September is a harvest season for tech enthusiasts. This month alone, we've seen the release of the Huawei Mate 7, Samsung Note 4, iPhone 6, and more. Compared to previous years, most flagship phones have added a highlight: fingerprint recognition. Looking back over the year since the iPhone 5S, flagship products from major manufacturers like the Samsung Galaxy S5, vivo Xplay3S, and HTC One Max have gradually begun to support fingerprint recognition. Furthermore, considering the overall mobile internet environment, mobile payment is on the verge of explosive growth. Therefore, the Mobile China Alliance editors have compiled an "Analysis Report on the Fingerprint Recognition Industry for Smart Terminals" to provide insights into the current state of this industry.
 
  I. Biometric data collection method:
 
  With the advent of emerging technologies such as mobile internet and the Internet of Things, traditional methods of human 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 technology can be broadly categorized into three approaches: optical recognition, capacitive sensors, and biometric radio frequency.
 
  Optical Recognition
 
  Optical 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. Optical recognition can only reach the epidermis, not the dermis, and is significantly affected by the cleanliness of the finger.
 
  Capacitive Sensor
 
  Capacitive fingerprint sensors utilize two capacitors spaced at intervals. The fingerprint's contours are used to switch current between the capacitors as the finger slides across the sensor, thus detecting the fingerprint data. However, capacitive sensors require relatively clean fingers, and the silicon material used on the sensor surface is relatively easy to damage.
 
  From a technical perspective, suppliers of capacitive fingerprint recognition technology include Authentec, Validity, and FingerPrintCardsAB (FPC). Authentec was acquired by Apple, and Validity was acquired by Synaptics. Capacitive fingerprint sensors are also the most widely used technology today.
 
  Bio-RF (Radio Frequency)
 
  RF sensors emit minute radio frequency signals that penetrate the epidermis of the finger to capture the fingerprint's inner ridges and patterns. This method requires relatively clean fingers.
 
  RF is a relatively new technology and a type of capacitive fingerprint sensor, but it is limited by patent restrictions. RF is the future direction of development.
 
  III. Fingerprint recognition acquisition method:
 
  Regardless of the acquisition technology used, from the user's perspective, there are two acquisition methods: pressing and swiping.
 
  Swiping
 
  The system acquires the entire fingerprint by swiping the finger across the sensor. Pressing the finger down does not capture a complete image at once. During acquisition, the finger needs to swipe across the acquisition surface, taking snapshots of each fingerprint image captured along the swipe. These snapshots are then stitched together to form a complete fingerprint image.
 
  A sliding sensor, swiping down from top to bottom, completes the fingerprint stitching.
 
  The advantages of a sliding sensor are low cost, easy integration, and the ability to capture large-area images using traditional feature point algorithms. However, its disadvantage is that it requires a continuous, standardized action from the user to capture the image, resulting in a relatively poor user experience and limited success in previous applications.
 
  Vivo Xplay3S sliding sensor
 
  Samsung Galaxy S5 sliding sensor
 
  Press-type
 
  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 against the sensor simultaneously.
 
  The iPhone 5S uses a press-type sensor.
 
  The Huawei Mate 7 uses a press-type sensor.
 
  The advantages of the press-type sensor are a good user experience; an image is captured with just one press, matching the user's operating habits in mobile applications, requiring no user training. The disadvantages are: high cost, difficult 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, the press-type sensor 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. Several manufacturers have already produced samples. The following is a summary of the development status of mainstream mobile phone fingerprint recognition solution manufacturers, 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. On July 27, 2012, Apple acquired AuthenTec for $356 million.
 
  Current Status: The world's largest supplier of inductive fingerprint recognition sensors. Its products are only used in Apple products; it does not provide technology or products to other industries (mobile phones, tablets, and other consumer electronics). 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. TSMC handles wafer foundry work—Taiwan Advanced Materials and ChipMOS Technologies handle wafer-level packaging—ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. is responsible for subsequent packaging and testing, as well as SiP module manufacturing. (See the detailed iPhone 5S analysis below for technical details.)
 
  Client: After the acquisition by Apple, its fingerprint recognition products are only supplied to Apple in the mobile phone and tablet fields. It is no longer supplied to other companies in the industry, but it can be provided for banking security and management systems.
 
  Apple iPhone 5S uses the AuthenTec sapphire pressure-sensitive solution.
 
  2. Synaptics (Validity):
 
  Introduction: Synaptics, headquartered in the United States and founded in 1986, is a leading global company designing and manufacturing human-computer interface (HCI) 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 design integrated with the phone's Home button. Additionally, the HTC One Max also uses Synaptics, placing it on the back cover, also using a swipe design.
 
  The Samsung Galaxy S5 uses a Validity slider design, placed on the Home button.
 
  The HTC One Max uses a Validity slider design, placed on the back cover.
 
  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: FPC launched the world's first capacitive touch fingerprint sensor for Android smartphones and tablets, the FPC1020. FPC fingerprint sensors utilize their unique HSPA (High Sensitivity Pixel Amplifier) technology, allowing each pixel unit to detect very weak signals. It currently has the most manufacturers using this solution, with early collaborations including Gionee and Vivo. Its most recent collaboration is with Huawei, with the Mate 7 being its latest product. Its strengths include mature technology and numerous partners. Packaging technology is provided by companies such as SMIC.
 
  Customers: FPC currently has a large customer base, indicating the solution's maturity. 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.
 
  Konka Van Gogh V981 uses an FPC sliding design integrated into the Home button.
 
  Vivo Xplay3S uses an FPC sliding design integrated into the back cover.
 
  Huawei Mate 7 uses an FPC press-type design integrated into the back cover.
 
  4.CrucialTec
 
  Introduction: CrucialTec is a South Korean company and the world's largest manufacturer of optical touch keys.
 
  Current Status: Earlier this year, CrucialTec's president 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 of this year. Earlier, there were rumors that Samsung had considered using it in the Galaxy S5.
 
  Customer: Rumors circulated that CrucialTec was in talks with Samsung for use in the Samsung Galaxy S5, but the deal fell through because the company's production capacity could not meet 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. Its products are widely used in access control, information security, and other fields. No smartphone application examples are currently known.
 
  Clients: No smartphone or tablet application examples are currently known.
 
  6. Goodix Technology
 
  Introduction: Goodix Technology was founded in 2002 and entered the touch screen industry in 2006. It considers MediaTek (MTK) its sole strategic partner, and the two have a close relationship; MTK has made a strategic investment in Goodix.
 
  Current Status: Goodix is currently the only mainland Chinese fingerprint recognition solution company with publicly available prototypes. It released two solutions this year.
 
  On May 15, 2014, it officially launched a touch fingerprint recognition chip for mobile devices. It uses a press-type sapphire solution (basically the same as the iPhone 5S), based on the principle of capacitive touch. Reports indicate that its packaging partner is either ShuoBeiTe or JCET.
 
  Goodix Sapphire Press-Type Solution Prototype
 
  On September 12, 2014, Goodix released its integrated fingerprint recognition and touch technology—IFS. Unlike traditional modular fingerprint sensors, this technology eliminates the need for phone manufacturers to create openings in the front or back panel to house the fingerprint sensor module. Instead, the fingerprint sensor is hidden beneath the touchscreen (TP). This technology does not alter the phone's original design or user habits. From a development perspective, IFS technology supports both glass and sapphire panels.
 
  Goodix IFS Technology
 
  A prototype of Goodix's IFS technology solution, with an intact Home button and fingerprint recognition located below.
 
  Clients: It is understood that Goodix is currently in contact with major domestic mobile phone manufacturers. There are reports that the Meizu MX4 Pro uses Goodix's sapphire press-type fingerprint recognition solution. Regarding the fingerprint recognition and touch integration technology—IFS—Goodix stated that it will introduce it to 1-2 major clients this year, with mass production starting in Q1 of next year.
 
  7: Duntai
 
  Introduction: Duntai was founded in 2005 in the United States by several senior Chinese experts from the Silicon Valley IC industry. In 2006, it relocated back to Asia, establishing R&D and engineering service centers in Shenzhen and Taiwan. Since 2007, it has been fully committed to the design, R&D, manufacturing, and sales of capacitive touchscreen control chips, and is a globally influential Chinese IC design company.
 
  Current Status: According to Duntai executives, Duntai's fingerprint recognition uses high-sensitivity detection technology based on software-defined radio. Unlike chips such as AuthenTec, FPC, and Validity, Duntai employs extensive channel technology from the communications field, resulting in a completely different principle, better performance, and no related industry patent issues. Currently, samples of both slide-type and press-type products are available, with mass production expected early next year.
 
  Customers: No smartphone or tablet cases are currently known.
 
  8: Silead Microelectronics
 
  Introduction: Shanghai Silead Microelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., located in Zhangjiang High-Tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, was founded in October 2010 by a core team of senior technical and management personnel who returned from Silicon Valley. It focuses on the R&D and sales of multi-point capacitive touch IC chips.
 
  Current Status: In May 2014, GSL6162, China's first press-type fingerprint recognition chip, was released. This chip is implemented using active capacitive technology, supporting both sapphire and coated solutions. By providing a complete solution, it facilitates adoption by downstream solution providers and terminal manufacturers. It is used in conjunction with the Home button.
 
  Customers: No smartphone or tablet examples are currently known.
 
  9: Mairui Microelectronics
 
  Introduction and Current Status: Having achieved commercial success in the fingerprint lock market, and leveraging the successful experience of its fingerprint chip architecture, Mairui has innovatively designed a sampling-slide-comparison-press composite technology for mobile phone fingerprint technology, combining the different characteristics of press and slide fingerprint recognition. Fingerprint chips for mobile phones are about to enter small-batch trial production.
 
  Customers: No smartphone or tablet examples are currently known.
 
  10. BYD
 
  Introduction and Current Status: News of BYD entering the fingerprint recognition field was revealed last December. At that time, BYD executives stated, "It is expected to be launched in May or June next year, but it is possible that the time will be brought forward." However, the China Mobile Phone Alliance has not found any further product information.
 
  The above summarizes the basic information of 10 companies involved in fingerprint recognition. In reality, many more companies are in the R&D stage, but due to a lack of information disclosure and product launches, they are not listed here.
 
  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 each 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 monitor 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.
 
  Fingerprint sensor section: The iPhone 5S uses a semiconductor sensor based on capacitance and radio frequency (RF) technology, employing a two-layer verification process for fingerprint reading.
 
  The first layer utilizes a capacitive fingerprint sensor. The finger forms one electrode of the capacitor, and a silicon sensor array on the other side forms the other. A micro-current is generated 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, Touch ID, also introduces RF technology. RF technology transmits a low-frequency radio frequency signal to the dermis. Because human cellular fluid is conductive, the electric field distribution in 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 back from the dermis, forming a fingerprint image.
 
  Algorithm: Apple uses AuthenTec's algorithm, which, during the fingerprint verification process, compares the obtained fingerprint scan image against a database from all angles (360°). 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 an exceptionally powerful fingerprint template capable of successfully recognizing fingerprints from various angles.
 
  Encapsulation: Previous capacitive fingerprint recognition devices lacked a suitable material to protect the silicon sensor array on the fingerprint sensor surface. Due to the weak electric field, a close distance between the finger and the sensor is required, so the protective layer cannot be too thick. After a period of use, the protective layer wears down, leading to recognition failure. Furthermore, the presence of oil, salt, and sand on the fingers, combined with moisture and temperature, further damages the protective layer. Apple uses sapphire crystal to protect the sensor. Apple invented a technology that integrates the fingerprint sensor's silicon chip and the shielding plate into a single molded unit. This encapsulation structure protects both the sensor chip and the shielding plate, and importantly, allows for a smaller distance than any known design. Apple's technology can reduce the thickness of sapphire crystal to 1mm, making it suitable for use in the Home button to protect the sensor.
 
  Answering frequently asked questions:
 
  1. Will Apple or the NSA steal my fingerprints?
 
  Fingerprint data is not uploaded or backed up to Apple's servers, and the chip hardware does not allow software other than the fingerprint sensor to read it. Even if Apple or the NSA could obtain your fingerprint data, they could not reverse engineer it.
 
  2. What if my fingers are peeling, injured, wet, or oily?
 
  Simply peeling skin shouldn't cause recognition failure because 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 surfaces may reduce the recognition rate, but it doesn't mean it will be completely unrecognizable.
 
  3. My phone was stolen. Can the thief unlock it by flashing the firmware?
 
  iOS 7 introduced a feature that links the phone to your Apple ID. Even if the 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 disassemble 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 locks do?
 
  Currently, fingerprint locks allow for quick unlocking and convenient payments within Apple services such as the App Store, Apple Store, iTunes Store, and iBooks. It's unclear whether Apple will open up fingerprint functionality to third parties.
 
  Samsung Galaxy S5 Fingerprint Recognition Analysis:
 
  The Samsung Galaxy S5 uses Validity swipe fingerprint recognition technology.
 
  Like Apple, the Galaxy S5's fingerprint sensor is integrated under the Home button. A finger is swiped downwards across the recognition area at a certain speed, and the sensor on the Home button senses and recognizes the finger, achieving security and encryption. The unlock menu setup process is also similar to the iPhone 5s.
 
  After testing, it was found that the Samsung Galaxy S5's swipe fingerprint recognition requires a downward swipe to register. Similar press-type fingerprint scanners have no angle restriction and can be recognized by any pressure. Reports suggest that Samsung's lagging behind Apple is primarily due to Apple's acquisition of Authentec, which held the relevant patents.
 
  Huawei Mate 7 Fingerprint Recognition Analysis:
 
  The Huawei Mate 7 uses a press-type fingerprint recognition technology from the Swedish company FPC, located on the back cover. It boasts a maximum resolution of 228*228 pixels and a pixel density of 508 dpi. Currently, the Mate 7 appears to be the world's first Android phone with press-type fingerprint technology.
 
  Furthermore, the Mate 7's fingerprint sensor is covered with a silver coating, and there's a ring-shaped metallic element between the fingerprint recognition area and the back cover, similar to the stainless steel detection ring that surrounds the fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5s. Besides acting as a fingerprint trigger, it seems to have many other functions.
 
  In terms of security, Huawei provides a chip-level security solution. Fingerprint information management, encryption, verification, and storage all run within the TrustZone secure OS on the chip. This isolated area is inaccessible to the Android system and third-party applications, ensuring a secure fingerprint operating environment.
 
  Huawei Mate 7 product manager Li Xiaolong explained on Zhihu: All fingerprint template information of Mate 7 is encrypted locally on the phone using the AES256 algorithm. Each chip has a unique key, which is written once by melting the chip when it leaves the factory and cannot be read or modified from the outside. Fingerprint template data can only be written and deleted, not read or modified, and therefore will not be uploaded to any server or read by any third-party program. This means that, like the Apple key mentioned earlier, every press-type fingerprint sensor on the Mate 7 is encrypted and bound to the K920 series processor in the phone using the AES256 algorithm! Furthermore, Huawei directly burns the fuse on the chip pin at the factory, making that pin unprogrammable from a hardware perspective! This also means that any malfunction in the phone chip or fingerprint sensor requires replacing the entire device.
 
  VI. Analysis of the Smart Terminal Fingerprint Recognition Ecosystem:
 
  For fingerprint recognition to truly take off, mobile payment must also take off. Statistics show that by 2018, the global mobile payment market transaction volume was approaching $300 billion. Currently, it is on the eve of explosive growth, and with the further development of mobile internet, the mobile payment market is expected to take off. This provides excellent conditions for the rapid development of fingerprint recognition technology. Currently, mainstream manufacturers have already begun to promote the development of fingerprint recognition devices.
 
  Apple Ecosystem:
 
  Following the introduction of a fingerprint sensor in last year's iPhone 5S, Apple has further developed its mobile payment ecosystem this year. The iPhone 6 features NFC, and Apple also offers a new service—Apple Pay. This near-field communication (NFC) payment service uses an NFC chip in conjunction with Touch ID to facilitate convenient mobile payments. Initial partners for Apple Pay include Subway, McDonald's, Disney, Walgreens, Macy's, Sephora, and of course, the Apple Store. Furthermore, Groupon, Uber, and Panera have also integrated Apple Pay, allowing customers to complete payments without entering any payment information.
 
  Apple is building a fully-fledged 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 effort to launch 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 terminal manufacturers, internet companies, mobile operators, UnionPay, and others are all accelerating the development of mobile payment, and fingerprint recognition is poised for significant growth.