I. Biometric data collection method:
 
  With the advent of emerging technologies such as mobile internet and the Internet of Things, traditional methods of personal authentication and identification can no longer meet the needs of social development. The trend is towards using high-tech methods such as computers, optics, acoustics, biosensors, and biostatistics to identify individuals based on inherent physiological characteristics (such as fingerprints, facial images, and irises) and behavioral features (such as handwriting, voice, and gait).
 
  Currently, the main biometric identification methods include: fingerprint recognition, palm print recognition, iris recognition, facial recognition, DNA recognition, and behavioral recognition.
 
  Currently, the simplest, most practical, most accurate, and best-developed identification method is fingerprint recognition. Globally, fingerprint recognition accounts for nearly 60% of the entire biometrics market, with over a thousand fingerprint recognition manufacturers producing hundreds of different fingerprint recognition products, while other biometrics technology manufacturers account for less than one-tenth of that.
 
  The most common applications we see are fingerprint attendance and fingerprint access control. However, with the advent of the mobile internet, including information security and mobile payments, there is a huge demand for biometric authentication. Fingerprint recognition has become a method that mainstream smart device manufacturers and consumers can quickly accept. On the eve of the mobile payment boom, fingerprint recognition based on smart terminals is also poised for explosive growth.
 
  II. Basic Principles and Acquisition Technology of Fingerprint Recognition:
 
  A typical fingerprint recognition system should include: a fingerprint sensor, a feature extraction/matching module, a feature template library, and application software. Fingerprint matching can be divided into two steps: first, extracting the features of the fingerprint to be verified, and then comparing its similarity with template fingerprints in the fingerprint template library to determine whether the two fingerprint images come from the same finger.
 
  We can see that the core of fingerprint recognition is accurate and efficient fingerprint acquisition and analysis. The development of fingerprint recognition acquisition technology can be roughly divided into three methods: optical recognition, capacitive sensors, and biometric radio frequency.
 
  Optical recognition
 
  Optical fingerprint recognition is an earlier fingerprint recognition technology. It works by emitting light from an optical emitter, which strikes the finger and reflects back to the machine to retrieve data, which is then compared to a database to check for consistency. However, optical fingerprint recognition can only reach the epidermis, not the dermis, and is significantly affected by the cleanliness of the finger surface.
 
  Capacitive sensor
 
  Capacitive fingerprint sensor recognition utilizes two capacitors spaced at intervals. The fingerprint's contours are used to switch current between the capacitors as the finger slides across the sensor, detecting the fingerprint data. Capacitive sensors require relatively clean fingers, and the silicon material used on the sensor surface is relatively easy to damage. Technically, suppliers of capacitive fingerprint recognition technology include Authentec, Validity, and FingerprintPrintCardsAB (FPC). Authentec was acquired by Apple, and Validity was acquired by Synaptics. Capacitive fingerprint sensors are currently the most widely used technology.
 
  Bio-radio frequency
 
  Radio frequency (RF) sensors emit minute radio frequency signals that penetrate the epidermis of the finger to obtain information about the underlying texture. This method requires relatively clean fingers. RF is a relatively new technology and is a type of capacitive sensor, but it is limited by patent issues. RF technology represents the future direction of development.
 
  III. Fingerprint recognition acquisition method:
 
  Regardless of the data collection technology used, from the user's perspective, there are only two input methods: press-to-type and slide-to-type.
 
  Slide-type
 
  The system captures the entire fingerprint by swiping your finger across the sensor. Pressing the finger down doesn't capture the entire image at once. During acquisition, the finger needs to slide across the sensor surface, taking snapshots of each fingerprint image captured along the way. These snapshots are then stitched together to form a complete fingerprint image.
 
  The slide-type sensor works by sliding the finger down from top to bottom to complete the fingerprint stitching.
 
  The advantages of sliding are low cost, easy integration, and the ability to acquire large areas of images. It uses traditional feature point algorithms, but the disadvantage is that it requires customers to perform a continuous and standardized action to acquire images, resulting in a poor user experience. It has not been very successful in previous applications.
 
  Press-type fingerprint recognition:
 
  The finger is placed flat on the device to capture a fingerprint image. Generally, to obtain a fingerprint of the entire finger, a sensor larger than the finger must be used, with the entire finger pressed onto the sensor simultaneously.
 
  The advantages of press-type fingerprint recognition are a good user experience; an image is captured with just one press, matching the user's operating habits in mobile applications without requiring user training. The disadvantages are: high cost, complex integration, relatively small image area captured at one time, insufficient feature points, and the need for complex image comparison algorithms for recognition.
 
  Clearly, from the user's perspective, press-type fingerprint recognition is the simplest and most convenient. More and more mobile devices will adopt press-type fingerprint recognition solutions in the future.
 
  IV. Analysis of Global Mobile Fingerprint Recognition Solution Providers:
 
  There are many global fingerprint recognition solution vendors, but relatively few are involved in mobile phones and tablets. After the iPhone 5S, a number of established international fingerprint recognition solution vendors quickly entered the market. At the same time, domestic touch IC manufacturers also rapidly invested in research and development in this field. Currently, some vendors have already produced samples. The following is a summary of the development status of mainstream mobile fingerprint recognition solution vendors, compiled by the Mobile China Alliance editors based on publicly available information. 
 
  1. AuthenTec：
 
  Introduction: AuthenTec is a world-leading provider of fingerprint authentication sensors and solutions for the PC, wireless devices, and access control markets. Apple acquired AuthenTec on July 27, 2012, for $356 million.
 
  Current Status: The world's largest supplier of inductive fingerprint recognition sensors. Its products are used exclusively in Apple products; it does not provide technology or products to other manufacturers (such as mobile phones and tablets). Currently, the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 use capacitive and radio frequency based semiconductor sensors, integrated with the iPhone's Home button, with a sapphire crystal cover on top. Wafer manufacturing is handled by TSMC; wafer-level packaging is handled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and ChipMOS Technologies Co., Ltd.; and subsequent packaging, testing, and SiP module manufacturing are handled by ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd.
 
  Customers: After the acquisition by Apple, its fingerprint recognition products are only supplied to Apple in the mobile phone and tablet markets. It no longer supplies other manufacturers, but it can provide products for banking security and management systems.
 
  2. Synaptics (Validity):
 
  Introduction: Synaptics, headquartered in the United States, was founded in 1986. It is a leading global company designing and manufacturing human-computer interface (HMI) solutions for mobile computing, communications, and entertainment devices. In October 2013, Synaptics acquired biometric identification company Validity for $255 million, officially announcing its entry into the fingerprint recognition field.
 
  Current Status: Synaptics currently offers both swipe and press-type fingerprint sensors, using active capacitive silicon imaging sensors. Samsung and HTC use its products. Regarding the company's future technology development direction, earlier this year, Synaptics executives stated that the fingerprint sensor product they are planning to launch will not be limited to recognition on the Home button like Apple's iPhone, but will be hidden under the glass panel screen of Android or Windows Phone systems. System packaging and testing will be handled by Taiwanese companies ChipMOS and Tylens.
 
  Customers: Synaptics' largest customer is Samsung. Its main products include the Samsung Galaxy S5, which uses a swipe-type solution integrated with the phone's Home button. In addition, the HTC One Max also uses Synaptics, placed on the back cover of the phone, and is also a sliding solution.
 
  3. Fingerprint Cards AB（FPC）
 
  Introduction: Fingerprint Cards AB (FPC) is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and listed on NASDAQ (FINGB). It focuses on developing, manufacturing, and selling biometric components and technologies to help verify user identity by analyzing and comparing unique fingerprints.
 
  Current Status: It launched the world's first capacitive touch fingerprint sensor for Android smartphones and tablets, the FPC1020. The FPC fingerprint sensor uses its unique HSPA (High Sensitivity Pixel Amplifier) technology, allowing each pixel unit of the sensor to detect very weak signals. It currently has the most manufacturers using its solution, with early collaborations including Gionee and Vivo, and its most recent collaboration with Huawei is in the Mate 7. Its characteristics include mature technology and numerous partners. Packaging technology support is provided by companies such as SMIC.
 
  Customers: FPC currently has a large customer base, indicating the maturity of its solutions. Companies such as Pantech, Fujitsu, Gionee, Konka, Huawei, and VIVO use its technology. Three solutions are available: 1. Integrated with the phone's Home button, sliding design. A typical example is the Konka Van Gogh V981. 2. Placed on the back cover of the phone, sliding design. Typical examples include the Pantech VegaLTE-A, VIVO Xplay3S, and Gionee T1. 3. Placed on the back cover of the phone, press-type design. A typical example is the Huawei Mate 7.
 
  4. CrucialTec
 
  Introduction: CrucialTec is a South Korean company and the world's largest manufacturer of optical touch keys.
 
  Current Status: Earlier this year, the president of CrucialTec announced that the company had successfully developed a new glass-ceramic material that can be used in fingerprint sensors. This new material is twice as durable as existing high-strength glass-ceramic materials, achieving a hardness of 8H, close to the 9H hardness of sapphire glass, but at a much lower price. Mass production is planned for the next six months. Earlier rumors suggested that Samsung had considered introducing this technology into the Galaxy S5.
 
  Client: Reportedly in talks with Samsung for use in the Samsung Galaxy S5, but the deal fell through due to the company's production capacity not meeting Samsung's demand.
 
  5.IDEX
 
  Introduction: IDEX is a Norwegian biometric technology company specializing in fingerprint recognition and imaging technology. Founded in 1996, the company opened two offices in the United States in 2013, located in Silicon Valley, California, and Massachusetts, Boston. IDEX primarily provides fingerprint sensors, biometric software, and other security solutions for ID cards, bank cards, access control, and mobile devices.
 
  Current Status: Holds a patent for a sliding capacitive sensor, and its products are widely used in access control, information security, and other fields. No smartphone case studies are currently known.
 
  Client: No smartphone or tablet case studies are currently known.
 
  V. Case Studies of Fingerprint Recognition Technology in Mobile Phone Manufacturers:
 
  iPhone 5S Fingerprint Recognition Analysis:
 
  Today, Apple's products lead the trend in consumer electronics, and every new technological application has the potential to drive the development of an entire industry. A year after the iPhone 5S adopted fingerprint recognition, more and more manufacturers have joined the fingerprint recognition technology field. Below, we analyze the fingerprint recognition technology of the iPhone 5S.
 
  The principle of iPhone 5S fingerprint recognition: The iPhone 5S's Touch ID fingerprint sensor is placed on the Home button, the place where users naturally and frequently come into contact with their iPhones. The button surface is made of laser-cut sapphire crystal, which precisely focuses the finger and protects the sensor; this sensor identifies and records fingerprint information. A stainless steel ring surrounds the button to detect the finger, activate the sensor, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The software then reads the fingerprint information and searches for a matching fingerprint to unlock the phone.
 
  The fingerprint sensor itself: The iPhone 5S uses a semiconductor sensor based on capacitance and radio frequency, employing two layers of verification for fingerprint reading.
 
  The first layer utilizes a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The finger forms one pole of the capacitor, and a silicon sensor array on the other side forms the other pole. A micro-current is formed between the micro-electric field of the human body and the capacitive sensor. The distance between the peaks and troughs of the fingerprint and the sensor creates the capacitance difference, thus depicting the fingerprint image across the entire contact surface.
 
  The second layer of Touch ID incorporates radio frequency (RF). RF technology transmits a low-frequency RF signal to the dermis. Because human cellular fluid is conductive, the electric field distribution within the dermis is read to obtain the most accurate image of the entire dermis. Touch ID has a drive ring that emits the RF signal, and the sensing component under the sapphire crystal reads the signal reflected from the dermis, forming a fingerprint image.
 
  The algorithm, used by Apple, employs AuthenTec's algorithm. During fingerprint verification, after obtaining the fingerprint scan image, it performs a 360° comparison with a database. When a new fingerprint image successfully matches a sample fingerprint in the database, the image is used to strengthen and improve the database's sample information. This algorithm creates exceptionally powerful fingerprint templates capable of successfully recognizing fingerprints from various angles.
 
  The encapsulation process addresses the lack of a suitable material for protecting the silicon sensor array on the surface of capacitive fingerprint recognition devices. Because the electric field is very weak, the finger and sensor need to be kept very close, so the protective layer cannot be too thick. After a period of use, the protective layer will wear down, leading to recognition failure. Furthermore, fingers often accumulate oil, salt, and sand, which, combined with moisture and temperature, further damage the protective layer. Apple uses sapphire crystal for its sensor protection. Apple invented a technology that integrates the silicon chip of the fingerprint sensor and the shielding plate into a single molded unit. This encapsulation structure protects both the sensor chip and the shielding plate, and in particular, allows for a smaller distance than any known design. This Apple technology reduces the thickness of the sapphire to 1mm, allowing it to be used in the Home button to protect the sensor.
 
  Answers to Questions:
 
  1. Will Apple or the NSA steal my fingerprint?
 
  Fingerprint features are not uploaded or backed up to Apple's servers, and the chip hardware does not allow software other than the fingerprint recognition sensor to read them. Even if Apple or the NSA obtains your fingerprint features, they cannot reverse-engineer your fingerprint.
 
  2. What if my fingers are peeling, injured, wet, or oily?
 
  Simply peeling skin shouldn't cause recognition failure, as the sensor recognizes living skin, not dead skin. The iPhone 5S can store five fingerprints, so even if one finger is injured, you can use another. Wet or oily skin might lower the recognition rate, but it doesn't mean it will be completely unrecognizable.
 
  3. If my phone is stolen, can the thief unlock it by wiping the firmware?
 
  iOS 7 introduced a feature that links the phone to an Apple ID. Even if a thief puts the phone into recovery mode (DFU) and erases all content, they will still need to enter their Apple ID password to reactivate the phone. Essentially, the thief can only dismantle your phone and sell it for parts. At least the information on your phone is safe.
 
  4. Besides unlocking and buying things in the App Store, what else can fingerprint unlocking be done?
 
  Currently, fingerprint locks allow you to quickly unlock your phone and make quick payments within Apple services such as the App Store, Apple Store, iTunes Store, and iBooks. It remains to be seen whether Apple will open up its fingerprint functionality to third parties.
 
  VI. Analysis of the Smart Terminal Fingerprint Recognition Ecosystem:
 
  For fingerprint recognition to truly take off, mobile payments must also take off. Statistics show that by 2018, the global mobile payment market transaction volume was approaching $300 billion. Currently, it's on the eve of explosive growth, and with the further development of mobile internet, the mobile payment market is poised for takeoff. This provides excellent conditions for the rapid development of fingerprint recognition technology. Major manufacturers have already begun promoting the development of fingerprint devices.
 
  Apple Ecosystem:
 
  After incorporating a fingerprint sensor into the iPhone 5S last year, Apple has further improved its mobile payment ecosystem this year. The iPhone 6 features NFC, and Apple also offers a new service—Apple Pay. This is a near-field payment service that relies on an NFC chip and combines with Touch ID to easily complete mobile payments. Apple Pay's initial partners include Subway, McDonald's, Disney, Walgreens, Macy's, Sephora, and of course, the Apple Store. In addition, Groupon, Uber, and Panera have all integrated Apple Pay, allowing customers to complete payments without entering any payment information. Apple is building a fully open payment system, and fingerprint recognition will be a crucial component, experiencing significant growth.
 
  Alibaba Ecosystem:
 
  On September 1st, Alipay Wallet and Huawei announced a joint launch of China's first standard fingerprint payment solution. This solution will be featured on Huawei's upcoming Mate 7 phone, marking a new starting point for the domestic fingerprint payment industry. Earlier this year, Alibaba Cloud OS's fingerprint recognition solution was unveiled in Shenzhen, demonstrating Alibaba's strong desire for fingerprint recognition solutions to mature quickly and drive the development of its mobile payment strategy.
 
  Tencent Ecosystem:
 
  WeChat has reached preliminary cooperation frameworks with several domestic fingerprint recognition product manufacturers, including Weir Technology. Weir Technology is the largest supplier of fingerprint recognition products and solutions in China.
 
  Currently, mobile phone manufacturers, internet companies, mobile operators, UnionPay, and others are all accelerating the development of mobile payment, and fingerprint recognition is also poised for significant growth.