Abstract: An optical touch-sensitive device includes a planar optical waveguide structure having a top surface that includes tactile surface features. This produces a tactile effect experienced by the user using a finger or object (e.g., pen, stylus, or other instrument) on the surface.

Abstract: There is provided a document forgery detection system adapted to have an advanced level of document verification and scanning structure against forgery, whereby the documents gets verified by various verification methods. The forgery detection system comprises a scanning device adapted to scan the document for verification and to compare the scanned image to an original image of the document stored in a remote server associated to a relevant authority. The forgery detection system comprises a verification device adapted to receive and secure the document in place in an angle adjustable configuration, project visible and ultraviolet light on the document for exposing visible light and ultraviolet light exposable embedded marks within the document and reflect these marks to a display in optical communication with the operator. The verification device comprising a magnifier with a visible light lens and a red lens for enabling visualization of embedded marks within the document.

Abstract: A computing device may determine that a policy event to initiate data destruction for a first set of data has been triggered. The first set of data may be located on a first file. The computing device may delete, in response to the determining, a first security key used for decrypting the first set of data. The computing device may delete, in response to the determining, one or more transaction log entries associated with the first set of data. The one or more transaction log entries may include a copy of the first set of data. The one or more transaction log entries may be a part of a transaction log. The transaction log may be a second file that stores a history of each data change within the database.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device includes an insulating package, an image-sensing die, a light-emitting element, and a conductive component. The insulating package has a bottom surface and a top surface formed with first and second recesses. The image-sensing die is disposed in the first recess and has an outer surface exposed therefrom. The light-emitting element is disposed in the second recess and has an outer surface exposed from the second recess, and an electrode unit. The conductive component is formed in the insulating package, has top and bottom ends exposed from the top and bottom surfaces of the insulating package, and is electrically coupled to the image-sensing die and the electrode unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biometric authentication system.

Abstract: An image processing system includes: an analysis unit configured to obtain information indicating a degree of curvature of a retina from a tomographic image of an eye to be examined; and an obtaining unit configured to obtain a category of the eye to be examined based on an analysis result.

Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding method for checking the security element of a value document, as well as to an apparatus for processing value documents involve at least one sensor for capturing electromagnetic radiation emanating from along a dimension of the security element and for generating a corresponding sensor signal pattern along the one dimension of the security element. Also included is an evaluation device for checking the value document with the help of the sensor signal pattern of the security element, from the sensor signal pattern along the one dimension there being generated a binary signal pattern which has only two different signal values and with the help of which the security element of the value document is checked with regard to a microwriting of the security element.

Abstract: Input members with capacitive sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment of an electronic button, a first circuit is configured to capture a fingerprint of a user's finger placed on the electronic button, and a second circuit is configured to sense a force applied to the electronic button by the user's finger. The first circuit is further configured to provide temperature information to compensate for temperature sensitivities of the second circuit, and the second circuit is further configured to provide force information to the first circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for user authentication using a device with a touch screen display. In one embodiment, a method of user authentication using a device with a touch screen display includes providing a user defined area to unlock the device, detecting a leakage current corresponding to changes of light conditions on the user defined area by one or more light sensors of the touch screen display, capturing one or more fingerprints or a palm print of the user based on the changes of light conditions in the user defined area by the one or more light sensors of the touch screen display, authenticating the one or more fingerprints or the palm print of the user, and providing access to the device in response to a positive authentication of the one or more fingerprints or the palm print of the user.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing device comprising sensing circuitry comprising a plurality of sensing elements, each sensing element comprising a sensing structure arranged in a sensing plane and facing a surface of the capacitive fingerprint sensing device, each of the sensing elements being configured to provide a signal indicative of an electromagnetic coupling between the sensing structure and a finger placed on the surface of the fingerprint sensing device; and a plurality of connection pads electrically connected to the sensing circuitry for providing an electrical connection between the sensing circuitry and readout circuitry, wherein each of the connection pads is separately recessed in relation to the sensing plane such that each connection pad has a floor in a floor plane, and wherein each connection pad is separated from an adjacent connection pad through a portion of the sensing device being elevated in relation to the floor plane.

Abstract: An optoelectric sensor, comprising: a light-sensitive structure which comprises a substrate and an array of pixel cells located on the substrate, wherein each of the pixel cells comprises a thin film transistor and a photodiode; a fiber optical guide plate located above the light-sensitive structure, which comprises a group of optical fiber bundles configured to be perpendicular to the substrate, and each of the optical fiber bundles has an diameter smaller than or equal to a width of pixel cell; and a backlight source located below the light-sensitive structure. The fiber plate will enable each pixel cell detecting features of an object surface corresponding thereto more independently, so as to improve the resolution of the optoelectric sensor. The optical fiber bundles are configured to be perpendicular to the substrate, and the optoelectric sensor will have a thin structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical navigation device based on production on wafer scale, in which both the illumination path and the imaging lens system are integrated on a common carrier structure. The optical navigation devices according to the invention are used for controlling a cursor on an image output device or in the field of finger navigation.

Abstract: A paper sheet recognition apparatus that recognizes a paper sheet based on optical characteristics of the paper sheet is proposed. The paper sheet recognition apparatus includes at least one light source that emits a light toward the paper sheet; a light-guiding member that receives any of reflected lights reflected from plural regions on the paper sheet and transmitted lights that have passed through plural regions on the paper sheet because of emission of the light on the paper sheet from the light source, condenses the received lights, and outputs the condensed light from a light outputting section; an optical processing unit that generates spectral distribution from the condensed light output from the light outputting section of the light-guiding member; and a recognition processing unit that recognizes the paper sheet based on a feature of the spectral distribution generated by the optical processing unit.

Abstract: A sensor for checking value documents is arranged to carry out a self-test for testing its functionality. The sensor in the self-test reacts to at least one malfunction that is ascertained during the self-test and hinders the check of the value documents by the sensor automatically employing for checking the value documents, instead of the operating mode provided for checking the value documents. A modified operating mode employs at least one other measured value of the sensor for checking the value documents than is determined in the operating mode provided for checking the value documents. In contrast to the hitherto customary function failure of the sensor, the sensor can continue being operated for checking the value documents despite the malfunction.

Abstract: An optical touchpad including a prism having a four-sided cross section including a light entry interface, a light exit interface, a touch interface and a back interface substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the touch interface. Collimated light enters the prism through the light entry interface, is reflected from the touch interface by total internal reflection, and exits the prism through the light exit interface. A first image sensor detects the collimated light exiting from the light exit interface and a second image sensor detects the image of an object positioned over the touch interface.

Abstract: The technical objective is to provide a simple and low-cost information input help sheet and an information processing system which exhibit a significantly high input accuracy and input efficiency without limiting a mounting object. The information input help sheet comprises an infrared reflection layer which reflects infrared rays from one side and transmits visible light, and a dot pattern layer provided on one side of the infrared reflection layer and on which dots generated by a dot-code generating algorithm and formed with material having an infrared absorbing characteristic are arranged according to a predetermined rule, in order to perform a variety of multimedia information output and/or operation instructions.

Abstract: A multi-touch sensing apparatus using a rear view camera of an array type is provided. The multi-touch sensing apparatus may include a display panel to display an image, a sensing light source to emit light to sense a touch image which is generated by an object and displayed on a back side of the display panel, and a camera to divide and sense the touch image. The camera may be arranged in an edge of a lower side of the multi-touch sensing apparatus, or a mirror to reflect the touch image may be included in the multi-touch sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method carries out a soiling check of the measurement window of a measuring device for checking sheet material. A measuring device carries out the method. A device for processing a sheet material comprises the measuring device. The soiling check uses, only areas of the measurement window which correspond, in terms of width and position in the beam path of a light, to the areas of the checked sheet material which are checked during the checking of the sheet material. As a result, fewer cleaning steps are needed for the measurement window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for acquiring real-time video images of a terminal, sad method comprising: acquiring light intensity of an existing environment when the terminal acquires the real-time video images; comparing the light intensity of the existing environment with a light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system; acquiring images preset by the terminal and sending the preset images to an existing receiver which is communicating with the terminal if the light intensity of the existing environment is lower than the light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system. The present invention can ensure the quality of video conversation when the light intensity is weak, save power energy, improve the user experience, and is beneficial to promote the video communication terminal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for checking the usage state of a document of value. The document of value is illuminated with illumination light and with the help of an image sensor there is detected the light intensity of the light reflected from the document of value in order to take an image of the document of value. Of the taken image there is chosen an image detail in which there is imaged an opaque, reflective section of the document of value. The chosen image detail is examined for signs of creases which are possibly present in the opaque, reflective section of the document of value. The results of the examination for creases are used to evaluate the usage state of the document of value.

Abstract: A line sensor unit includes: a first light source configured to emit excitation light that excites a fluorescent substance; a second light source configured to emit non-excitation light that does not excite the fluorescent substance; a line sensor configured to receive light from a medium obtained by irradiating the medium with the excitation light or the non-excitation light; a light-emitting unit, which is excited upon receipt of the excitation light, configured to emit light responsive to the excitation light, the emitted light being incident on the line sensor; and a light-shielding unit, which is provided on a side opposite to a line-sensor side of the light-emitting unit, configured to block light advancing from the light-emitting unit to the medium.

Abstract: RF particles that can render more difficult fabrication of counterfeit notes and the like, can generate radiofrequency magnetic fields by oscillation of a tank circuit having a particular resonant frequency, and that can easily and reliably supply electric power for oscillation, RF powder, and a method for exciting the RF powder are provided. In an RF powder particle, a coil (inductance element) serving as an antenna and a capacitor (capacitance element) connected to the coil are formed on an insulating film surface of a substrate. The inductance element and the capacitance element form a tank circuit, and a photovoltaic cell for supplying power to the tank circuit is disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include an integrated circuit (IC) substrate and an array of pixels on the IC substrate. Each pixel may be selectively operable in at least a receiving mode for receiving radiation from an adjacent finger, or a transmitting mode for transmitting radiation into the adjacent finger. The finger sensing device may also include a controller coupled to the array of pixels for selectively operating at least one first pixel in the receiving mode, and while selectively operating at least one second pixel in the transmitting mode. Each pixel may also be selectively operable in a mask mode for neither receiving nor transmitting radiation. The controller may also selectively operate at least one third pixel in the mask mode while selectively operating the at least one first and second pixels in the receiving and transmitting modes.

Abstract: A method for detecting color transitions in at least one portion of a document of value by determining for each image elements whether color coordinate values in the color space that are allocated to the image element correspond to a reference color distribution, which is given by at least one predetermined, closed reference surface in the color space, that is given by at least one linear segment predetermined for the document of value and a predetermined distance of the points of the reference surface from the at least one linear segment. The method further has the steps comparing the positions of the image elements whose color coordinate values are disposed inside or outside of the reference surface to predetermined reference positions on the document of value and detecting in dependence on the result of the comparison a presence or an absence of a color transition caused by soiling or color wear.

Abstract: Presented is a light detection device including a first detecting portion detecting fluorescence from a first detection position on a conveyor path, a second detecting portion detecting afterglow from a second detection position on the conveyor path, a lighting portion applying excitation light over a range including the first detection position but not the second detection position, a first reference member including fluorescent material emitting fluorescence and emitting reference light toward the first detecting portion, a second reference member emitting reference light toward the second detecting portion, the reference light not influencing a result of detection by the second detecting portion, and a correction controller correcting a detection result by the first detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the first detecting portion and correcting a detection result by the second detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the second detecting portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for document and product authentication using a variety of absorption and emission signatures are disclosed. Emission signatures in the form of florescent or phosphorescent coatings, inks and substrates are used for authentication and protection of items such as documents, currency, and secondary packaging for tobacco, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals. Spectrally overlapping absorption and emission materials are combined to provide a unique spectral fingerprint detectable by a scanner.

Abstract: In a method for keeping clean a sensor window of an optical sensor for detecting value documents and/or at least one property of value documents which is disposed with at least one portion in a beam path of the sensor, a gas film attached to a surface of the portion is generated on the portion of the sensor window from gas moving relative to the portion.

Abstract: A biometrics authentication system includes: a light source applying light to a living body; a detection section on which the living body is to be placed; a microlens array section configured so that a plurality of microlenses each condensing light from the living body are arranged at intervals; a light shielding section arranged on at least one of a light incidence side and a light exiting side of the microlens array section and having apertures each facing a region where each of the microlenses is arranged; an image pickup device obtaining image pickup data of the living body on the basis of the light condensed by the microlens array section; and an authentication section performing authentication of the living body on the basis of the image pickup data obtained in the image pickup device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically checking sheet-shaped documents of value. According to the present invention a simply constructed measuring apparatus can be obtained, by the measuring apparatus evaluating measuring values e.g. at least two measuring frequencies and the position of one or a plurality of discrete measuring tracks being determined in such a way that at least the presence of two different not visible spectral properties of a predetermined type of authentic documents of value can be checked.

Abstract: A foreign object detecting apparatus in bill passageway includes a laser light source, a first light detector and a second light detector. The laser light source is arranged in a first lateral side to emit a coherent laser beam toward a second lateral side. The first light detector is arranged in the second lateral side to receive the coherent laser beam and to measure the intensity of the coherent laser beam. The second light detector is arranged in one of a top side and a bottom side, wherein when a foreign object is presence in the bill passageway, the intensity of the coherent laser beam received by the first light detector is decreased by the blocking of the foreign object, and at least a portion of the coherent laser beam which is reflected, refracted, diffracted or scattered by the foreign object is received by the second light detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of banknotes between at least two locations, in particular a Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority and a local financial institution, said method comprising the following steps: i) collecting banknotes at the local financial institution, ii) subjecting the banknotes received in step i) to a fitness measurement so as to obtain a flow of “fit” banknotes and a flow of “unfit” banknotes, iii) returning the flow of “unfit” banknotes to the Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority, and iv) bringing the flow of “fit” banknotes into circulation.

Abstract: To determine authenticity of a solid body simply and precisely, a reference area of a paper sheet which is genuine is optically read from two different directions, and the image is registered as a reference image. A check area of a paper sheet subjected to the authenticity determination, including the reference area and having a size larger than the reference area, is read from two different directions with a scanner, and data on a partial area having the same size as the reference area are extracted from each set of check data collected by the reading. For a set consisting of the reference image and the check image optically read from the same direction, the value of the correlation with the reference image is repetitively calculated by the normalized correlation method while the partial area is shifted within the check area. The maximum correlation value and the normalized score of the maximum correlation value are compared with respective thresholds to determine the authenticity of the paper sheet.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a portable housing, an optical source carried by the portable housing, and an optical dispersion finger sensor carried by the portable housing. The sensor may include an integrated circuit substrate adjacent the optical source so that light propagates into and is dispersed by the user's finger with at least a portion of the dispersed light exiting the user's finger in a direction toward the integrated circuit substrate. The sensor may also include at least one optical dispersion sensing pixel on the substrate for sensing dispersed light from the user's finger to be used to generate optical dispersion biometric data from the user's finger. A processor may be connected to the one or more sensing pixels to enable at least one device function based upon the optical dispersion biometric data.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a pattern in a surface of an object, comprising a plurality of pixel or sensor elements being responsive to a physical parameter of the object surface, and means for establishing an overall, segmented picture related to said pattern, and also comprising at least one diode functionally associated with each sensor element for contributing to one or more of the following functions: selectively addressing said sensor element activating said sensor element, and sensing of said physical parameter.

Abstract: An optical sensor comprises: a light source located on one side of a transport path; a variable current drive, an optical receiver in communication with the variable current drive, and located on an opposite side of the transport path to the light source and aligned therewith to detect light output therefrom; and a memory coupled to the variable current drive. The variable current drive is suitable for energising the light source so that the light intensity from the light source increases with increasing current. The variable current drive includes (i) a drive circuit for applying a pulse of current to the light source, during which pulse the light source is energised; and (ii) a counter for increasing the amount of current applied by the drive circuit during a pulse of current. The memory may be arranged to store a value from the counter indicative of a number of media items present in the transport path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drug product tracking (or other pharmaceutical, health care or cosmetics products, and/or the packages or containers they are supplied with) using diffraction grating-based encoded optical identification elements 8 includes an optical substrate 10 having at least one diffraction grating 12 disposed therein. The grating 12 has one or more collocated pitches ? which represent a unique identification digital code that is detected when illuminated by incident light 24. The incident light 24 may be directed transversely from the side of the substrate 10 (or from an end) with a narrow band (single wavelength) or multiple wavelength source, and the code is represented by a spatial distribution of light or a wavelength spectrum, respectively, or a combination thereof. The encoded element 8 may be used to label any desired item, such as drugs or medicines, or other pharmaceutical or health care products or cosmetics.

Abstract: A method of identifying a source of a substance incorporating one or more luminescent markers comprises illuminating the substance to stimulate emission from at least one of the luminescent markers. A luminescent signature is generated from the detected luminescent emission. The source of the substance is identified based on a match between the generated luminescent signature and a pre-defined luminescent signature.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging element, reflecting layers are provided on both sides of a photoelectric conversion means, a light entrance window 128 is provided in the first reflecting layer 121 disposed on the photon incidence side, and a concentration means 122 is provided at a position corresponding to the window. Further, a transparent layer 136 is provided between the photoelectric conversion means and a second reflecting layer 120. A structure where photons that entered between the two reflecting layers do not flow outside is preferably employed as the shape of the second reflecting layer 120. According to the present invention, detection sensitivity of a solid-state imaging element and a photo-detector using the same is improved, and a personal authentication system carrying a photo-detector showing improved detection sensitivity is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, such as a banknote (1), which includes one or more window zones (2A, 2B) with one for example optically active element each which rotates a polarization plane P0 of polarized light LA, LB, penetrating the window zone by a defined angle. If such value documents are stacked and polarized light penetrates the superimposed window zones, the number of stacked value documents can be determined by way of the overall rotation of the polarization plane PA, PB. The overall nominal value of a stack of banknotes can thus be determined. The window zones can have category-specific rotational characteristics for different categories or nominal values and/or can be disposed in category-specific positions in the valuable document.

Abstract: A part of a human body is caused to contact the surface layer of a recording medium over which a plurality of metallic grains with an outside size of 200 nm or less are distributed. Then, secretions from the skin surface of the body part are caused to adhere to the surface layer of the recording medium to take the print of the body part. If light is irradiated to the recording medium, specific optical characteristics resulting from the surface structure of the recording medium are obtained, and therefore the color of the recording medium varies between a region having secretions and a region having no secretions. This renders it possible to record a visible print on the recording medium.

Abstract: An optical dispersion finger sensor includes an integrated circuit substrate, and an optical source for directing light into a user's finger when positioned adjacent the integrated circuit substrate. The light may propagate into and be dispersed by the user's finger so that at least a portion of the dispersed light exits the user's finger in a direction toward the integrated circuit substrate. The sensor may also include at least one optical dispersion sensing pixel on the integrated circuit substrate for sensing dispersed light from the user's finger. A processor may be connected to the optical dispersion sensing pixels for generating optical dispersion biometric data based upon dispersed light from the user's finger.

Abstract: A validating machine 30 according to the present invention is provided with a validation sensor 2 having a first-side light emitting device 8 and a first-side light receiving device 10 disposed closely to each other and a validation sensor 2? having a second-side light emitting device 8? and a second-side light receiving device 10? disposed closely to each other so that the validation sensor 2 and the validation sensor 2? are disposed opposite to each other on a first side and on a second side of a bill 4. The first-side light emitting device 8 and the second-side light emitting device 8? are controlled so as to emit light at their respective emission timings different from each other.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading apparatus which reads an image pattern of a medium placed on a detection surface of a sensor array (100). In a waiting state, electrical connection between the sensor array (100) and a drive controller (110, 120) is cut off, and whether a medium is placed on the detection surface or not is detected. When a medium is placed on the detection surface, the sensor array (100) and the drive controller (110, 120) are electrically connected and an image reading operation is started. In a case where the medium is separated from the detection surface during the image reading operation, the image reading operation is suspended and the image reading apparatus is set to the waiting state.

Abstract: Provided is an optical element in which a groove for a sample to make contact can be formed without machining or etching a material for an optical element, and in which the scattering of a light at the groove does not decrease the precision in an optical measurement. The optical element is formed with a light-emitting prism including a light-output face from which a light to be emitted to a sample is outputted, a light-receiving prism including a light-receiving face which receives the light returned from the sample, and a light intensity-reducing part provided between the light-emitting prism and the light-receiving prism. The light-emitting prism and the light-receiving prism are combined to form a recessed part for the sample to make contact, so that the light outputted from the light-output face travels straight in the sample in contact with the recessed part and enters the light-receiving face.

Abstract: A paper sheets feature detector 20, through which a banknote 21 is carried and passed is provided with a carrying-in sensor part 22, a transmissive and reflective line light sensor 23, a magnetic sensor 24, a thickness sensor 27, and a carrying-out sensor part 28. When a watermark part of the banknote 21 is measured by the line light sensor 23, a watermark pattern is detected by a light transmissive sensor, and that pattern is not detected by a light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote. Watermark braille is similarly processed. When the thread is detected by the light transmissive sensor and the thread is not detected by the light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for locating an area of interest within a digital image of a form captured by an imaging scanner. Specific examples include methods and apparatus for optical mark reading with a digital imaging scanner. In many of the methods, an image of a response form is captured by a scanner, and target areas for possible responses are located within the image based upon an expected location being adjusted as necessary for certain error-inducing defects in the forms or scanning process. Also disclosed are steps to normalize the darkness values of pixels captured from an optically scanned form.

Abstract: A valuable paper validator for use in a vending (coin change) machine is disclosed to include a delivery unit for delivering a valuable paper through a delivery path, a LED package having multiple LED chips spaced above the delivery path and controllable to emit different wavelengths of intense pulsed light, a collimator lens for collimating light passing from the LED package through the valuable paper, a photodiode spaced below the delivery path for collecting light passed through the valuable paper for verifying the authenticity of the valuable paper, and a condensing lens for focusing different wavelengths of light passed through the valuable paper onto the photodiode.

Abstract: A magnetic verification system for a bill acceptor includes a magnetic induction circuit, a signal amplifying and regulating circuit, and a magnetic field generating circuit. The signal amplifying and regulating circuit has a D/A converter, and the magnetic induction circuit has a magnetic device adapted for scanning the magnetic ink of the bill to be verified. The magnetic device is adapted to write a magnetic field reference value from the magnetic field generating circuit into the D/A converter, for enabling the D/A converter to adjust the intensity of light being emitted by a LED of the signal amplifying and regulating circuit onto a photoresistance of the signal amplifying and regulating circuit so as to cause the photoresistance to change the resistance thereof subject to the intensity of light from the LED, so that an operation amplifier at the output end of the magnetic induction circuit obtains the correct magnetic field signal value to verify the authenticity of the inserted bill.

Abstract: A multi-biometric finger sensor may sense different biometric characteristics that have different matching selectivities and that have at least a known spatial relationship. The sensor may include an integrated circuit substrate for receiving a user's finger adjacent thereto, and a first set of biometric sensing pixels on the substrate for sensing a first finger biometric characteristic to generate first finger biometric characteristic data having a first matching selectivity. The sensor may also include a second set of biometric sensing pixels on the integrated circuit substrate for sensing a second finger biometric characteristic different than the first finger biometric characteristic to generate second finger biometric characteristic data with a known spatial relationship to the first fingerprint characteristic data. The second finger biometric characteristic data may have a second matching selectivity less than the first matching selectivity.

Abstract: A multi-biometric finger sensor includes a plurality of electric field fingerprint sensing pixels on an integrated circuit substrate for sensing an image of the user's finger, and at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor on the integrated circuit substrate for sensing a finger biometric characteristic different than the image of the user's finger. Each of the electric field fingerprint sensing pixels may include an electric field sensing electrode, a guard shield surrounding the electric field sensing electrode, and an amplifier connected between the electric field sensing electrode and the guard shield. The sensor may also include a finger drive electrode adjacent the plurality of electric field sensing pixels, and a processor connected to the electric field fingerprint sensing pixels and the at least one other finger biometric characteristic sensor.