Samsung is on the verge of launching its sixth-generation foldables. However, a recent patent application suggests that the company is already looking ahead to enhance future foldable and rollable devices, ensuring they stand out in the crowded market.
The patent application details a new display technology that allows users to unlock their phones by touching any part of the screen, rather than a specific area. According to the abstract, the display will feature “a fingerprint recognition sensor layer under the display panel.”
Innovative Display Technology
The technology’s goal is to “integrate a fingerprint recognition sensor into the display panel, which is the component that occupies the largest area in a portable information communication device,” as noted in the patent application. Samsung aims to develop a display that incorporates a fingerprint recognition sensor without needing an external light source, promising improved fingerprint recognition capabilities. In the accompanying illustration, the thickness of the layers and regions is exaggerated for better understanding.
Potential Use in Upcoming Galaxy Foldables
Currently, Samsung’s premium foldables come with side-mounted fingerprint sensors. This could soon change with the introduction of the full-screen under-display fingerprint scanner. According to @xleaks7, this advanced technology could be featured in Samsung’s next foldable smartphones, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and in their rollable devices. The patent also indicates that the first and second bases of the devices could be flexible.
Many consumers are disappointed by the side-mounted sensors on foldable devices that cost around $2000. This new development aims to address that issue.
Reducing the phone’s thickness is cited as one reason for using a side-mounted fingerprint sensor on foldables. It remains to be seen if Samsung can overcome this challenge by integrating the fingerprint recognition system directly into the display panel.
