Abstract: Systems and methods of biometric identification of a subject have steps of providing a light source and an imager, positioning a subject hand palm facing the light source and imager, illuminating the palm with the light source, capturing an image of the palm, and determining characteristics of capillary beds in the image. The present invention may include the step of identifying the subject based on the characteristics of the capillary beds. The step of determining characteristics of capillary beds in the image may include determining locations of the capillary beds. The present invention may include the step of processing the image to filter image features of the palm other than the capillary beds. Processing the image to filter image features of the palm other than the capillary beds may include removing surface ridge pattern features and spatially filtering to remove detail with a frequency of less than a selected threshold.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and programming for user identification and authentication are presented. In one example, an apparatus for user authentication is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a surface on which an object is placed; a light source configured for providing light illuminating a first portion of the surface; a brightness measuring unit configured for measuring brightness distribution in a second portion of the surface, wherein the brightness distribution is caused by the object that spreads the light from the first portion to the second portion; and a determiner configured for determining whether the object is an organic body part based on the brightness distribution.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and programming for user identification and authentication are presented. In one example, an apparatus for user authentication is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a surface on which an object is placed; a light source configured for providing light illuminating a first portion of the surface; a brightness measuring unit configured for measuring brightness distribution in a second portion of the surface, wherein the brightness distribution is caused by the object that spreads the light from the first portion to the second portion; and a determiner configured for determining whether the object is an organic body part based on the brightness distribution.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and programming for user identification and authentication are presented. In one example, an apparatus for user authentication is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a surface on which an object is placed; a light source configured for providing light illuminating a first portion of the surface; a brightness measuring unit configured for measuring brightness distribution in a second portion of the surface, wherein the brightness distribution is caused by the object that spreads the light from the first portion to the second portion; and a determiner configured for determining whether the object is an organic body part based on the brightness distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a load circuit operatively coupled to a controller circuit through a drive circuit. The drive circuit provides a drive signal to the load circuit in response to receiving a digital indication from the controller circuit. The load circuit includes first and second light emitting sub-circuits connected in parallel. The first and second light emitting sub-circuits provide first and second spectrums of light, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a load circuit operatively coupled to a controller circuit through a drive circuit. The drive circuit provides a drive signal to the load circuit in response to receiving a digital indication from the controller circuit. The load circuit includes first and second light emitting sub-circuits connected in parallel. The first and second light emitting sub-circuits provide first and second spectrums of light, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear optical sensor. A finger or palm is rolled over a transparent roller. A light source directs light through the roller to illuminate or detect the finger. Light directed through the roller is focused onto a linear imaging device. A full 2D recreation of the fingerprint is assembled from the discrete line-image data collected by the linear array imaging sensor. The apparatus contains a rotation detector to detect rotational movement of the roller. A finger guide positioned adjacent to the roller prevents distortion of the finger due to excess pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distinguishing a human finger from a reproduction of a fingerprint. A finger is placed on a transparent platen having a prism or microprism array attached. A first light source directs light to the platen, the first light positioned to show illumination in the areas where the skin is in contact with the platen. A first image of the fingerprint is captured by an imaging device when the finger is illuminated by the first light source. A second light source directs light at the platen, the second light positioned to show illumination in the areas where there is no skin contact. A second image of the fingerprint is captured by the imaging device when the finger is illuminated by the second light source. A determination that the fingerprint is from a human finger is made if a mathematical comparison of the two images meets some predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear optical sensor. A finger or palm is rolled over a transparent roller. A light source directs light through the roller to illuminate or detect the finger. Light directed through the roller is focused onto a linear imaging device. A full 2D recreation of the fingerprint is assembled from the discrete line-image data collected by the linear array imaging sensor. The apparatus contains a rotation detector to detect rotational movement of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for illuminating a fingerprint. A finger is placed on a transparent platen which has a microprism array on one surface. A light source directs light through a horizontal plane of the platen to illuminate the finger. Light directed through the platen is substantially parallel to an axis of the microprism array and is largely contained within the body of the platen. The skin in contact with the platen is illuminated by the light, and the light is imaged by an imaging device.