US 6,606,399 B2 · PTF touch-enabled image generator

Abstract

A polymer thick film (PTF) electroluminescent device generating images described by contact, in which the contact itself closes an open circuit to generate radiation in a pattern in register with the contact. The resulting irradiated image corresponds directly to the contact pattern energizing the radiation. In a preferred embodiment enabled by an electroluminescent system without a back electrode, a fingerprint is disposed to close the open circuit by making contact and thereby serving as a “temporary” back electrode. The electroluminescent then energizes in a pattern in register with the contact (i.e. the fingerprint) to emit a high-resolution image of visible light with high fidelity to the contact. This visible light image may then be directed on to a photosensitive array standard in the art suitable for pixelation and conversion into an electrical signal representative of the image. This signal is available for computerized storage, analysis, processing and comparison.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for generating an image described by contact, comprising:

(a) providing a laminate, the laminate comprising at least one polymer thick film layer and including at least an outer receiving surface, a luminescent layer, and a translucent electrode layer, the receiving surface on the laminate separated from the translucent electrode layer by the luminescent layer;
(b) coupling a power source to the translucent electrode layer and to a remote contact surface;
(c) touching the receiving surface with the contact surface, wherein said touching is effective to selectively generate electric current through the laminate between the contact surface and the translucent electrode layer in a pattern in register with zones of contact between the contact surface and the receiving surface;
and
(d) responsive to said selective current generation, energizing the luminescent layer so as to generate light in said pattern.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

PTF touch-enabled image generator

Life of this patent

PTF touch-enabled image generator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20