Samsung granted patent for under-screen fingerprint scanner

A fingerprint scanner under the screen remains one of the most elusive goals in the smartphone industry, only being seen on prototype devices.

But Samsung thinks it’s closer to making the tech a reality, judging by a recently granted patent spotted by Let’s Go Digital.

The patent shows a fingerprint scanner that sits just above the actual display panel (but below the glass cover), being activated thanks to a pressure sensor within the screen.

Aside from unlocking the phone, Samsung also reckons you could use the under-screen scanner to unlock certain apps by simply tapping them. For instance, a chat app can be unlocked by tapping it, but if anyone else were to tap the icon, it would fail to open.

Under-screen fingerprint scanners could be a reality in 2018, judging by a Samsung patent

The patent was originally filed in April 2017 with the World International Property Organisation, the publication reported, but the Korean patent was filed last year.

Either way, if Samsung can successfully bring the tech to market, it’d be a landmark move for smartphone authentication.

Fingerprint scanners are traditionally embedded in home buttons or on the rear of the phone. But a scanner under the screen would make for a cleaner design (especially with today’s high screen/body ratios) and a far more elegant solution than iris and facial scanning.

In fact, Samsung reportedly tried and failed to get an under-screen scanner for the Galaxy S8, resorting to a haphazardly placed rear scanner and iris scanner combo instead.

Qualcomm and Vivo have also collaborated on a prototype earlier this year, using Qualcomm’s new fingerprint scanner tech. The US firm’s scanners also support underwater authentication and gestures.

Featured image: Let’s Go Digital