Abstract: A biometric access control and time and attendance system comprises an integrated network including one or more remote access devices in electronic communication with a computer database. Each remote access device comprises a silicon chip based system and preferably includes a biometric input device, a liquid crystal display (LCD), computer processing capabilities based on embedded system architecture with configurable system-on-chip (CSOC) technology, and an electrical output for controlling a door lock or the like. The use of CSOC architecture in lieu of conventional personal computer technology (e.g. mother boards, hard drives, video controllers and the like) allows for a more compact and cost efficient design. A plurality of remote access devices is configured for communication with a primary computer database wherein data corresponding to biometric samples for all authorized users is stored.

Abstract: A method of creating a friction-ridge image is disclosed. An energy transducer is aimed at a body part having skin. The transducer is used to obtain information about the papillae beneath an outer surface of the skin. The information about the papillae is used to obtain information about valleys between the papillae, and a friction-ridge image having friction-ridge valleys that correspond with the valleys between the papillae is created.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable storage device with a fingerprint identification function. The portable storage device uses a slim sliding fingerprint identifier to detect a user's fingerprint. The slim sliding fingerprint identifier is installed on a lateral side of a housing of the portable storage device such that after the portable storage device is plugged into the application apparatus, the user can enter an identifying fingerprint through the slim sliding fingerprint identifier for a fingerprint identification. The invention enhances the convenience of the fingerprint identification and reduces the circuit occupying area.

Abstract: A biometrics method based on a thermal image of a finger includes the steps of: acquiring the thermal image of the finger; and extracting a finger-print image or a finger-vein image from the thermal image and thus verifying a user's identity according to the finger-print image or the finger-vein image.

Abstract: The present invention enables permanent biometric authentication without the risk of forgery or the like. The present invention enables living-tissue discrimination as well as biometric authentication. The roughness distribution pattern of deep-layer tissue of the skin covered with epidermal tissue is detected, thereby extracting a unique pattern of the living tissue. Then, biometric authentication is performed based upon the detected pattern. The roughness distribution pattern of the deep-layer tissue of the skin is optically detected using difference in optical properties between the epidermal tissue and the deep-layer tissue of the skin. In this case, long-wavelength light, e.g., near-infrared light is used as illumination light cast onto the skin tissue. A fork structure of a subcutaneous blood vessel is used as the portion which is to be detected, for example. The portion which is to be detected is determined based upon the structure of the fork structure.

Abstract: A method of identifying a donor of a fingerprint image exhibiting a pattern of minutiae. The method comprises deriving a donor index code and a donor match code associated with the donor fingerprint image. A database of records is accessed—each record being associated with an identity and indicative of a respective index code and a respective match code—in an attempt to identify at least one record for which the respective index code corresponds to the donor index code. Responsive to the attempt being successful, it is determined whether any of these “candidate” records includes a particular record for which the respective match code corresponds to the donor match code. Upon indeed determining that this is so for a particular record, an output is generated, such output being indicative of a conclusion that the donor of the fingerprint image has the identity associated with the particular record.

Abstract: A memory region for fingerprint images acquired from a sweep type fingerprint sensor is saved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of extracting ridge and valley lines from three-dimensional point data, the method including the steps of: receiving undefined point data obtained from a three-dimensional scanning system; estimating a normal vector by principal component analysis so as to calculate a normal vector with regard to each received point; and on the basis of such information, creating a moving least squares (MLS) surface of points approximation with regard to each received point. Then, Delaunay edge is created by a Voronoi diagram with regard to each point from the created MLS surface of points; and ridge (or valley) points are extracted by measuring zero-crossing on each Delaunay edge. Ridges and valleys as lines are created by connecting the extracted ridge points in a principal curvature direction. The extraction of ridge and valley lines is used as a pre-processing step for creating three-dimensional points into mesh data, and is advantageous for identifying general model features.

Abstract: A finger imaging system having a linear actuator, a pivot arm mounted to the linear actuator and an energy transducer mounted to the pivot arm is disclosed. The system may include an arcuate platen positioned to receive energy from the transducer. A finger may be placed on the platen, and the position of the transducer may be fixed at a first position relative to the length of the finger. The pivot arm may be moved in order to move the transducer along an arcuate path while maintaining the transducer at the first position relative to the length. As the transducer moves along the arcuate path, energy may be emitted from the transducer and reflected from the finger. The reflected energy may be detected and data corresponding to the amount of time between sending and receiving energy may be stored as data along with the linear and angular position of the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the digital processing of images, and, more particularly, to the digital filtering of fingerprint images. The present invention can be used in criminalistics for fingerprint identification. The object of the present invention is to develop a method for filtering a fingerprint image, that provides effective image processing in the areas where the curvature of fingerprint lines is high. This object is achieved by providing a method for filtering a fingerprint image, the method including the step of sequentially processing areas of the image by a directional filter having at least one central ridge and adapted to local properties of respective areas of the image, the local properties including distance between the ridges, orientation of the fingerprint line, and curvature of the same.

Abstract: Paper fingerprint information that represents a fiber pattern unique to a paper sheet is scanned, and the paper fingerprint information and its position information are embedded at two corners as the cater-cornered positions on a paper sheet. The paper fingerprint information is extracted based on the embedded position information.

Abstract: In a method of determining the region of interest in images of skin impressions, the skin having ridges and valleys and the images taking the form of image data, values within a first value range being assigned to the ridges and values within a second value range of the image data being assigned to the valleys, the values of the overall image are shifted in the direction of the first value range. The overall image is split into tiles. Mean values of the shifted values for the individual tiles are compared with a reference value. Those tiles whose mean value deviates relative to the reference value in the direction of the first value range are considered at least on a preliminary basis as belonging to the region of interest.

Abstract: A method of transforming minutiae using the Taylor series for interoperable fingerprint recognition between disparate fingerprint sensors, which parses the fields of a Standard Interchange Format (SIF) template having the level of minutiae proposed in SC37, extract information fields corresponding to resolution, image size, and minutiae, corrects the locations of minutiae constituting the template, and standardizes the minutiae, thus increasing a recognition rate for fingerprint matching, and which applies transformation parameters using the Taylor series to a golden template that is generated using a plurality of samples for the same fingerprint which are input from a plurality of disparate fingerprint recognition sensors, thus improving recognition performance and reliability of matching between the disparate sensors that use the transformation of minutiae merely by correcting the locations of the minutiae, without correcting resolution or distortion characteristics.

Abstract: In a method of encoding lines in a print from the skin and particularly a fingerprint, one line at a time is encoded by means of vertices, which include the starting point and the end point, that are situated on the line, in which case segments of connecting line between adjacent vertices are no more than a preset distance away from the line.

Abstract: Provided in this invention is a vein authentication device comprising: an interface on which a part of a living body; one or more light sources for emitting infrared light; an image pickup unit for picking up a blood vessel image of the part of the living body using infrared light emitted from the light sources; an image computing unit for processing the blood vessel image picked up by the image pickup unit; and a light shielding unit for shielding infrared light emitted from the light sources and preventing the infrared light from traveling in an image pickup direction of the image pickup unit, wherein the interface has an opening opened in the image pickup direction of the image pickup unit, and wherein the light sources irradiates the part of the living body with infrared light from an image pickup side of the part of the living body.

Abstract: A method of comparing a first representation of an identifier with a second representation of an identifier is provided. The method includes providing an expression of the first representation, such as a fingerprint, and considering the expression of the first representation against a probability distribution based on the variation in the expression between different example representations of the second representations, to provide a first consideration. The method also provided for considering the expression of the first representations against a probability distribution based on the variation in the expression between different population representations, to provide a second consideration. By using the first consideration and second consideration together it is possible to provide a measure of comparison between the first representation and the second representation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of recognizing 3D fingerprints by contact-less optical means. The novel method comprising inter alia the following steps of obtaining an optical contact-less means for capturing fingerprints, such that 3D optical images, selected from a group comprising minutia, forks, endings or any combination thereof are provided; obtaining a plurality of fingerprints wherein the images resolution of said fingerprints is not dependent on the distance between a camera and said inspected finger; correcting the obtained images by mis-focal and blurring restoring; obtaining a plurality of images, preferably 6 to 9 images, in the enrolment phase, under various views and angles; systematically improving the quality of the field depth of said images and the intensity per pixel; and, disengaging higher resolution from memory consumption, such that no additional optical sensor is required.

Abstract: A detection element (1A) having a detection electrode (11A) connected to a surface shape detection unit (2) and a detection electrode (12A) connected to a common potential, and a detection element (1B) having a detection electrode (11B) connected to the surface shape detection unit (2) and a detection electrode (12B) connected to a biometric recognition unit (3) are arranged. The surface shape detection unit (2) outputs a signal representing the three-dimensional pattern of the surface shape corresponding to the contact portion to each detection element on the basis of individual capacitances obtained from the detection elements (1A, 1B). The biometric recognition unit (3) determines whether an object (9) is a living body, on the basis of a signal corresponding to the impedance of the object (9) connected between the detection electrode (12B) of the detection element (1B) and the detection electrode (12A) of the detection element (1A).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to provide for fingerprint minutiae matching using scoring techniques. A plurality of minutiae in a fingerprint image is defined. A score associated with each minutia corresponding to the validity of each minutia is estimated. The fingerprint image is then matched against one or more sample fingerprint images utilizing a partial point set pattern matching (PSPM) algorithm.

Abstract: A fingerprint verification method includes extracting ND sample feature points from a fingerprint image that has been sampled, assigning sample numerical values to each of the sample feature points as sample numerical value information. The sample numerical values are obtained from a plurality of sample connection lines, which connect each of the sample feature points with LD close sample feature points, which are close to each of the sample feature points. Based on results of comparison between the sample numerical value information and registration numerical value information, which is registration numerical values assigned to each of NR registration feature points, associating m sample feature points among the ND sample feature points with m registration feature points among the NR registration feature points. A position relationship among the m sample feature points is compared with a position relationship among the m registration feature points.

Abstract: A fingerprint verification process system comprises analysis means for analyzing fingerprint data to determine a verification scheme for verifying fingerprint, and execution means for verifying fingerprint using the determined verification scheme.

Abstract: To provide a noise eliminating apparatus and the like that can eliminate an atypical shaped background noise. A character noise eliminating apparatus includes a character noise area detecting device for detecting a character noise area which is an area corresponding to a character noise from an image, a density conversion area layer determining device for setting a plurality of density conversion area layers inside and outside the character noise area, and a density converting device for setting a neighboring pixel group within the same density conversion area layer as the density conversion area layer to which a target pixel belongs as a reference area of the target pixel, with respect to pixels in the density conversion area layers, and generating a density converted image applying a local image enhancement.

Abstract: This invention refers to a fingerprint verification method and apparatus based on global ridgeline. Firstly, the invention search base point pair between the stored fingerprint template and the fingerprint template to be matched. The said base point pair is the positioning reference for position calibration between the stored fingerprint template and the fingerprint template to be matched. Secondly, generates fingerprint template after minutiae extraction with additional use of thinned global fingerprint ridgeline information. Then, observe similarity of minutiae topological structure or surrounding ridgeline distribution to determine base point pairs. Finally, align two fingerprints through base point pair alignment. Calculate matching ratio of ridgelines to determine whether two fingerprints match. Beneficial results of present invention: By using global ridgeline information, efficiency of searching & interference resistance capacity is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: Input pixels are input to a thinning processing circuit. When thinning is performed at the thinning processing circuit, minimum values are selected in order to reduce the pixel data, whereby loss of thin lines is prevented. The thinned image data are input to a binarization processing circuit. Although the image having been thinned through selection of minimum values becomes dark as a whole, collapse of characters can be suppressed, because the binarization processing circuit dynamically changes a binarization threshold by employing, as the binarization threshold, the average of maximum and minimum values in each local region. In a density flat portion, the local maximum value and the local minimum value assume the same value. Therefore, when the difference between the local maximum value and the local minimum value is not greater than a predetermined range, binarization is performed by use of a fixed threshold value.

Abstract: A method and a system for extracting a minutia mapping from a digital image, including dividing the image into regions; defining an orientation of each region based on the general direction of grooves in this region; and for each region: unidirectionally filtering the image portion along a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the region; locating the enters of gravity of the grooves based on the intensity of the filtering results, chaining up the barycenters along the general direction of the region grooves, and interpreting the results of the chaining to determine the presence of minutiae of end type or of branch type.

Abstract: A streaked pattern image analyzing apparatus for use in an analysis of a fingerprint and the like for aiding in the identification as to whether or not an applied first streaked pattern image matches a second streaked pattern image. The apparatus comprises an image distortion modification unit for modifying data on one of the first streaked pattern image and the second streaked pattern image such that a point on a first streaked pattern image which resides on a skeleton thinned from a streak of the streaked pattern image and having a corresponding point on the second streaked pattern image is brought closer to a point on a skeleton of the second streaked pattern image corresponding to the point, and an image display unit for displaying the streaked pattern image modified by the image distortion modifying unit and the other streaked pattern image.

Abstract: Minutiae based fingerprint transactions are validated and authenticated over wireless based communications systems, such as over a Bluetooth wireless based communication system. Minutiae points are unique identification points on a fingerprint where a ridge in the fingerprint joins another ridge or a ridge ends. The combination of any three minutiae points forms a triangle, and the method/algorithm of the present invention uses triangles of minutiae points because triangles are proportional regardless of possible differences in scale of two fingerprints being compared. A first method/algorithm uses a minutiae exchange where triplets of minutiae points are exchanged and form triangles for comparison between an original template of minutiae points and a stored template of minutiae points. A second method/algorithm exchanges three linear equations for three pairs of minutiae points that form triangles for comparison between an original template and a stored template.

Abstract: The organism authenticating apparatus 71 of this invention comprises a means that fixes the position of a hand or a finger of a hand, an infrared ray radiating means 97 that radiates infrared rays, an infrared ray image input means 91 that is placed at the opposite side of said hand or said finger of a hand with regard to said infrared ray radiating means, an organism recognizing means that recognizes that the organism is live, a processing means that processes data that are inputted by said infrared ray image input means so that it collates them with image data that are registered in advance and an output means that outputs the result of processing carried out by said processing means. By using this invention, it becomes possible to obtain a clear blood vessel pattern image by a compact size apparatus by using an infrared ray source and by capturing the passed-through infrared ray image of the organism, and it becomes possible by using an organism recognizing means to prevent false authentication.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the present invention is used to organize minutiae and other identifying characteristics of a patterned object to verify a user. In one embodiment, the method includes matching minutiae points of the patterned object in one more sets with minutiae points of the patterned object in a candidate set. The method also includes adjusting a confidence value of each minutia point in the one or more sets based on results of the matching. The method also includes organizing the one or more sets based on the confidence values, such as by ordering the minutiae in the one or more sets based on the confidence values, or by deleting from the one or more sets any identifying characteristics with a confidence value below a threshold.

Abstract: A method and a system for comparing a set of minutiae of a current image with a set of minutiae of a reference image, according to which the minutiae are sorted by their Cartesian coordinates in the image plane from a predetermined point of origin, a common path of similar minutiae is searched in the reference set and in the current set, and it is considered that there is an identity between the two images if the common path is comprised of a number of segments greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor package includes an LSI chip for reading a fingerprint, a substrate having an external connection terminal and to which the LSI chip is fixed, and a chip fixing mechanism for fixing the LSI chip in a state where the LSI chip is deformed so as to form a curved surface, provided between the LSI chip and the substrate.

Abstract: An automated digital processing system and method for characterizing the probability of a finger print match for at least one finger including a means for providing at least a plurality of match scores for at least one finger; a means for providing a finger index; a means for providing a number of fingers used in the search; a means for providing a number of times a finger index appears in a subset of probable matches; and a means for providing a number of records in the database. At least two record identification metrics are calculated and a means for calculating a match credibility metric of the calculated record identification metrics is provided based on a function of at least one of: the number of fingers used in the search, the first record identification metric, and the second record identification metric. A means for providing a user with at least one of the record identification metrics is further provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing a subject image signal obtained from a sensor has a first shading data generator, a second shading data generator, and a removal unit. The first shading data generator generates shading data from image signals obtained from at least two portions within the image signal obtained from the sensor. The second shading data generator generates shading data for the remaining portion of the sensor based on the shading data generated by the first shading data generator. The removal unit removes the shading data generated by the second shading data generator from the subject image signal of the remaining portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an identification information memory in which identification information of the vehicle is memorized, and a transmitter for transmitting the identification information. A portable terminal is provided with a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted from the transmitter, a registration information memory in which identification information of a ridable vehicle is memorized as registration information in advance, and a controller for executing authentication between the identification information and the registration information and executing a warning processing when a result of authentication shows inconsistency.

Abstract: A method for matching templates and a system thereof. Each template includes a plurality of data chunks, each data chunk representing a minutia and comprising a location, a minutia angle and a neighborhood. The location is represented by two coordinates. In one embodiment, each coordinate and the minutia angle are quantized. The neighborhood includes positional parameters with respect to a selected minutia for a predetermined number of neighbor minutiae. In one embodiment, a neighborhood boundary is drawn around the selected minutia and neighbor minutiae are selected from the enclosed area. A reference template is compared to a measured template on a chunk-by-chunk basis. A chunk from each of the template is loaded into a random access memory (RAM). The location, minutia angle and neighborhood of the reference data chunk are compared with the location, minutia angle and neighborhood of the measured data chunk, respectively.

Abstract: A streaked pattern image matching method that matches a first streaked pattern image and a second streaked pattern image includes steps of: extracting data of skeleton pixels that indicate skeletons, which are lines obtained by thinning the streaks of each streaked pattern image; establishing correspondences between skeleton pixels by specifying pixels from among skeleton pixels of the second streaked pattern image that correspond to skeleton pixels of the first streaked pattern image; and, based on skeleton pixels of the first streaked pattern image for which the process of establishing correspondence has been carried out, rating the degree of matching between the first streaked pattern image and the second streaked pattern image and calculating a score that represents the degree of matching.

Abstract: Fingerprint recognition and matching systems and methods are described that utilize features at all three fingerprint friction ridge detail levels, i.e., Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, extracted from 1000 ppi fingerprint scans. Level 3 features, including but not limited to pore and ridge contour characteristics, were automatically extracted using various filters (e.g., Gabor filters, edge detector filters, and/or the like) and transforms (e.g., wavelet transforms) and were locally matched using various algorithms (e.g., the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm). Because Level 3 features carry significant discriminatory and complementary information, there was a relative reduction of 20% in the equal error rate (EER) of the matching system when Level 3 features were employed in combination with Level 1 and Level 2 features, which were also automatically extracted. This significant performance gain was consistently observed across various quality fingerprint images.

Abstract: Provided is a biometric imaging device for imaging a biological feature, which includes a sensor for detecting an environmental parameter other than relating to surface topology of said biological feature. The detected environmental parameters like temperature and humidity levels are utilized in image reconstruction to eliminate erroneous structures caused by the environmental conditions. There is also provided a biometric imaging device, which includes a preparation device for use prior to sensing a biometric image. The preparation device is used for conditioning a parameter of the biometric information source, and/or for cleaning the biometric information source.

Abstract: A card type device is mounted on a card slot of an electronic appliance. A transparent cylindrical-shaped roller is provided at an edge portion of a housing such that an outer peripheral plane of the roller is projected from the edge portion. A one-dimensional image sensor is provided inside the roller, which acquires one-dimensional fingerprint data of a finger of a user, and this fingerabuts against the outer peripheral plane of the roller. Since the finger abutting against the outer peripheral plane of the roller is moved, the roller is rotated, so that one-dimensional fingerprint data which are continuously acquired by the one-dimensional image sensor are synthesized with each other to produce fingerprint data as a two-dimensional image. The synthesized fingerprint data is transmitted to the electronic appliance which carries out fingerprint identification.

Abstract: When a fingerprint sensor temperature is outside a preferred predetermined temperature range, heat is transferred between a fingerprint sensor and semiconductor assembly. Accordingly the fingerprint sensor temperature can stay within the predetermined temperature range regardless of the driving conditions.

Abstract: The optical biometric sensor apparatus and methods for analyzing images of biometric features such as fingerprints are adapted to distinguish between live body members and inanimate objects, and to detect spoofing devices applied to live body members. Live body members are detected by transmitting IR light from a first IR light source through an object to an image sensor. The IR transmission characteristics of a live body member vary with the human heartbeat, and multiple images are analyzed to verify whether the object is a genuine live body member. A visible light source illuminates the object for obtaining a detailed image from the sensor for conventional biometric analysis. Transmitted IR images and reflected visible light images are also processed to detect the presence of spoofing devices applied to live body members. Multiple IR and visible light sources of different wavelengths may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: By employing template matching using a collation image which is obtained by using a proper technique to binarize an input digital image for fingerprint identification, and a plurality of templates which are recorded beforehand, a fingerprint identification apparatus and method determine whether identity is established between the collation image and each of the recorded images from which recorded templates are extracted. Instead of checking positional relationships among all addresses having high degrees of matching detected for each template, positional relationship checking is performed between addresses detected about adjacent templates. This can greatly reduce the number of combinations for matching, and enables rapid processing. The fingerprint identification apparatus and method are resistant to a change in finger shape since they perform processing for physically close templates, compared with the case of performing processing for separate templates.

Abstract: An analog image signal from an input terminal 101 is converted in an ADC 102 to digital data, then stored in a frame memory 103, then subjected to compression processing in a compression processing module 104, and then recorded in a recorder 105. The compressed data recorded in the recorder 105 is read out, then subjected to decompression processing in a decompression processing module 106, and then stored in a frame memory 107. The operation of the compression processing module 104 is controlled by a frame rate controller 110. Thus, the problem of frame data drop-out or reproducing processing delay occurrence when it becomes unable to obtain full frame real time frame capturing, real time compression and real time decompression due to CPU performance insufficiency is solved.

Abstract: A reference minutiae template comprising reference minutiae and a first partial minutiae template, which overlaps the reference minutiae template, the first partial minutiae template comprising first minutiae, are selected. The reference minutiae of the reference minutiae template are matched with the first minutiae of the first partial minutiae template. Using the matched minutiae, a transformation function is determined, which describes the relation between the reference minutiae and the first minutiae. The first minutiae, which are located outside the overlapping region, are transformed using the transformation function, thereby generating a new reference template. Furthermore, a second partial minutiae template is selected, which overlaps the new reference minutiae template, the second partial minutiae template comprising second minutiae.

Abstract: In an information device, a fingerprint image capture section captures a fingerprint image of an operator. When a fingerprint image captured by the fingerprint image capture section is referred to as a first fingerprint image and a fingerprint image captured at a given time interval after the first fingerprint image is captured is referred to as a second fingerprint image, a comparison section compares minutiae points of the first and second fingerprint images extracted by a minutiae point extraction section. An image generation section generates image information which is changed while reflecting the comparison results of the comparison section. A display section displays an image based on the image information generated by the image generation section. The information device may be provided with a check section, and display control by the display section may be performed after a fingerprint image is checked by the check section.

Abstract: A method of hash string extraction from biometric information is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a biometric information sample in the form of a fingerprint for example, extracting features from the biometric information sample and encoding the features based on their location within the biometric information sample; and, generating a string of values based on the extracted features and their determined locations. The method further comprises the steps of hashing the string of symbols to produce a plurality of hash values for comparing the plurality of hash values against a stored hash value for identifying a user.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of holographic optical elements in the design and application of biometric scanning instruments used typically for capturing biometric information such as fingerprints and handprints. A live print scanning system for generating a high contrast print image is presented. The system includes a flatbed scanner with a scanning surface and an image sensor, a holographic platen placed on the scanning surface, and a reference beam source that provides a reference beam to the holographic platen. A high contrast print image of a biometric object that is placed on the holographic platen is obtained at the image sensor. A method for generating a high contrast print image is also presented.

Abstract: An electronic device apparatus includes: a generating unit for acquiring an authentication image containing an image of a fingerprint of an owner of the electronic device apparatus and/or an image of a possession of the owner, and for generating first authentication image data based on the given acquired authentication image; a write unit for writing the first authentication image data, to a recording medium which the owner has purchased; a read unit for reading given authentication image data from a recording medium to which the given authentication image data and given content data are written; a determination unit for comparing the given authentication image data with the first authentication image data, and for determining whether or not they match with each other; and a processing unit for processing the given content data based on a determination result by the determination unit.

Abstract: For use in verifying the identity of a user, an identity verifier comprising an optical fingerprint sensor coupled to an ID (identification) card reader. In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fingerprint sensor includes a light source on a PCB assembly, a diffuser that receives light from the light source, a right angle prism that receives light from the diffuser, a collimating lens that receives light from the prism, a first mirror that receives light from the collimating lens, a second mirror that receives light from the first mirror, a third mirror that receives light from the second mirror, an imaging lens that receives light from the third mirror, and an image sensor on the same PCB assembly as the light source that receives light from the imaging lens.