Abstract: This invention relates to the use of holographic optical elements in the design and application of biometric scanning instruments used typically for capturing biometric information such as fingerprints and handprints. A system and method for capturing print images from select areas of a platen are presented. The system includes a reference beam source that provides a reference beam, holographic material that receives the reference beam, a platen on a surface of the holographic material that receives a biometric object, and an image sensor. Variations in orientation of the reference beam cause differing areas of the platen to be mapped onto the image sensor, thereby obtaining both different image translations and magnifications of at least a portion of the biometric object.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product is provided that controls platen movement during a live scan. The platen moves in response to finger movement. The present invention then applies a counter force that counters the platen movement. In one embodiment, the counter force has a magnitude which is a function of the speed of the platen movement. The platen can move in a lateral direction (right or left) in response to the finger. The direction in which the counter force is applied is a direction that counters the platen movement in a determined direction. In one example, the force is applied through a motor that drives the platen in a direction opposite the direction of movement caused by the finger or fingers during the live scan. In this way, the counter force which is applied helps prevent a user from moving a finger too rapidly during the live scan. As a result, a high-quality fingerprint image can be obtained with less training and experience in live scan fingerprinting.

Abstract: A light shroud reduces or eliminates the effects of ambient light on an optical fingerprint scanner. Because of the geometry of a prism used in the scanner, ambient light from only certain incidence angles can interfere with an image produced by the scanner. The light shroud blocks this ambient light entering the system at angles which allow the light to interfere with the illumination system or camera. In an embodiment, the light shroud can be closed to act as a cover, protecting the platen surface.

Abstract: A live print scanner includes a transparent tray platen apparatus and a scanning system. The transparent tray platen apparatus includes a base region attached to two rounded side regions. The base region of the tray platen assembly includes a convex portion. A hand is placed atop the base region adjacent to one of the two rounded side regions such that the hand's palm pocket is atop the convex portion. A sensor assembly within the rotary scanning system generates a complete image of a palm print pattern. Because of the side regions and the convex portion, the image generated includes an image of a print pattern on the palm pocket as well as on the side of the palm. A holographic element may be disposed in a light path between an illumination source and the sensor.

Abstract: A light integrating column having an illumination column and windows that allow light to enter and exit the illumination column. The illumination column can be a solid rod or a hollow tube. In an embodiment, the windows are formed at an angle with respect to each other. Light from a light source enters through one of the windows. The light is internally reflected and diffused inside the illumination column. A diffused uniform light is transmitted out through another window. In an embodiment, a reflective coating is applied to a surface of the illumination column.

Abstract: A rotating optical system includes an optical element and a measuring device for locating and/or scanning a full palm print and/or full palm and fingerprint for a hand positioned on a non-planar surface of an optical element. The hand is placed on the non-planar surface of the optical element. A measuring device can be rotated about a centerline axis of the optical element. During the rotation, a circular image of the full palm print (including thenar, hypothenar, interdigital, palm heel, “writers palm,” palm pocket, and fingertips) and/or full palm and finger prints, and/or hand characteristic information (e.g., hand geometry, spacing, etc.) can be captured by the measuring portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating a platen are provided. A hybrid illumination system uses both diffusion and collimation to efficiently provide a flat, uniform illumination at a platen. One or more diffusers are disposed between the illumination source array and a collimating lens. An illumination system is provided which uses diffused light to illuminate a platen in a print scanner. The illumination system has an illumination source array and a light wedge. The light wedge reflects light internally which makes the illumination even more diffuse. An illumination source array has a plurality of sources that emit blue/green light. In one preferred example, the blue/green light is equal to or approximately equal to 510 nm. Sources are divided into at least a center region and a perimeter region. The density of sources provided in the perimeter region is greater than in the center region to correct for natural light falloff in the illumination system.

Abstract: Biometric object image capturing systems and methods prevent undesirable interruptions of total internal reflection of a prism that result in improper biometric images. A thermal assembly comprising a plurality of thermal elements is placed adjacent to the image capturing device. The thermal elements upon supply of a current are capable of either heating or cooling the image capturing device or a platen of the image capturing device. If cooling of the biometric object receiving surface is required, the thermal elements can be controlled to decrease temperature of an area where a biometric object is placed, or an area adjacent to where the biometric object is placed. If heating of the biometric object receiving surface is required, the thermal elements can be controlled to increase temperature of an area where a biometric object is placed, or an area adjacent to where the biometric object is placed, to remove and prevent accumulation of moisture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying heat to a platen of a biometric image capturing device are described that remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen. These devices and methods prevent undesirable interruptions of total internal reflection of a prism that result in biometric images having a halo effect. In embodiments of the invention, an electrically conductive transparent material is used to apply heat to the platen. In other embodiments, resistive heating elements attached to non-optical areas of the platen (e.g., the ends) are used to apply heat to the platen. Heater assemblies according to the invention can be used to heat an area where a biometric object is placed, or an area adjacent to where the biometric object is placed, to remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen.

Abstract: A rotating optical system includes an optical element and a measuring device for locating and/or scanning a full palm print and/or full palm and fingerprint for a hand positioned on a non-planar surface of an optical element. The hand is placed on the non-planar surface of the optical element. A measuring device can be rotated about a centerline axis of the optical element. During the rotation, a circular image of the full palm print (including thenar, hypothenar, interdigital, palm heel, “writers palm,” palm pocket, and fingertips) and/or full palm and finger prints, and/or hand characteristic information (e.g., hand geometry, spacing, etc.) can be captured by the measuring portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides contoured prisms for live print scanners. In one embodiment, a print scanner has a rotatable prism and an imaging assembly. The rotatable prism has a curved platen surface for receiving a print pattern. The rotatable prism rotates relative to the imaging assembly during a live scan. The imaging assembly captures line scan images of the print pattern as the rotatable prism rotates. In one embodiment, the rotatable prism is a cylindrical prism and the curved platen surface is cylindrical. In a further embodiment, a print scanner includes an arched prism and an imaging assembly. The arched prism has a curved platen surface for receiving a print pattern.

Abstract: A light integrating column having an illumination column and windows that allow light to enter and exit the illumination column. The illumination column can be a solid rod or a hollow tube. In an embodiment, the windows are formed at an angle with respect to each other. Light from a light source enters through one of the windows. The light is internally reflected and diffused inside the illumination column. A diffused uniform light is transmitted out through another window. In an embodiment, a reflective coating is applied to a surface of the illumination column.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting biometric image data captured in a first coordinate system into biometric image data in a second coordinate system (e.g., from polar to rectangular). The system includes a receiving module for receiving raw image data captured in a first coordinate system, a coordinate conversion module, and a memory. The conversion system can be implemented in a biometric imaging system or in a system external to a biometric imaging system. After raw image data captured in a first coordinate system has been received, for each pixel in a defined output area, the coordinate conversion module retrieves an entry in a conversion data array and one or more samples from the captured raw image data. The coordinate conversion module then interpolates the retrieved samples using weighting based on the conversion data array entry to obtain the respective pixel value in the second coordinate system.

Abstract: A method is provided that images a full palm print and/or a full palm and fingerprint for a hand positioned on a non-planar surface of an optical element. The hand is placed on the non-planar surface of the optical element. A measuring device can be rotated about a centerline axis of the optical element. During the rotation, a circular image of the full palm print (including thenar, hypothenar, interdigital, palm heel, “writers palm,” palm pocket, and fingertips) and/or full palm and finger prints, and/or hand characteristic information (e.g., hand geometry, spacing, etc.) can be captured by the measuring portion. The optical element can also include a calibration area (e.g., target) that can be used to calibrate the measuring device during each scan and/or be captured with the image for future quality control of the captured image.

Abstract: A system and method include a non-planar prism and a scanning imaging system configured to locate and/or scan all or part of a hand print for one or more hands positioned on a curved portion of the non-planar prism. The curved portion can be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry of the non-planar prism. Typically, a print pattern on a palm pocket, a writer's palm, or the like, is hard to capture on a flat surface. In contrast, the non-planar prism of the present invention provides a form so that a print pattern on the palm pocket, writer's palm, or the like, can be captured. Print patterns or different parts of a hand (e.g., fingertips and a writer's palm) are also more easily captured using the non-planar prism. Hand and/or finger characteristic data can also be captured, for example hand geometry (e.g., finger lengths and spacing between fingers). The scanning imaging system can be stationary or it can be rotated along an arcuate scan path about a centerline axis of the optical element.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for scanning all or part of a hand print for one or more hands positioned on a non-planar portion of a prism. The non-planar portion can be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry of the prism. Typically, a palm pocket, writer's palm, or the like, is hard to capture on a flat surface. In contrast, the non-planar portion of the prism according to embodiments of the present invention provides a form so that the palm pocket, writer's palm, or the like, can be captured. Hand and/or finger characteristic data can also be captured, for example hand geometry (e.g., finger lengths and spacing between fingers). The prism can also include a positioning device (e.g.

Abstract: A scanning device for electronically capturing a fingerprint image, employing a finger guide unit and a platen. The finger guide unit positions a finger for scanning by means of a gap into which the finger is placed. The guide maintains the finger within the print scanning range when used in conjunction with a movable platen. The guide unit is rotatable allowing the guide to be moved to expose the whole movable platen. The finger guide unit has two guide plates disposed adjacent one another creating a gap. The gap width is adjustable by means of an adjustment device, allowing fingers of any size to be properly positioned and guided within the scanner reading range. The guide plates each have an edge lined with low-friction material which contacts the finger when in use. The guide plates each have an extension which serves as a handle for raising the guide unit and as a hanger for suspending the guide unit above the platen for use.

Abstract: A print image rotation system. In one embodiment, an image sensor is selectively rotated relative to a fingerprint image such that the fingerprint image is incident upon the image sensor at a preferred orientation. In another embodiment, an optical image rotating component such as a dove prism or a Pechan prism is used to selectively rotate a fingerprint image.

Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a ten-print plain impression fingerprint includes scanning a print image, processing the scanned image, separating the processed image into individual fingerprint images, and determining how many print images have been scanned. The method also includes comparing the print image to a previously scanned print image, quality classifying the separated images, indicating a quality classification of the print image based on the classifying step, and determining whether the print image is of a good quality. The system can include a ten-print scanner having a finger guide and a platen used to position four finger slaps onto the platen.