Electrostatic discharge structure for a biometric sensor
AssigneeYT Acquisition Corporation
InventorWaleed Haddad
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A structure for reducing or eliminating electrostatic discharge from a finger into the platen of a biometric sensor is disclosed. The structure is designed to be positioned above and around the platen such that conductive components in the structure stimulate corona discharge and dielectric breakdown from an approaching finger into the conductive components of the structure rather than into the platen itself. The structure is designed to eliminate, reduce or otherwise neutralize the charge on an approaching finger prior to the finger coining into contact with the platen of the biometric sensor and prior to the finger coming close enough to the platen so that the electrostatic discharge causes an are to strike the platen.
Claims29
An apparatus configured to reduce the amount of electrostatic discharge received through a platen of a sensor, the apparatus comprising:
- a raised molded structure physically proximate to the platen;
- and
- a frame comprising a plurality of conductive structures affixed underneath the raised molded structure, wherein at least a portion of the conductive structures are substantially flush against the surface of the raised molded structure,
- wherein the raised molded structure is configured to discourage electrostatic discharge into the platen from an approaching charged object by encouraging electrostatic discharge from the object into the frame.
A method for reducing the amount of electrostatic discharge received by a platen of a fingerprint sensor prior to a finger touching the platen, the method comprising:
- stimulating corona discharge, as the finger approaches the platen, between the finger and a plurality of conductive structures proximate to the platen so as to divert electrostatic discharge from the platen;
- and
- directing any electrical charge received through the plurality of conductive structures to ground.
A method for reducing the amount of electrostatic discharge received by a platen of a fingerprint sensor prior to an approaching finger touching the platen, the method comprising:
- directing a current into a plurality of conductive structures proximate to the platen through a coupled voltage supply;
- and
- emitting free charges from the conductive structures via corona discharge into the air above the platen, thereby canceling any charge in the approaching finger as the approaching finger passes through the air above the platen.
A biometric sensor configured to reduce the amount of electrostatic discharge, the sensor comprising:
- a platen configured to receive biometric information;
- and
- a structure configured to reduce the amount of electrostatic discharge received by the platen, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of conductive structures and a covering, and wherein an end portion of each conductive structure is substantially flush against a surface of the covering.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.