According to foreign media sources, Apple recently disclosed a patent on a new sensor technology. The patent describes a display screen that can identify the user's fingerprint and does not require a dedicated Touch ID sensor. In conjunction with previous rumors that Apple will cancel Touch ID, the patent and the previous iPhone 8 rumors completely cancel the Home key message. Together.
It is understood that Apple used its acquisition of LuxVue to apply its technology to traditional fingerprint sensors and integrate it directly into the screen. From the patent description, it can be seen that the name of the screen is called “interactive screen equipped with infrared diodesâ€. The touch screen incorporates micro LED sensing technology, while traditional devices generally use active matrix hardware.
The fingerprint sensor technology currently used in iPhone products requires the user's finger to touch the capacitive drive ring. In order to truly implement a full screen, Apple needs to completely remove the Home key.
In fact, Apple has already begun a certain trial on the iPhone 7 and changed the press-type Home key to touch-based. If the future wants to make full use of the area of ​​the front panel, it will be a matter of time before the Home key is removed. However, it seems that it is not yet realistic to make large-scale improvements. Given current technology and process standards, there are not many good alternatives, and fingerprint sensors need a high degree of precision when reading fingerprints.
However, LuxVue recently stated that it has solved the above doubts to some extent. According to the patent description, micro-LEDs can already be a substitute for standard capacitive touch arrays. In addition, this technology creates a circuit that can act as an ambient light sensor, automatically lighting or extinguishing the screen.
In addition to basic functions, Apple's patent also lists a number of application scenarios.