A new patent filed by Microsoft envisions a fingerprint reader that is placed on a device's screen, rather in a separate button.In the patent, the describe a fingerprint reader which can be an integral part of the screen of the device, taking up much less space and allowing for thinner smartphones.In the patent, fingerprint detection is achieved through a transparent cover of the electronic device, with this The cover maybe using a guide light used to illuminate ridges of the finger in contact with the transparent cover.The planned technology would use a wave guide underneath the glass plus a filter which would allow a sensor on the side of the glass to sense the ridges of a fingerprint placed on the glass some distance away.Light from the wave guide may even be transmitted slightly further away via a fibre-optic cable, allowing more flexibility in the design of the handset. Microsoft notes the technology can be used both with LED and AMOLED screens.”The touch sensor layer may use various types of touch sensor technologies. For example, the touch sensor layer may include one or more films configured to support capacitive or resistive touch sensing, although other technologies may be used, including, for instance, acoustic touch sensing,” writes the tech firm.

Also in the news:

Default ThumbnailImprivata reveals next-gen palm scanner Default ThumbnailMalaysian Police integrate face recognition in body-worn cameras Default ThumbnailInCadence wins $12.6m contract with State Dept