layer has a haze H, and 10%≦H≦95%. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the light scattering layer has a transmittance T %, and 60%≦T %≦95%. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus further includes a first substrate. The band pass filter, the first substrate and the light scattering layer are arranged toward a direction away from the image capture device sequentially. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus further includes a second substrate. The second substrate, the band pass filter, the first substrate and the light scattering layer are arranged toward a direction away from the image capture device sequentially. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus further includes a second substrate. The band pass filter, the second substrate, the first substrate and the light scattering layer are arranged toward a direction away from the image capture device sequentially. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus further includes a second substrate. The band pass filter, the first substrate, the light scattering layer and the second substrate are arranged toward a direction away from the image capture device sequentially. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the biometric apparatus further includes a protective layer disposed on the light scattering layer. 
     Based on the above, the biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes the light emitting device, the image capture device, the band pass filter disposed on the image capture device, and the light scattering layer disposed on the band pass filter. The light emitting device is used to emit the sensing light having the first wavelength range. The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter, and the band pass filter is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. By using filter and light-reflection characteristics of the band pass filter and using the band pass filter and the light scattering layer with each other, the working surface of the biometric apparatus is able to represent the desired color without excessively affecting image capture quality of biological features. 
     In order to make the aforementioned features and advantages of the disclosure more comprehensible, embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially enlarged schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of a further embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of a further another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  is a partially enlarged schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a biometric apparatus  100  includes a light emitting device  110 , an image capture device  120 , a band pass filter  130 , and a light scattering layer  140 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the light emitting device  110  is used to emit a sensing light L 1  having a first wavelength range. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the sensing light L 1  may be a non-visible light. Furthermore, the sensing light L 1  may be an infrared light, and the first wavelength range may be from 790 nanometers (nm) to 1000 nm. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the wavelength range of the sensing light L 1  may also be other suitable range. In the embodiment, the light emitting device  110  is a light emitting diode (LED), for example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the light emitting device  110  may also be other suitable type of light source. The light emitting device  110  and the image capture device  120  may be assembled in a same main body  150 , thereby forming an image capture module M. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The light emitting device  110  may also be disposed at other suitable position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the light emitting device  110  emits the sensing light L 1 , and the sensing light L 1  is used to irradiate a biological feature F. The image capture device  120  is used to receive the sensing light L 1  reflected by the biological feature F, and transform the sensing light L 1  into an electrical signal corresponding to the biological feature F. In the embodiment, the biological feature F is a fingerprint, for example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the biological feature may also be veins of a finger, an iris, a retina, or other biological features. In the embodiment, the image capture device  120  is a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), for example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the image capture device  120  may also be other suitable type of image sensor. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the band pass filter  130  is disposed on the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is disposed on the band pass filter  130 . The band pass filter  130  is located between the light scattering layer  140  and the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is closer to the biological feature F to be identified than the band pass filter  130 . Particularly, a portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect a portion of any light having a second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of an embodiment of the invention. The transmittance t % shown in  FIG. 3  is more than 0%. Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3 , for example, in the embodiment, the first wavelength range which is able to pass through the band pass filter  130  may be from 790 nm to 1000 nm, and the second wavelength range which is reflected by the band pass filter  130  may be from 380 nm to 780 nm. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range (e.g., 790 nm to 1000 nm) is able to pass through the band pass filter  130  and the light scattering layer  140  sequentially to irradiate the biological feature F. The sensing light L 1  reflected by the biological feature F is also able to pass through the light scattering layer  140  and the band pass filter  130  sequentially, so as to transfer to the image capture device  120 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  obtains image information corresponding to the biological feature F. On the other hand, if the biometric apparatus  100  is in a bright environment, an ambient light L 2  (e.g., sunlight, artificial light) will irradiate the biometric apparatus  100 , and pass through the light scattering layer  140 , so as to transfer to the band pass filter  130 . At this time, a portion L 21  of the ambient light L 2  (i.e., a visible light portion of the ambient light L 2 ) having the second wavelength range (e.g., 380 nm to 780 nm) will be reflected by the band pass filter  130 . The portion L 21  of the ambient light L 2  reflected by the band pass filter  130  will pass through the light scattering layer  140 , and be scattered by the light scattering layer  140 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  represents a color (e.g., white color) corresponding to the second wavelength range (e.g., 380 nm to 780 nm). 
     In short, by using filter and light-reflection characteristics of the band pass filter  130  and using the band pass filter  130  and the light scattering layer  140  with each other, the working surface of the biometric apparatus  100  is able to represent the desired color without excessively affecting the image capture quality of the biological feature F. It should be noted that, in the aforementioned embodiments, the working surface of the biometric apparatus  100  which represents white color is used as an example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, by properly designing a transmission spectrum of the band pass filter  130 , the working surface of the biometric apparatus  100  may also represent other colors.  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  are illustrated as an example in the following. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of another embodiment of the invention. The transmittance t % shown in  FIG. 4  is more than 0%. Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 4 , in another embodiment of the invention, not only the portion of any light having the first wavelength range (e.g., 790 nm to 1000 nm) is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , but a portion of any light having the wavelength range between 500 nm to 550 nm and a portion of any light having the wavelength range between 620 nm to 632.8 nm are able to pass through the band pass filter  130 . The band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range (e.g., 440 nm to 470 nm). In short, an infrared light, a green light, and a red light are able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect a blue light. At this time, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range (e.g., 790 nm to 1000 nm) is able to pass through the band pass filter  130  and the light scattering layer  140  sequentially to irradiate the biological feature F. The sensing light L 1  reflected by the biological feature F is able to pass through the light scattering layer  140  and the band pass filter  130  sequentially, so as to transfer to the image capture device  120 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  obtains the image information corresponding to the biological feature F. On the other hand, if the biometric apparatus  100  is in a bright environment, the ambient light L 2  (e.g., sunlight, artificial light) will irradiate the biometric apparatus  100 , and pass through the light scattering layer  140 , so as to transfer to the band pass filter  130 . At this time, the portion L 21  of the ambient light L 2  (i.e., the blue light portion of the ambient light L 2 ) having the second wavelength range (e.g., 440 nm to 470 nm) will be reflected by the band pass filter  130 . The portion L 21  of the ambient light L 2  reflected by the band pass filter  130  will pass through the light scattering layer  140 , and be scattered by the light scattering layer  140 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  represents blue color corresponding to the second wavelength range (e.g., 440 nm to 470 nm). 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a transmission spectrum of a band pass filter of a further embodiment of the invention. The transmittance t % shown in  FIG. 5  is more than 0%. Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 5 , in a further embodiment of the invention, not only the portion of any light having the first wavelength range (e.g., 790 nm to 1000 nm) is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , but also a portion of any light having the wavelength range between 440 nm to 470 nm is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 . The band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range (e.g., 500 nm to 550 nm and 620 nm to 632.8 nm). In short, an infrared light and a blue light are able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect a green light and a red light. At this time, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range (e.g., 790 nm to 1000 nm) is able to pass through the band pass filter  130  and the light scattering layer  140  sequentially to irradiate the biological feature F. The sensing light L 1  reflected by the biological feature F is able to pass through the light scattering layer  140  and the band pass filter  130  sequentially, so as to transfer to the image capture device  120 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  obtains the image information corresponding to the biological feature F. On the other hand, if the biometric apparatus  100  is in a bright environment, the ambient light L 2  (e.g., sunlight, artificial light) will irradiate the biometric apparatus  100 , and pass through the light scattering layer  140 , so as to transfer to the band pass filter  130 . At this time, the portion L 21  of the ambient light L 2  (i.e., the red light portion and the green light portion of the ambient light L 2 ) having the second wavelength range (e.g., 500 nm to 550 nm and 620 nm to 632.8 nm) will be reflected by the band pass filter  130 . The red light portion and the green light portion of the ambient light L 2  reflected by the band pass filter  130  will be mixed to a yellow light and scattered by the light scattering layer  140 , such that the biometric apparatus  100  represents yellow color corresponding to the second wavelength range (e.g., 500 nm to 550 nm and 620 nm to 632.8 nm). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , in the embodiment, the light scattering layer  140  has a haze H, and 10%≦H≦95%. The light scattering layer  140  has a transmittance T %, and 60%≦T %≦95%. In other words, the light scattering layer  140  has a low haze and a high transmittance. Thereby, a transmission path of the sensing light L 1  is not easy to be excessively influenced by the light scattering layer  140 . Then, an image of the biological feature F with good quality (i.e., image sharpness is high) can be obtained when the working surface of the biometric apparatus  100  represents the desired color. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , in the embodiment, the biometric apparatus  100  may further include a protective layer  160 . The protective layer  160  is disposed on the light scattering layer  140 . The band pass filter  130 , the light scattering layer  140 , and the protective layer  160  are arranged toward a direction d away from the image capture device  120  sequentially. The protective layer  160  is closest to the biological feature F. The protective layer  160  can protect the light scattering layer  140  and/or the band pass filter  130  from scratching. In the embodiment, the protective layer  160  is a light transmissive hard coating, for example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the protective layer  160  may also be a light transmissive plate or other suitable device. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of another exemplary embodiment of the invention. A biometric apparatus  100 A of  FIG. 6  is similar to the biometric apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus the same or corresponding components are represented by the same or corresponding reference numbers. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 A and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 A further includes a first substrate  170 . The difference between the two is mainly illustrated in the following, and the same or corresponding positions of the two are referred to the above illustrations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the biometric apparatus  100 A includes the light emitting device  110 , the image capture device  120 , the band pass filter  130 , and the light scattering layer  140 . The light emitting device  110  is used to emit the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range. The band pass filter  130  is disposed on the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is disposed on the band pass filter  130 . The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 A and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 A further includes the first substrate  170 . The first substrate  170  is a light transmissive substrate. The band pass filter  130 , the first substrate  170 , the light scattering layer  140 , and the protective layer  160  are arranged toward the direction d away from the image capture device  120  sequentially. The biometric apparatus  100 A have the effects and advantages similar to the biometric apparatus  100 , and are not repeated herein. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of a further embodiment of the invention. A biometric apparatus  100 B of  FIG. 7  is similar to the biometric apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus the same or corresponding components are represented by the same or corresponding reference numbers. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 B and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 B further includes the first substrate  170  and a second substrate  180 . The difference between the two is mainly illustrated in the following, and the same or corresponding positions of the two are referred to the above illustrations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the biometric apparatus  100 B includes the light emitting device  110 , the image capture device  120 , the band pass filter  130 , and the light scattering layer  140 . The light emitting device  110  is used to emit the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range. The band pass filter  130  is disposed on the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is disposed on the band pass filter  130 . The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 B and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 B further includes the first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180 . The first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180  are light transmissive substrates. The second substrate  180 , the band pass filter  130 , the first substrate  170 , the light scattering layer  140 , and the protective layer  160  are arranged toward the direction d away from the image capture device  120  sequentially. The biometric apparatus  100 B have the effects and advantages similar to the biometric apparatus  100 , and are not repeated herein. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of a further another embodiment of the invention. A biometric apparatus  100 C of  FIG. 8  is similar to the biometric apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus the same or corresponding components are represented by the same or corresponding reference numbers. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 C and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 C further includes the first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180 . The difference between the two is mainly illustrated in the following, and the same or corresponding positions of the two are referred to the above illustrations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the biometric apparatus  100 C includes the light emitting device  110 , the image capture device  120 , the band pass filter  130 , and the light scattering layer  140 . The light emitting device  110  is used to emit the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range. The band pass filter  130  is disposed on the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is disposed on the band pass filter  130 . The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 C and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 C further includes the first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180 . The first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180  are light transmissive substrates. The band pass filter  130 , the second substrate  180 , the first substrate  170 , the light scattering layer  140 , and the protective layer  160  are arranged toward the direction d away from the image capture device  120  sequentially. The biometric apparatus  100 C have effects and advantages similar to the biometric apparatus  100 , and are not repeated herein. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention. A biometric apparatus  100 D of  FIG. 9  is similar to the biometric apparatus  100  of  FIG. 1 , and thus the same or corresponding components are represented by the same or corresponding reference numbers. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 D and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 D further includes the first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180 . The difference between the two is mainly illustrated in the following, and the same or corresponding positions of the two are referred to the above illustrations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the biometric apparatus  100 D includes the light emitting device  110 , the image capture device  120 , the band pass filter  130 , and the light scattering layer  140 . The light emitting device  110  is used to emit the sensing light L 1  having the first wavelength range. The band pass filter  130  is disposed on the image capture device  120 . The light scattering layer  140  is disposed on the band pass filter  130 . The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter  130 , and the band pass filter  130  is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are different. The difference between the biometric apparatus  100 D and the biometric apparatus  100  is that, the biometric apparatus  100 D further includes the first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180 . The first substrate  170  and the second substrate  180  are light transmissive substrates. The band pass filter  130 , the first substrate  170 , the light scattering layer  140 , and the second substrate  180  are arranged toward the direction d away from the image capture device  120  sequentially. The second substrate  180  can replace the function of the protective layer  160 , and the protective layer  160  may be not disposed at the biometric apparatus  100 D selectively. The biometric apparatus  100 D have effects and advantages similar to the biometric apparatus  100 , and are not repeated herein. 
     In summary, the biometric apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes the light emitting device, the image capture device, the band pass filter disposed on the image capture device, and the light scattering layer disposed on the band pass filter. The light emitting device is used to emit the sensing light having the first wavelength range. The portion of any light having the first wavelength range is able to pass through the band pass filter, and the band pass filter is able to reflect the portion of any light having the second wavelength range. By using filter and light-reflection characteristics of the band pass filter and using the band pass filter and the light scattering layer with each other, the working surface of the biometric apparatus is able to represent the desired color without excessively affecting the image capture quality of the biological features. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that modifications to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the attached claims not by the above detailed descriptions.