Image analysis – Applications – Personnel identification
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-09
2001-08-28
Chen, Wenpeng (Department: 2624)
Image analysis
Applications
Personnel identification
C382S323000, C345S163000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06282303
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a fingerprint scanning system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear sensor.
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 and size of a typical CCD and associated optics may make it expensive or impractical for use in some constrained physical environments, such as keyboards, laptop computers, and pointing devices such as a mouse or trackball.
One known system uses a series of thermal sensors configured in a cross-shaped, L-shaped or T-shaped pattern having a single column and a single row. When a user slides his or her finger along the sensors, the column sensors are used to determine the position and speed of the finger, and the row sensors are used to obtain an image of the fingerprint. However, the thermal system does not prevent against possible distortion of the fingerprint image from either the stretching of the skin on the finger or the flattening of the ridges and valleys of the fingerprint due to excess pressure.
Therefore, there is a need for a small and inexpensive way of scanning a fingerprint in a constrained physical environment that does not distort the fingerprint image.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear optical sensor. A finger or palm is rolled over a roller. A light source directs light through the roller to illuminate or detect the finger. Light directed through the roller is focused onto a linear imaging device. A full 2D recreation of the fingerprint is assembled from the discrete line-image data collected by the linear array imaging sensor. The apparatus contains a rotation detector to detect rotational movement of the roller.
For one embodiment, the transparent roller is part of a human interface device, such as a pointing device or keyboard. For one embodiment, the cursor control device may be a separate cursor control device or a scroll bar for a trackball or mouse. For one embodiment, the system recognizes when the pointing device is over an authentication area. For one embodiment, the roller lights up in that instance, to indicate to the user that the user should slide his or her finger along the roller for authentication. If the user does so, the system automatically inserts the fingerprint, password, or other authenticating information into the area that requested the authentication information.
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Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Chen Wenpeng
Digital Persona, Inc.
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