Optical sensor using collimator

US9829614B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Synaptics Incorporated · US

Inventors

• Patrick Smith · Shakopee, US
• Paul Wickboldt · Walnut Creek, US
• Patrick Worfolk · Los Gatos, US
• Steve Molesa · San Jose, US
• Young Seen Lee · San Jose, US
• Richard A. Klenkler · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 2015
• Grant date: Nov 28, 2017
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/005
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. The optical fingerprint sensor includes an image sensor array; a collimator filter layer disposed above the image sensor array, the collimator filter layer having an array of apertures; and an illumination layer disposed above the collimator filter layer. The collimator filter layer filters reflected light such that only certain of the reflected light beams reach optical sensing elements in the image sensor array. Employing the collimator filter layer prevents blurring while allowing for a lower-profile image sensor.