Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring an image of a patterned object such as a fingerprint including a light refracting device, a focusing lens, and a light source. The light refracting device can, for example, be a prism and includes an imaging surface, a light receiving surface and a viewing surface. Incident light from the light source is projected through the light receiving surface and reflected off a surface other than the imaging surface. This reflected light is then projected onto the imaging surface to create an image of the patterned object from substantially all scattered light through the viewing surface. The lens is placed adjacent to the viewing surface to focus the light on an image sensor. The apparatus is configured to reduce or substantially eliminate trapezoidal distortion and improve overall image sharpness in an image of an object created by the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image capturing system including a light refractor, a light source, and a light receptor. The light refractor can be a triangular prism and includes an imaging surface against which a fingerprint or other object to be imaged is placed. The imaging surface includes at least a first layer of material which has a first part which includes a polymer and a second part which includes a fluid retained within the polymer. The fluid of the first layer can fill irregularities in the ridges of a fingerprint placed on the imaging surface. This allows a higher contrast, sharper fingerprint image to be captured. The imaging surface can also includes a second layer of protective material interposed between the first layer of material and the surface of the prism to reduce breakdown or deterioration of the first layer of material due to adhesives used on the surface of the prism.