Abstract: A characteristic pattern acquisition system featuring a block formed of a bundle of optical fibers and having one end face for projecting an image of a characteristic pattern placed on an opposite detecting end face of the block and a light source for projecting light onto the detecting end face to illuminate the characteristic pattern.

Abstract: A characteristic pattern acquisition system provides a block comprised of a bundle of optical fibers longitudinally aligned in parallel relation each having an imaging end perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the block and a detecting end which is angled, and a source of light directed toward through the imaging end to illuminate the detecting end, the detecting end serving to reflect internal light rays only when the medium outside the detecting end of each fiber has a refractive index less than the optical medium of the fibers. The composite reflection of light from the angled surfaces of the fibers create at the imaging end a reproduction of a characteristic pattern such as the relief features of a fingertip applied to the detecting end of the fiberoptic block. Means are directed toward the imaging end of the fiberoptic block for electronically transmitting an image thereon of the characteristic pattern which is placed on the fiberoptic block detecting end.