Image analysis – Applications – Personnel identification
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-28
2001-02-13
Mehta, Bhavesh (Department: 2721)
Image analysis
Applications
Personnel identification
C382S124000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06188781
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a fingerprint scanning system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for illuminating a fingerprint in an automatic fingerprint imaging device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Automatic fingerprint scanners are commonly used to obtain an analog or digital image for security, access, verification, or record-keeping applications. In most conventional scanners, a two-dimensional (2D) image of the fingerprint is captured by an imaging device having a matrix of picture elements or pixels arranged as multiple rows and columns. A 2D light-sensitive electronic sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), is typically used to capture a fingerprint image. However, the cost, size, and uniformity requirements of traditional lighting sources may make them expensive or impractical for use in some constrained physical environments, such as keyboards, laptop computers, and pointing devices such as a mouse or trackball.
A traditional method of illuminating a fingerprint in an imaging device is to use a light source positioned below a transparent platen of the device. However, this method typically increases the cost and size of the imaging device and may not provide uniform illumination of the fingerprint or background of the fingerprint image.
Therefore, there is a need for a small and inexpensive way of illuminating a fingerprint in a constrained physical environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for illuminating a fingerprint. A finger is placed on a transparent platen which has a microprism array on one surface. A light source directs light through a horizontal plane of the platen to illuminate the finger. Light directed through the platen is substantially parallel to an axis of the microprism array and is largely contained within the body of the platen. The skin in contact with the platen is illuminated by the light, and the light is imaged by an imaging device.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Digital Persona, Inc.
Mehta Bhavesh
LandOfFree
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