Abstract: Light from an illumination source is injected into a prism of a print scanner through an illumination injection surface that is not directly imaged by an optical system and an image sensor of the print scanner. This light travels across the prism and hits a highly reflective surface of the prism. When this light hits the highly reflective surface, it is scattered and becomes diffused. Some of this diffused light remains in total internal reflection (TIR) within the prism and is reflected off the inside of the platen surface of the prism. The diffused light reflected off the inside of the platen surface is imaged by the optical system and the image sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for counting ridges in a captured print image frame is described. A pixel path through the captured print image frame is traversed. A hysteresis band for the pixel path is determined. A number of crossings of the determined hysteresis band is counted while traversing the pixel path. A number of print ridges based on the counted number of hysteresis band crossings is determined.

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: A hand-held personal identification device is provided. The hand-held personal identification device includes a sensor system for gathering biometric information from individuals, a profiler system for developing profiles of individuals based on biometric information gathered from the sensor system, and a personal data assistant or similar computing device with a screen for providing a user interface and overall system control. A sensor system interface couples the sensor system to the computer module.

Abstract: A hand-held personal identification analysis device is provided. The hand-held personal identification analysis device includes a scanning system for gathering biometric information from individuals, a profiler system for developing profiles of individuals based on biometric information gathered from the scanning system, and a personal data assistant or similar computing device with a screen for providing a user interface and overall system control A scanning system interface couples the scanning system to said computer module.

Abstract: A system and method of capturing an acceptable fingerprint image is disclosed herein. The method includes a step of capturing an initial fingerprint image at a nominal image integration time. Once this initial fingerprint image is captured, a first intermediate fingerprint image at a first intermediate image integration time is captured. Next, an image darkness test is performed followed by an image definition test. If one or more of these tests indicates that the first intermediate fingerprint image is unacceptable, a subsequent intermediate fingerprint image at a subsequent intermediate image integration time is captured. This subsequent intermediate fingerprint image can be captured before the image definition test is performed. Additional intermediate fingerprint images can be captured until an image that has an acceptable darkness level as a well as an acceptable definition level is captured. Also disclosed is a fingerprint scanner that performs this method.

Abstract: A web-enabled live scanner is provided. In one embodiment, a live scanner includes an image interface capable of being coupled to a network. A camera detects an image of a print. The image is stored in a memory. The image interface includes a web server, socket server, and a picture taker. A remote user can use a browser to control the web-enabled live scanner over a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods perform access control and mobile identity verification utilizing a memory, maybe on a handheld device, that stores at least biometric data, such as minutia. The handheld device may also store other data, such as a threshold value and Wiegand data. The data may be stored in a memory, a magnetic strip, a code, a bar code, or in all of these devices associated with the handheld device. The handheld device may be a SmartCard or the like. The threshold value may be a required value or parameter generated from input criteria based on biometric data read and extracted by an extracting system during an enrolling process. The threshold value is used during extracting, matching, or both, to most accurately determine the identity and characteristics of an individual wanting access to an accessed system or being questioned by law enforcement in the field.

Abstract: A directionally-oriented reflective device is optically coupled to a prism surface in a skin ridge pattern imaging system to reflect illumination light at relatively small angles, along an optical path to an imaging device, so that minimal light is lost from the optical system. Examples of such directionally-oriented reflective devices include, but are not limited to, echelon reflectors, faceted reflective surfaces, retroreflectors, aluminum paint, nacreous pigment, and slightly rough mirror surfaces.

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: Light from an illumination source is injected into a prism of a print scanner through an illumination injection surface that is not directly imaged by an optical system and an image sensor of the print scanner. This light travels across the prism and hits a highly reflective surface of the prism. When this light hits the highly reflective surface, it is scattered and becomes diffused. Some of this diffused light remains in total internal reflection (TIR) within the prism and is reflected off the inside of the platen surface of the prism. The diffused light reflected off the inside of the platen surface is imaged by the optical system and the image sensor.

Abstract: A polymer slip for producing a ceramic body is disclosed. The slip includes a polymer, surfactant, dispersant and about 50-70 volume % ceramic powder. The slip can be set in a closed mold. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a green body. The method includes contacting a ceramic powder with a polymer to form a slip mixture, mixing the slip mixture, injecting the slip mixture in a mold and setting the mixture in the mold at a temperature of about 20-40° C. The slip mixture comprises about 50-65 volume % of the ceramic powder.

Abstract: A system and methods controls access to an accessed system utilizing a two-factor requirement for admittance. One factor may be biometric data read and extracted from an individual wishing to gain access to the accessed system. The other factor may be an electronic key signal received at an input device of the access control system that is converted to an input signal. In some instances, the input signal is used to access correlating biometric data in a memory. Then, the extracted live biometric data and the stored biometric data are compared to generate a matching result signal. The matching results signal is transmitted to a Wiegand access control panel to control access to the accessed system. In other instances, the extracted live biometric data is compared to biometric data stored in a memory corresponding to a plurality of individual's biometric data that are allowed access to the accessed system.

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, heater assemblies, such as electrically conductive transparent material or resistive heating elements, can be used to heat an area where a biometric object is placed to remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen. Cooling assemblies, such as electrically conductive transparent material or Peltier elements, can be used to decrease temperature of an area where a biometric object is placed to prevent overheating of the platen.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a biometric image such as a ten-print fingerprint impression is provided. The system and method can include a live scanner having a platen and a finger guide coupled to the platen. The finger guide can be used to guide positioning of up to four fingers at a time onto the platen, and can include a physical barrier for separation of fingers or thumbs. The finger guide and physical barrier allow a determination of whether a left or right hand is placed on the platen. Fingerprint images can be separated into individual fingerprint images that can be placed onto corresponding areas of a fingerprint card.

Abstract: A web-enabled live scanner is provided. In one embodiment, a live scanner includes an image interface capable of being coupled to a network. A camera detects an image of a print. The image is stored in a memory. The image interface includes a web server, socket server, and a picture taker. A remote user can use a browser to control the web-enabled live scanner over a network.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing image resolution in a palm print scanner. The method of the invention requires the synchronization of a nutating mirror with a camera frame sync. A first image is scanned at a first nutation position. The mirror is nutated by a fraction of a pixel amount in one direction. Another image is scanned at a second nutation position. The process of nutating the mirror to a different nutation position and scanning an image is repeated until all sub-pixels needed to increase an image resolution are obtained. All of the sub-pixels obtained are then interlaced to obtain a higher resolution image.

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: Light wedges that reflect light internally and produce diffuse light for uniformly illuminating a platen in a print scanner are presented. In one example, a light wedge has a first surface that receives light emitted from an illumination source and a second surface that limits specular reflections. The light wedge transmits light from the illumination source toward the platen, whereby uniform illumination is provided to the platen. In another example, a light wedge has an illumination surface that receives light emitted from the illumination source, a first surface that limits specular reflections, and a second surface that acts as a diffuser. The second surface reflects light out of the light wedge toward the platen, whereby uniform illumination is provided to the platen.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for enabling transactions in architecture that provides the users (both merchants and consumers) with simplicity, convenience and security. The systems introduces the new concept of a personality, which is a data set about an individual that can be securely brought close to a transaction to assist in facilitating the transaction. An interface secures the access to the personality based on a biometric presented by a user in a transaction. In one embodiment, architecture is provided for supporting biometrically secure transactions over networks.