Patents by Inventor Fred George Benkley
Fred George Benkley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9721137Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a biometric image is disclosed, which may comprise: providing a biometric image sensor which may comprise one of a one dimensional swiped sensor array, a two dimensional swiped sensor array and a two dimensional placement sensor array, each of which may comprise a capacitive gap sensor measuring a change in a transmitted signal received as a received signal, based upon changes in the transmitted signal passing through a biometric, the biometric image sensor may be one of mounted on a host device or cooperating with the host device; providing a biometric placement positioning prompt on a display on the host device, which prompt may indicate whether a current positioning of the biometric is proper for initiating biometric imaging by the biometric image sensor, e.g., indicating a current positioning of the biometric and the desired positioning of the biometric.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20140355845Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining a biometric image is disclosed, which may comprise: providing a biometric image sensor which may comprise one of a one dimensional swiped sensor array, a two dimensional swiped sensor array and a two dimensional placement sensor array, each of which may comprise a capacitive gap sensor measuring a change in a transmitted signal received as a received signal, based upon changes in the transmitted signal passing through a biometric, the biometric image sensor may be one of mounted on a host device or cooperating with the host device; providing a biometric placement positioning prompt on a display on the host device, which prompt may indicate whether a current positioning of the biometric is proper for initiating biometric imaging by the biometric image sensor, e.g., indicating a current positioning of the biometric and the desired positioning of the biometric.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Fred George BENKLEY, David Joseph GEOFFROY, Pallavi SATYAN
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Patent number: 8811688Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8693736Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8447077Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20130094715Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8374407Abstract: A live finger detection system and method includes a drive plate configured to inject radio frequency signals into an object proximate the drive plate. The injected radio frequency energy causes the object to radiate an electric field. A pickup plate is configured to detect an intensity associated with the electric field radiated by the object. A sensor coupled to the pickup plate is configured to determine whether the object is a live finger based on the detected intensity of the electric field radiated by the object.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8358815Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20120308092Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8229184Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to produce highly accurate fingerprint images as well as to control electronic devices. Here improved signal analysis algorithms and methods are disclosed that enable finger position to be determined with higher levels of accuracy as the finger is swiped over finger position sensing arrays. These algorithms are particularly useful for deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based sensing arrays.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Patent number: 8165355Abstract: The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Patent number: 8131026Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20100284565Abstract: A fingerprint motion tracking method and system is provided for sensing features of a fingerprint along an axis of finger motion, where a linear sensor array has a plurality of substantially contiguous sensing elements configured to capture substantially contiguous overlapping segments of image data. A processing element is configured to receive segments of image data captured by the linear sensor array and to generate fingerprint motion data. Multiple sensor arrays may be included for generating directional data. The motion tracking data may be used in conjunction with a fingerprint image sensor to reconstruct a fingerprint image using the motion data either alone or together with the directional data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20100189314Abstract: A live finger detection system and method includes a drive plate configured to inject radio frequency signals into an object proximate the drive plate. The injected radio frequency energy causes the object to radiate an electric field. A pickup plate is configured to detect an intensity associated with the electric field radiated by the object. A sensor coupled to the pickup plate is configured to determine whether the object is a live finger based on the detected intensity of the electric field radiated by the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20090155456Abstract: The invention is an enhanced security fingerprint scanner method and system designed to minimize the risk of fingerprint “spoofing” by minimizing the probability that latent fingerprints from authorized users will be inadvertently left on the device. In a preferred embodiment, surfaces of the device where the probably of authorized users inadvertently leaving latent fingerprints is particularly high are covered with fingerprint resistant or camouflaging material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20080240523Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to control electronic devices. When several of these finger motion and position sensors are aligned in different directions, finger motion over a two dimensional surface may be detected. This creates a finger controlled “mouse” computer input device. Motion of a finger along the surface of such sensors may allow a user to control the movement of an indicator on a display screen, and control a microprocessor device. Such techniques are particularly useful for small space constrained devices, such as cell phones, smart cards, music players, portable computers, personal digital accessories, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: FRED GEORGE BENKLEY, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20080219521Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to produce highly accurate fingerprint images as well as to control electronic devices. Here improved signal analysis algorithms and methods are disclosed that enable finger position to be determined with higher levels of accuracy as the finger is swiped over finger position sensing arrays. These algorithms are particularly useful for deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based sensing arrays.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: FRED GEORGE BENKLEY, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20080205714Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy, Pallavi Satyan
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Publication number: 20080063245Abstract: The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Validity Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Fred George Benkley, David Joseph Geoffroy