Norway's NEXT Biometrics has unveiled an ultra-thin fingerprint sensor designed for smartphones and tablets which the firm says could eliminate the need for large bezels, or metallic frames.
Tore Etholm-Idsoe, ceo of NEXT Biometrics, said, " Removing the bezel enables industrial designers at NEXT customer companies to determine the size and shape of sensors simply by the designs of the opening in the smartphone back covers or notebook palm rests."
The company said that the new sensor designs enhance the NEXT esd-robustness (electrostatic discharges) to levels compliant with esd-standards, meeting the requirements of the mass markets relevant for fingerprint sensors.
"Targeting significant market share in the smartphone, tablet and notebook markets, NEXT has been aiming to better meet the requirements of industrial designers," Etholm-Idsoe continued. "Our NEXT sensors will now be virtually flush with the surroundings, sunken in by 0.4 to 0.6mm. Such minimum guidance for uniform finger placement is important for the user experience of any fingerprint system."
The Oslo-based company has been using its development teams in Seattle and Taipei on the design.
Author
Tom Austin-Morgan
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk