LG Innotek, an LG affliate, has announced that it has developed an under-the-glass fingerprint sensor module, offering smartphone makers a “button-less” alternative to the conventional button-type module.
To achieve this new design, LG cut a shallow furrow on the underside of the cover glass and slotted a fingerprint sensor into it. The hidden fingerprint sensor allows smartphone makers to take advantage of the device’s extra real estate, and possibly designed to look sleeker without those exposed components.
LG also mentioned that their new fingerprint sensor module has a false acceptance rate (FAR) of 0.002%, which is comparable to button-type module like the Apple’s Touch ID. Aside from that, the under glass fingerprint module also allows smartphone manufacturers to enhance waterproofing and scratch resistant features.
With fingerprint sensors slowly becoming a standard in smartphone’s design, it is no longer a question whether to include one, but where it should go. Previously we have seen button-type sensors on the front (most common on iPhones) and raised sections on the back of the devices (Huawei Nexus 6P) , with some manufacturer opting for the less popular side placement (Sony Xperia Z5). It will be interesting to see how consumers react to this round’s “button” placement; or at least this time there’s no button at all.
LG did not mention in the press release if any of their upcoming phones will be using this new module. However according to an LG spokesperson, the company say that they are already in talk with other manufacturers to commercialise the new modules within the year.
(Source: LG; via Engadget, The Korea Times)
