Fingerprint Patents (Class 283/68)
  • Patent number: 11258934
    Abstract: An image capturing assembly and an electronic device are provided. The image capturing assembly includes a housing and an imagining module. The house includes a side wall, the side wall has a notch, and the housing is provided with an accommodating groove communicated with the notch. The image capturing module includes an image capturing portion and a rotating shaft portion, the rotating shaft portion is accommodated in the notch, and the image capturing portion is rotatably connected with the housing through the rotating shaft portion. The rotating shaft portion includes a rotating shaft and a movable member, the movable member is fitted over the rotating shaft, the image capturing portion is connected with the rotating shaft and is configured to be driven by the rotating shaft to rotate among a first position, a second position and a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuhu Jia
  • Patent number: 11216681
    Abstract: In a method for determining whether a finger is a real finger at an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, a sequence of images of a fingerprint of a finger are captured at an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, wherein the sequence of images includes images captured during a change in contact state between the finger and the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. A plurality of transient features of the finger is extracted from the sequence of images. A classifier is applied to the plurality of transient features to classify the finger as one of a real finger and a fake finger. It is determined whether the finger is a real finger based on an output of the classifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Sina Akhbari, Romain Fayolle, Daniela Hall
  • Patent number: 10963661
    Abstract: A method for optical fingerprint collection and related products are provided. The method includes the following. When a terminal receives a fingerprint collection instruction, the terminal detects, with an optical sensor, a current ambient light intensity and sends, with the optical sensor, the current ambient light intensity to an application processor (AP). According to a correspondence relationship between ambient light intensities and light source intensities, the terminal obtains, with the AP, a target light source intensity corresponding to the current ambient light intensity. The terminal controls, with an optical fingerprint recognition module, an internal light source to emit lights having the target light source intensity and performs, with the optical fingerprint recognition module, fingerprint collection with the lights having the target light source intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yibao Zhou
  • Patent number: 10776469
    Abstract: A method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) biometric model of a user's body part is provided. The method includes detecting, by at least one imaging sensor of the electronic device, the body part, capturing by the at least two imaging sensors a first image of a first portion of the body part and a second image of a second portion of the body part, generating the 3D biometric model of the body part using the first image and the second image of the body part, and storing the 3D biometric model of the body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shankar Mosur Venkatesan, Vijay Narayan Tiwari
  • Patent number: 10552592
    Abstract: A user authentication method includes receiving a first input image including information on a first modality; receiving a second input image including information on a second modality; determining at least one first score by processing the first input image based on at least one first classifier, the at least one first classifier being based on the first modality; determining at least one second score by processing the second input image based on at least one second classifier, the at least one second classifier being based on the second modality; and authenticating a user based on the at least one first score, the at least one second score, a first fusion parameter of the at least one first classifier, and a second fusion parameter of the at least one second classifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wonjun Hwang, Wonjun Kim, Sungjoo Suh, Byungin Yoo, Changkyu Choi, Jaejoon Han
  • Patent number: 10268862
    Abstract: A fingerprint collection method includes: acquiring, by a fingerprint collector, a fingerprint image of a user; if an average value of the fingerprint image is not in a preset average value range, automatically adjusting a gain of the fingerprint collector, to make an average value of a reacquired fingerprint image approximate the preset average value range; if the average value of the fingerprint image is in the preset average value range, but a variance of the fingerprint image is less than a preset variance threshold, automatically increasing sensitivity of the fingerprint collector, to make a variance of the fingerprint collector accordingly increase; and outputting only a fingerprint image whose average value is in the preset average value range and whose variance is greater than the preset variance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Danhong Li
  • Patent number: 9971925
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for acquiring a fingerprint image using a fingerprint sensing system. Advantages with the invention include improved acquisition of fingerprint images of e.g. wet (sweaty) fingers. The invention also relates to a corresponding fingerprint sensing system and to a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FINGERPRINT CARDS AB
    Inventors: Eric Setterberg, Morten Rolle Hansen, Bin Hu, Michael Sass Hansen
  • Patent number: 9871954
    Abstract: A device comprising at least two body sections is disclosed. The first body section comprises a first camera element having an optical axis, and the second body section comprises a second camera element and a mechanical flap adapted to expose and conceal the second camera element. The first body section is in a movable connection with the second body section, and the device is operable in at least two modes. In the first mode, the first and the second body sections are brought together, and the mechanical flap is adapted to expose the second camera element. In the second mode, the first and the second body sections are positioned such that the first and the second camera elements are positioned away from each other, and the mechanical flap is adapted to conceal the second camera element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Marko Eromäki
  • Patent number: 9587979
    Abstract: An electronic device uses one or more infrared sensors to detect infrared light from a person's body (e.g., a user's finger) to initiate a function of the electronic device. According to an implementation, the housing of the electronic device includes a flexible portion that opens an aperture in response to external pressure (e.g., a user pressing down on the flexible portion) to allow infrared light from the person's body to reach an infrared sensor. When the infrared sensor detects the infrared light, it generates a signal in response. A processor of the electronic device receives the signal and, in response, initiates a function of the electronic device. The function may be any function that the electronic device is capable of performing, such as a power-on function, a camera function, changing the speaker volume, and launching an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M Alameh, William S Hede, Jiri Slaby
  • Patent number: 9514350
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fingerprint recognition element comprising: a plurality of parallel fingerprint detecting electrodes, the distance between two adjacent fingerprint detecting electrodes being not larger than the distance between adjacent ridge and valley in the fingerprint, a fingerprint recognition signal being loaded to one end of each fingerprint detecting electrode, and the fingerprint recognition signal being acquired in real time at the other end of each fingerprint detecting electrode. The present invention further discloses a display screen comprising the fingerprint recognition element and a display device comprising the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haisheng Wang, Xue Dong, Hongjuan Liu, Xiaoliang Ding, Shengji Yang, Yingming Liu, Weijie Zhao, Tao Ren
  • Patent number: 9489127
    Abstract: A method for operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining input information input to a display screen and fingerprint information input to a fingerprint sensor. The method also includes executing a command matching a combination of the obtained screen input information and fingerprint information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geon-Soo Kim, Doo-Suk Kang, Dong-Hyun Yeom, Bo-Kun Choi, Yong-Joon Jeon
  • Patent number: 8995730
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a data storage section configured to store image data as a density image containing a fingerprint or a palm print and ridge pattern direction distribution data which shows a direction distribution of a ridge pattern in a fingerprint or a palm print; a direction usage image enhancing section configured to execute ridge direction usage image enhancement processing on the density image based on the ridge pattern direction distribution data; and a direction extracting section configured to extract a first direction distribution of a first pattern which is contained in a ridge direction usage image enhanced image, from the ridge direction usage image enhanced image as a result of the ridge direction usage image enhancement processing to the density image. The direction usage image enhancing section executes first direction usage image enhancement processing on the density image based on first direction distribution data which shows a first direction distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Solutions Innovators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Hara, Hiroaki Toyama
  • Patent number: 8919819
    Abstract: Methods for creating customized children's storybooks with fingerprint art using fingerprint-ready templates stored in association with a software application on a desktop computer, a tablet computer, or a smart phone. The methods include the use of preconfigured templates and prompted discussions that elicit responses from the child to create text for the storybook. The text may be generated by speech recognition software processing digital audio recordings of the child's responses. A digital image of the child's fingerprint is acquired and the fingerprint image and/or the storybook scenes are scaled to fit each other. Fingerprint-ready image templates are used to facilitate the creation of fingerprint art. A completed page image is formed by digitally inserting a fingerprint into the fingerprint-shaped area, and if desired, coloring the image or drawing a scene around the image. When the scenes are completed the software application compiles the book pages and prints the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Heather Thompson Shade
  • Patent number: 8923576
    Abstract: A method for detecting a fake finger for fingerprint acquisition software with improved performance, the method implementing a static analysis step including a calculation of a Gray Level Run Length matrix of an image of a finger. Optionally, but preferably, the static analysis and a dynamic analysis are combined so as to optimize the ability to detect fake fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Charles Sayac, Valerie Letournel, Philippe Robin
  • Patent number: 8781154
    Abstract: Systems and methods facilitating random number generation of hashes for video and/or audio are provided. In one embodiment, a system can include: a memory, and a microprocessor that executes computer executable components. The components can include a weighted distribution generation component that can generate a sampling distribution of a weighted combination of uniform distributions, and obtain a sample value from the sampling distribution. In one embodiment, horizontal regions of substantially equal area can be identified. The sample value can be obtained by selecting one of the horizontal regions, and uniformly selecting a coordinate from the horizontal region. The coordinate can correspond to a value on a horizontal axis of the sampling distribution, and the value can be equal to a sample value. The sample value can be employed to compute a hash employed in video and/or audio fingerprinting and/or in computing image descriptors for video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Sergey Ioffe
  • Patent number: 8428301
    Abstract: Content identification and quality monitoring are provided. The method involves obtaining a first fingerprint derived from a first media content, processing the first media content to generate a second media content, obtaining a second fingerprint derived from the second media content, and comparing the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint to determine one or more of: a similarity between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint that indicates that the second media content is generated from the first media content or a difference between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint to identify a quality degradation between the first media content and the second media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Regunathan Radhakrishnan, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Claus Bauer, Wenyu Jiang
  • Patent number: 8424916
    Abstract: Methods for creating customized children's storybooks with fingerprint art using fingerprint-ready image templates stored in association with a software application running on a standard home computer system. The systems and methods include the use of preconfigured templates and prompted discussions that elicit responses from the child to create the text for the storybook. Initially, the appropriate size of the child's fingerprint is determined and the storybook scenes are scaled to fit that size. Fingerprint-ready image templates are used to facilitate the creation of fingerprint art. An image template is formed by including within it at least one fingerprint-sized area. A completed image is formed by inserting a fingerprint into the fingerprint-sized area, and if desired, coloring the image or drawing a scene around the image. In one technique, an entire scene is produced including one or more fingerprint-ready image template(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Heather Thompson Shade
  • Patent number: 8398118
    Abstract: A device and method for allowing secure self-capture of multifold fingerprint impressions. The device includes a strip of fingerprint labels wrapped about a tubular ergonomic roller. A subject inserts the thumb of a first hand into the ergonomic roller and grips the roller between his thumb and forefinger. The subject then rolls the inked tip of a finger on his second hand across a label in a first rotational direction while rotating the ergonomic roller in an opposite rotational direction. To prevent fraudulent substitution of fingerprinting materials that are distributed to a subject, the materials are marked with machine readable invisible barcodes that are associated with a unique identification number. After a subject captures his fingerprints and submits his materials to a trusted observer, the barcodes on the materials are compared to the identification number to determine whether the materials submitted are in-fact those that were distributed to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: David M. Allburn
  • Patent number: 8385611
    Abstract: A fingerprint authentication device includes a sweep fingerprint sensor that acquires images of a fingerprint on a finger at at least two different sensitivity levels in a single scan, and a counterfeit-finger determining unit that determines whether the finger is counterfeit based on the images acquired by the sweep fingerprint sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fujistu Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Shinzaki
  • Patent number: 8231056
    Abstract: A contact detector having power switches for disconnecting power to portions of the contact sensor when an over current is detected is disclosed. The power switches thus protect the contact sensor from over-current as the result of latch-up or other current-generating conditions. These current-generating conditions are often the result of ESD events on a surface of the contact detector. A contact detector comprises an exposed surface for detecting the presence of an object, an insulating surface, and a protection element disposed under the insulating surface for controlling power to the contact detector. The protection element is configured to disconnect power to the contact detector when a current to the contact detector is detected above a threshold. Preferably, the contact detector is a finger swipe sensor, but it can be a finger placement sensor or any other type of device that functions on contact with a finger or other patterned object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Authentec, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleksiy Zabroda, Ericson W. Cheng, Hung Xuan Ngo
  • Patent number: 8180121
    Abstract: A system and method for processing fingerprints includes representing each minutiae in a fingerprint by determining quantized Gabor coefficients to represent texture content of the minutiae. A distance is computed between represented minutiae and stored minutiae. The minutiae matches are ranked based on the distance to identify the fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Maarten Bolle, Sharat Suresh Chikkerur, Sharathchandra UmapathiRao Pankanti, Nalini Kanta Ratha
  • Patent number: 8111882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing a fingerprint whose reference data are stored in a portable data carrier. The reference data contain at least positions and orientations of minutiae and pores and an orientation vector. According to the invention it is provided that the testing of the fingerprint includes first sensing measuring values stating the actual value of the sensed fingerprint and extracting the minutiae and the pores from said measuring values. Then the reference data of the minutiae and the orientation vector are read from the portable data carrier and the minutiae from the sensed fingerprint compared with the corresponding reference data. Subsequently, the position of the pores relative to the minutiae is transmitted to the portable data carrier and the pores are checked in the portable data carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Mueller
  • Patent number: 8094890
    Abstract: A biometric authentication apparatus for identifying a subject person by using biometric information of a user has memories and a processing unit for performing biometric authentication. The memories and store a remaining trial number whose value is reduced each time biometric authentication fails. The processing unit generates a lower limit value smaller than the remaining trial number at the start of biometric authentication, performs biometric authentication until the reduced remaining trial number becomes equal to or smaller than the lower limit value, and generate alarm data for issuing alarm to the user when the reduced trial number becomes equal to or smaller than the lower limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Aikawa, Shoko Hatanaka, Kazunori Hashimoto, Shigeyuki Ito, Yutaka Takami
  • Patent number: 8059872
    Abstract: A disclosed apparatus for forming a fingerprint image includes a partial sensor configured to obtain partial images of a fingerprint of a finger moving over the partial sensor; a reference image storing unit configured to store a reference partial image; and an image difference calculating unit configured to calculate a reference image difference between the reference partial image and a first partial image, to calculate a current image difference between the reference partial image and a second partial image, to calculate an amount of movement and/or a position of the finger based on a ratio of the current image difference to the reference image difference, and to store the second partial image and/or the first partial image as parts of the fingerprint image to be formed if the amount of movement and/or the position of the finger is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Tazoe
  • Patent number: 8031916
    Abstract: The biometric information input apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor which detects biometric information, and moisture absorbing units and which are arranged adjacent to the fingerprint sensor and absorb moisture. The moisture absorbing units and have a groove structure which generates a capillary phenomenon. The fingerprint sensor is of the sweep type which scans biometric information through relative displacement with the finger, and is formed in parallel with the direction of relative displacement between the groove structure and the finger. The groove structure has a width smaller than the pitch of the ridges of an average fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yukihiro Abiko, Takashi Shinzaki, Kiyohiko Ikeda, Fumie Shiroyama
  • Patent number: 8019113
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is configured to extract paper-fingerprint information from a printing sheet and to identify unique information unique to the printing sheet and attached to the printing sheet. The image processing apparatus is further configured to compare the identified unique information associated with the printing sheet with previously registered unique information and to store the unique information and the extracted paper-fingerprint information in association with each other when it is determined that the identified unique information matches the previously registered unique information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Goda
  • Patent number: 8019130
    Abstract: Collectable fingerprinted items, and methods of making such fingerprinted items, including original and simulated fingerprints for application to an item to create a collectable item. The processes may be used to create a variety of collectable items, such as instrument picks, pendants, key fobs, charms, and other collectables. The process includes taking an original fingerprint impression, using the original impression to create a simulated fingerprint impression. The methods optionally include altering at least one identifying characteristic in a manner that prevents identity theft of other misuse of the fingerprint impression. The process optionally includes applying the simulated fingerprint impression to an item, such as by making a mold incorporating the simulated fingerprint, such as by using CAD/CAM technology and molding an item using the created mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Mark V. Aletto, Darryl S. Griffing, Richard J. Mackey
  • Patent number: 7894765
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet storing portion configured to store a conveyed sheet, a folding portion configured to fold a sheet, and a controller configured to control the folding portion. The controller controls a folding operation of the folding portion according to information on a sheet fiber orientation relative to a sheet folding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Okada
  • Patent number: 7734074
    Abstract: A finger sensor may include a plurality of finger image sensing arrays for generating a respective plurality of finger image data sets based upon sliding finger movement over the finger image sensing arrays, and a processor cooperating with the finger image sensing arrays. The processor may determine finger movement based upon the finger image data sets, and generate a resampled finger image data set by resampling the finger image data sets based upon the determined finger movement. The processor may further deskew the finger image data sets when generating the resampled finger image data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Authentec, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Setlak, Barbara E. Cornett, Kuntal Sengupta
  • Patent number: 7731435
    Abstract: A printing method and apparatus includes fingerprinting a sheet of printable media such as paper to obtain a fingerprint. The fingerprint is encrypted using an encryption key known only to the user wanting to print the document. The encrypted fingerprint is then encoded and transferred to the document as machine readable information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurt Piersol, Stephen Weyl
  • Patent number: 7636458
    Abstract: In relation to a system which effects one-to-many authentication using biometric information; e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: FUJITSU Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Matsuda, Shoji Suzuki, Takashi Shinzaki, Shigefumi Yamada
  • Patent number: 7623689
    Abstract: To provide an image pick-up apparatus, a fingerprint certification apparatus, and an image pick-up method capable of correcting a light volume unevenness by variation of the light volume in a plurality of light sources. An image pick-up device unit comprises pixels which are two dimensionally arranged, and images an object. A light source consists of a plurality of LEDs arranged in parallel to the main scan direction of the image pick-up device unit, and impinges a light on the object. A LED driving unit controls the luminance of a plurality of LEDs so that the light volume distribution of the center region of the main scan direction in the image pick-up device unit becomes more uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Shigeta
  • Patent number: 7577276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fingerprint collation apparatus and method, a recording medium and a program, which can increase the throughput of fingerprint collation and decrease a data amount therefor. An information processing apparatus characterized by first detection means for detecting from a fingerprint image first feature points which include one of ridge bifurcations and ridge endings of a fingerprint; first generation means for generating a triangle which connects three arbitrary points close to one another from among the plurality of first feature points; first calculation means for calculating an area and a length of each side of the triangle generated by the first generation means; and storage means for storing the area and the length of each side of the triangle calculated by the first calculation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsunobu Ando
  • Patent number: 7539329
    Abstract: The usability of an electronic device that includes an integrated fingerprint sensor is enhanced by mounting the fingerprint sensor rotatably and pivotably. The fingerprint sensor is prevented from moving during normal use, but the fingerprint sensor may be repositioned to accommodate a user's preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Charles A. Sellers
  • Patent number: 7526110
    Abstract: For personal authentication using biometric information, to allow for unfailing authentication without increasing verification time even for an authentication object that is not supported only by a minutia matching method, the present invention provides a biometric information authentication device comprising: a first verifying section for verifying first to-be-verified data against first registration data registered preliminarily using a minutia matching method; a second verifying section for verifying second to-be-verified data against second registration data registered preliminarily using a pattern matching method; and a determining section for comparing match degree, which is obtained as a result of verification by the first verifying section, with a first threshold value and a second threshold value to allow the second verifying section to perform verification in the case where the match degree is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value and equal to or larger than the second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koichiro Niinuma, Satoshi Semba, Takashi Shinzaki
  • Patent number: 7440596
    Abstract: An image verification system including a fingerprint sensing means for sensing a fingerprint; an image data storing means for storing image data of the fingerprint sensed by the fingerprint sensing means as first image data; and a residual fingerprint judging means for comparing second image data of a fingerprint newly sensed by the fingerprint sensing means with the first image data stored by the image data storing means, and judging whether or not the second image data indicates a residual fingerprint, wherein the residual fingerprint judging means judges that the second image data indicates a residual fingerprint and does not verify the fingerprint when said first image data and the second image data match, while judges that the second image data is not a residual fingerprint and verifies the fingerprint when the first image data and the second image data do not match, whereby a fingerprint can be verified with a high precision without erroneously detecting a residual fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Kondo, Keiichi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 7369688
    Abstract: A template minutia set of a fingerprint comprising template minutiae and a template interest region is provided. Further, an input minutia set comprising input minutiae and an input interest region according to an input fingerprint is provided. The input minutia set is matched with the template minutia set. All matching template/input minutiae are determined. Furthermore, an updated template minutia set is determined dependent on the matching template/input minutiae and the non-matching template/input minutiae, and dependent on whether the template minutiae are inside the input interest region or outside of it and whether the input minutiae are inside the template interest region or outside of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological Univeristy
    Inventors: Wee Ser, Xudong Jiang, Wei Yun Yau
  • Patent number: 7356170
    Abstract: A method of matching a query fingerprint to a plurality of file fingerprints. The method comprises the steps of determining a plurality of partial features of each of the file fingerprints. For each partial feature, derive a list of all file fingerprints which have said partial feature as one of their partial features. Determine a plurality of query partial features of the query fingerprint, and derive a ranked list of the file fingerprints based on identifying the individual query partial features in the partial features of the respective file fingerprints. Then perform one-to-one matching of the query fingerprint with selected ones of the ranked list of the file fingerprints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Vinayaka D. Pandit, Raghavendra U. Udupa
  • Patent number: 7289649
    Abstract: A method and system of imaging an object. First, movement information of the object is determined by using a navigation sensor array and a navigation engine. Based on the movement information, an imaging sensor strobe signal is selectively asserted to control an imaging sensor array. In response to an asserted imaging sensor strobe signal, the imaging sensor array captures sub-images of the object. The imaging sensor array has a plurality of pixels for imaging a portion of the object at one time. The plurality of sub-images are captured successively by the imaging sensor array as the object moves with respect to the imaging sensor array. Then, a composite image of the object is generated based on the captured sub-images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Walley, Brian James Misek, Mark Alan Anderson
  • Patent number: 7181053
    Abstract: A USB drive mass storage device mainly includes a housing having a predetermined size, in which an optical fingerprint identification system is mounted for use with the USB drive. A printed circuit board (PCB) is located on an inner bottom of the housing with a universal serial bus (USB) plug projected from a front end of the housing. The optical fingerprint identification system includes an image sensing element and an optical prism located across front and rear ends, respectively, of the PCB, so that a space above the PCB provides an optical path for the optical fingerprint identification system. The housing is provided at a rear end with a pivotally connected rear cover to enable easy protection of and access to a fingerprint surface on the optical prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: E-Pin Optical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsi Wang, Shih-Feng Lu, Ting-Kuo Hua
  • Patent number: 7113621
    Abstract: A fingerprint verifying apparatus includes first and second light emitting devices, an imaging unit, a fingerprint verifying circuit and a drive switch. The first light emitting device emits first light of a first color, and the second light emitting device emits second light of a second color. The imaging unit detects an image of a fingerprint of a finger from the first light reflected by a finger. The fingerprint verifying circuit has registered fingerprint images, and compares the detected fingerprint image and each of the registered fingerprint images to determine whether the detected fingerprint image is coincident with any of the registered fingerprint images, and outputs a match signal when the detected fingerprint image is coincident with any of the registered fingerprint images. The drive switch turns on the second light emitting device in response to the match signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 7102486
    Abstract: A locking apparatus has improved operability and is manufacturable at low cost. The locking apparatus has a fingerprint reader (23), a fingerprint verifier (11), and a power supply circuit. The fingerprint reader reads a fingerprint. The fingerprint verifier verifies the read fingerprint based on registered fingerprint data, and according to a result of the verification, authenticates a person who entered the fingerprint. If the person is authenticated, the locking apparatus unlocks a door locked with the locking apparatus. The locking apparatus comprises a chamber (19) configured to contain the fingerprint reader, a lid (25) configured to open and close the opening of the chamber, and a switch (41) provided for the power supply circuit and configured to interlock with the lid so as to turn on and off the power supply circuit in response to the opening and closing of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignees: Unirec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 7095880
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rolled fingerprint capture is described. The start of a fingerprint roll is detected. A plurality of fingerprint image frames are captured. A centroid window corresponding to each of the plurality of captured fingerprint image frames is determined. Pixels of each determined centroid window are knitted into a composite fingerprint image. The end of the fingerprint roll is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Cross Match Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J Martinez, Walter Guy Scott
  • Patent number: 7027625
    Abstract: The invention relates to fingerprint sensors. A fingerprint sensor has a plurality of sensor electrodes below a surface intended for contacting the underside of a finger. At least one protective electrode is mounted on the surface. The sensor electrodes can have a first AC voltage at a prescribed frequency applied to them. The protective electrode can have a second AC voltage, which is essentially at the prescribed frequency, applied to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Manfred Greschitz, Gerhard Hierz, Albert Scheucher, Franz Wolf
  • Patent number: 6990218
    Abstract: In a fingerprint sensor that effects capacitive measurement, a sequence of fingerprint images is recorded while a finger is placed on to the sensor. By comparing the best image with previous images of the sequence, the real constituent parts of the present image are determined and the remaining constituent parts are eliminated from the best image. Thus, residual prints and disturbance components brought about by contamination of the bearing area can be eliminated from the fingerprint image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Brigitte Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6965685
    Abstract: Biometric sensing is performed by generating an input digital image of a human attribute; and correlating domains of lightness and darkness in the input digital image to domains of lightness and darkness in a reference digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP.
    Inventor: Mark T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6961449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for computing correlating images for image recognition is provided. In particular, the method is used to compare images of a biometric object to authorize an individual or verify whether an individual is the person he claims to be. The biometric objects may include fingerprints, hand or palm prints, and retina scans. The method uses a deviation of symmetry of correlation functions to determine whether the images are of a same object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Inventors: Samson Mil'shtein, Joel Therrien
  • Patent number: 6959105
    Abstract: A fingerprint identification device to identify fingerprints is equipped with a fingerprint reader unit to input a fingerprint to be detected and a database unit to record a fingerprint database which is provided in advance. A fingerprint comparing unit identifies the input fingerprint via the fingerprint reader unit by comparing with the fingerprint database recorded in the database unit and a user recording unit records the input fingerprint input by the fingerprint reader unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hirotaka Ishii, Takeo Morita, Yasuhide Yomo
  • Patent number: 6952489
    Abstract: A fingerprint verification method having band detection is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes capturing a fingerprint image and processing the image to determine if it includes bands attributable to changes in illumination intensity during image capture. If such bands are detected, the method preferably aborts the creation of a fingerprint template. Otherwise, if this and other security screens are passed, the method preferably includes the creation of a fingerprint template which may be compared to a stored fingerprint template to verify user identity. If such verification is established, the user is granted access privileges. One embodiment of a system implementing this method includes a fingerprint scanner for capturing fingerprint images, and an interface card having a digital signal processor (DSP) or other suitable mechanisms including software or electronics for processing the fingerprint images and generating a fingerprint template representative of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael F. Angelo, Manuel Novoa, Richard Churchill
  • Patent number: 6898301
    Abstract: Image pickup window is provided at main body of cellular phone. Image pickup element is moved in accordance with switching between an ordinary imaging mode and a fingerprint imaging mode. Infinite object is focused in the ordinary imaging mode and proximate object is focused in the fingerprint imaging mode. Thus, infinite object and proximate object can be picked up by the same optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakuni Iwanaga