0.002% false recognition rate security, thin yet high strength achieved with new materials

LG Innotek announced that it has developed a 'glass-integrated fingerprint recognition module' that embeds a fingerprint recognition sensor in tempered glass.

Conventional smartphone fingerprint recognition modules were button-type, featuring circular or square sensors mounted on the exterior, because they required the sensor to come into direct contact with the user's hand for accurate recognition. However, LG Innotek's glass-integrated fingerprint recognition module features a sensor attached within a shallow groove 0.3 millimeters (mm) deep carved into the bottom back of the tempered glass. By applying ultra-precision processing technology and bonding methods, it detects fingerprints when a hand is placed on the tempered glass.

The glass-integrated fingerprint recognition module allows for the realization of a fingerprint recognition smartphone with a sleek design as the sensor is not exposed externally, is advantageous for waterproof and dustproof designs, and has a low risk of malfunction due to damage. Its security is also comparable to that of a button-type fingerprint recognition module, with a probability of misidentifying another person's fingerprint being 0.002%, which is virtually zero.



In addition, the thickness is 0.25mm because a portion of the back of the tempered glass is cut away to accommodate the sensor, but thanks to the inclusion of a special polymer material on the adhesive surface, it achieves high strength at a commercial level and does not break even when a steel ball weighing 130 grams (g), which is the weight of a smartphone, is dropped from a height of 20cm.

In addition, smartphone manufacturers can select their desired tempered glass brand and receive it as a glass-integrated fingerprint recognition module. This is because LG Innotek has jointly developed crafting technology with its partners, enabling custom production for any brand.

LG Innotek plans to accelerate efforts to secure new customers, anticipating a rapid increase in demand for fingerprint recognition functions. According to market research firm IHS, global shipments of fingerprint recognition modules are expected to more than triple from 499 million units last year to 1.6 billion units in 2020.

Kim Chang-hwan, Head of the R&D Center (Executive Vice President), stated, “We are concentrating all our capabilities on developing differentiated technologies with customer value as our top priority,” adding, “We will continue to introduce innovative products that provide users with a more convenient and enjoyable experience.”