Abstract: A portable and lightweight fingerprint scanning apparatus which can optically scan and record fingerprint images in the field and transmit said images to a mobile unit for processing and subsequent wireless transmission to a central location for the purpose of providing immediate identity and background checks on the individual being fingerprinted. The apparatus of the present invention includes a fingerprint scanner for capturing a fingerprint image, a camera for capturing a photographic image of a person or a scene and means for transmitting the fingerprint image and the photographic image to a mobile unit. In the preferred embodiment the present invention includes a highly integrated camera with a superior signal to noise ratio and an infrared lighting source for illuminating a person or scene in low ambient light situations.

Abstract: A system for generating data characteristic of a rolled skinprint in real time. A body part such as a finger contacts a receiving surface of an optical device. The receiving surface is imaged and recorded on an image recording medium during the period of contact. The resulting record is then used to generate digital data representative of the image of the skinprint. This is especially useful for recording a rolled fingerprint image taken on a flat receiving surface.

Abstract: A method for generating data characteristic of a rolled fingerprint image in real time. A finger is continuously rolled across a finger receiving surface of an optical device. The finger receiving surface is imaged to generate digital data representative of fingerprint images propagated therefrom. A first array of data characteristic of a fingerprint image of a first finger slice is stored, and merged into a composite array. After the first array is merged into the composite array, a second array of data characteristic of a second finger slice which is adjacent to and overlaps the first finger slice is stored. The second array is then merged into the composite array by storing data in the composite array as a function of a comparison and an average of data in the composite array and second array which are characteristic of overlapping portions of the finger slices.

Abstract: An optical fingerprinting system includes an optics/processor unit, a video monitor, a data terminal, and a printer. The optics/processor unit includes a slap print prism for providing slap fingerprint images, and a plurality of individual finger prisms having differently sized finger-receiving grooves for providing individual fingerprint images. Slap/finger image selection optics selectively propagate fingerprint images from one of the individual finger prisms or slap print prism to a video camera. A video monitor is coupled to the camera, and provides a real-time display of the fingerprints being imaged. When a desired fingerprint image is observed on the monitor, an appropriate key of a key pad on the optics/processor unit is actuated and digital data characteristic of this image stored in memory. Following this procedure, data characteristic of all ten individual fingerprints and slap prints of both hands is stored.

Abstract: Circuitry for the validation of repetitive signals including input/output circuitry providing information regarding signals received that is connected to a progammable microprocessor, a read only memory and random access memory. The microprocessor is programmed so the circuitry determines the receipt of an input signal at any one of several signal inputs. When a first signal is received at one of the signal inputs a "lock-out" time interval is provided during which another signal cannot be received at any signal input. This is followed by a "window" time interval during which another input signal can be received at the signal input receiving the first signal. A "lock-out" and a "window" time interval are provided for each signal received at the signal input during a "window" time period at which the first input signal was received. Such signals are counted until a predetermined count is reached thereby establishing the received signals as valid signals.