Electronic device packages and methods

• US 10,043,052 B2
• Filed: 10/23/2012
• Issued: 08/07/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
• Inventors: Wickboldt, Paul, Thammasouk, Khamvong
• Primary Examiner(s): Chu, Randolph I
• Application Number:
  US13/657,959
• Publication Number:
  US 20130108124A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,114 Days
• Field of Search: None
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1329 Protecting the fingerprint sensor against damage caused by the finger
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing

Abstract

Electronic devices are described which are adapted and configured to incorporate a fingerprint sensor within a recess or aperture, formed or molded in the housing, such that the fingerprint sensor interface is within 500 microns of an exterior surface of the device. Methods of use and manufacture are also described.

Claims

1. An electronic device housing comprising:

a display screen cover lens having an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the upper, lower and side surfaces integrally form the display screen cover lens;

a fingerprint sensor;

a recess, configured to receive the fingerprint sensor therein and integrally formed within a first exterior surface of the display screen cover lens, wherein a sensing portion of the fingerprint sensor is positioned within the recess at a location within 500 microns of a second exterior surface of the display screen cover lens;

a display screen positioned beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens; and

a plurality of touchscreen sensors beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

2. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the display screen covers a first portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

3. The electronic device housing according to claim 2 wherein the fingerprint sensor covers a second portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

4. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the cover lens comprises a glass layer.

5. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the fingerprint sensor attached to a flexible lead.

6. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the cover lens is a top surface of the electronic device housing.

7. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the electronic device housing has one or more button interfaces.

8. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the electronic device housing further comprises a bezel.

9. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the display screen cover lens has a concave exterior feature adapted to provide a tactile indication of the location of the fingerprint sensor.

10. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the recess is molded into the display screen cover lens.

11. The electronic device housing according to claim 1 wherein the fingerprint sensor is positioned within the recess from an interior surface of the electronic device housing.

12. An electronic device housing comprising:

a display screen cover lens having an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the upper, lower and side surfaces integrally form the display screen cover lens;

a fingerprint sensor;

a recess, configured to receive a finger therein and integrally formed within a first exterior surface of the display screen cover lens, wherein a sensing portion of the fingerprint sensor is positioned on a second exterior surface and within 500 microns of the recess;

a display screen positioned beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens; and

a plurality of touchscreen sensors beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

13. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the cover lens comprises a glass layer.

14. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the cover lens is a top surface of the electronic device housing.

15. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the display screen covers a first portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

16. The electronic device housing according to claim 15 wherein the fingerprint sensor covers a second portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

17. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the fingerprint sensor is attached to a flexible lead.

18. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the electronic device housing has one or more button interfaces.

19. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the electronic device housing further comprises a bezel.

20. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the recess has a concave exterior feature adapted to provide a tactile indication of the location of the fingerprint sensor.

21. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the recess is molded into the display screen cover lens.

22. The electronic device housing according to claim 12 wherein the fingerprint sensor is positioned opposite the recess from an interior surface of the electronic device housing.

23. An electronic device housing comprising:

a display screen cover lens having an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the upper, lower and side surfaces integrally form the display screen cover lens;

a fingerprint sensor;

a recess integrally formed within an exterior surface of the display screen cover lens, wherein a sensing portion of the fingerprint sensor is positioned in a first exterior surface of the display screen cover lens and within 500 microns of a second exterior surface of the display screen cover lens;

a display screen positioned beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens; and

a plurality of touchscreen sensors beneath the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

24. The electronic device housing according to claim 23 wherein the recess is in the first exterior surface of the display screen cover lens and the fingerprint sensor is positioned within the recess.

25. The electronic device housing according to claim 23 wherein the recess is in the second exterior surface of the display screen cover lens and is configured to receive a finger therein.

26. The electronic device housing according to claim 25 wherein a sensing portion of the fingerprint sensor is positioned on the first exterior surface within 500 microns of the recess.

27. The electronic device housing according to claim 23 wherein the display screen covers a first portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.

28. The electronic device housing according to claim 27 wherein the fingerprint sensor covers a second portion of the lower surface of the display screen cover lens.