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Vivo under-display fingerprint scanner:

Here’s how the technology works

While Apple and Samsung race to be the first company to perfect a
fingerprint scanner that resides under a Smart phone’s display, a Chinese

company called Vivo has already done it.

Fingerprint sensors on a smartphone, for most of us conjures up the

image of a circular ring at the back panel or home buttons which double up as
biometric authenticators . At the MWC 2017 shanghai event, Vivo added a new

dimension to the whole concept-displays that double up as fingerprint sensors.

Essentially, a future where there will be true edge-to-

edge screens as authentication technology will be through independent ‘regions’
and technically anywhere on the surface of the smartphone. Confused? Here’s

an explainer on the vivo under-display fingerprint scanning technology.

What is it?

The Vivo under-display fingerprint technology is based on Qualcomm’s

ultrasonic fingerprint sensors. It eliminates the need for manufacturers to place
a dedicated sensor on a smartphone as it injects the ability to unlock or

authenticate from underneath the surface of the phone. The new type of
authentication is supported for the surfaces including OLED screen, metal

frame, specific kind of plastic and ceramic.

How does it work?

The solution provided by Vivo uses an ultrasonic sensor underneath a surface

(display or rear panel). For authentication, piezoelectric effects (in simple terms,
the mechanical stress or the pressure put on the surface) are used to exchange

ultrasonic signals which travel through the OLED screen. Once the ultrasonic
signals travel through the OLED screen, they create a 3D map of the fingerprint
under the display. Consider this as a sound wave travelling through compatible

surfaces and creating unique fingerprint-based identities with the help of
software. At the event, Vivo showcased a prototype device exploiting the

technology. By putting mechanical stress or pressure on a designated area of the
display, the fingerprints are registered and authentication is carried out.

As for the end-user, the whole process merely takes a slight
shift in terms of positioning. Instead of strategizing or finding the right way of

placing your finger or thumb on the sensor, the potential usage of the Vivo
under-display pictures a situation where the screen-to-body ratio cab be

increased. Currently, the highest ratio is just above the figure of 90 percent, as
seen on the Xiaomi Mi MIX smartphone. However, even that smartphone

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