Abstract: A method of capturing biometric data is provided that includes activating a security application in a device. The security application is activated by an operator of the device and is configured to cause the device to display an outline image. Moreover, the method includes displaying the outline image in a stationary position on a display of the device, positioning desired biometric data proximate the device such that the desired biometric data appears as a biometric image on the device display, and monitoring the outline and biometric images shown on the device display. Furthermore, the method includes positioning the device and the desired biometric data to better align the outline and biometric images when the outline and biometric images do not align and capturing the desired biometric data from an individual after approximately aligning the outline image with the biometric image.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, and a controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for generating successive image samples. Moreover, the controller may also generate the displacement estimate of the user's finger by at least performing a plurality of different image sample correlations between at least one pair of image samples, and cross-verifying results of the plurality of different image sample correlations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large format fingerprint capture apparatus, system and method that is low power, compact, and lightweight and has a platen area greater than 3.0 square inches. The present system is typically powered, controlled, and exchanges data over a single data/control/power connection to a host PC, e.g., a desk top computer, PDA, or laptop computer although the system can also be used in a wireless fashion with a power subsystem so no physical connections are required. In a preferred embodiment the large format fingerprint device is directly connected to a completely disconnected portable PC, such as a laptop having only a battery power source. The primary system components of the present invention combine to minimize power, size and weight and, thus, enhance portability and battery life. The system typically includes a light source, a prism, a camera (including the lens), and a case.

Abstract: A method for assisting a user of a fingerprint sensing system includes sensing a position of a user's finger relative to a swiped fingerprint image sensor, and providing to the user, in response to the sensed finger position, an indication of finger placement relative to the fingerprint image sensor. The indication of finger placement may include a display on a computer monitor of actual finger placement and desired finger placement. The fingerprint sensing system may include an image sensor to sense a fingerprint on a swiped finger, a finger position sensor to sense the position of the finger relative to the image sensor, and processing apparatus to provide the indication of finger placement to the user.

Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for the recognition of finger lines. A housing is provided at which a hand contact area is provided for several fingers. Furthermore a thumb contact area for the thumb of the same hand is arranged. The thumb and the hand contact area are arranged angularly to each other. In the housing at least one scanning unit for the hand, respectively the thumb, contact area is provided which serves for recording of at least the finger lines, respectively the thumb lines.

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus for forming a fingerprint image includes a partial sensor configured to obtain partial images of a fingerprint of a finger moving over the partial sensor; a reference image storing unit configured to store a reference partial image; and an image difference calculating unit configured to calculate a reference image difference between the reference partial image and a first partial image, to calculate a current image difference between the reference partial image and a second partial image, to calculate an amount of movement and/or a position of the finger based on a ratio of the current image difference to the reference image difference, and to store the second partial image and/or the first partial image as parts of the fingerprint image to be formed if the amount of movement and/or the position of the finger is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An acquisition system for obtaining images of a fingerprint from a finger, or marks of another kind of target. The system may have two or more cameras positioned at different directions towards the target. Each camera may have a light source for illuminating the target from a direction different than that of the respective camera. The cameras may take sequences of images of the target at different focuses as the whole target might not be in focus in one image due to a depth of focus being less than the depth of the target. Portions of the images showing the target in focus may be cut from the images and stitched together to result in an image revealing virtually the whole target in focus. This target may be a fingerprint to be rolled out on or in a two dimensional medium for analysis, identification, storage, and so on.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying the continued presence of the same player at a gaming machine is provided. The system comprises a device for continuously obtaining verification data samples, wherein each verification data sample relates to one or more physical features of a first player. A subsequently obtained verification data sample is analyzed to determine whether it is substantially similar to a previously obtained verification data sample. If the subsequent verification data sample is substantially similar to the previously obtained verification data sample, then the system determines that the first player continues to be the same player present at the gaming machine.

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: The biometric information input apparatus comprises a fingerprint sensor which detects biometric information, and moisture absorbing units and which are arranged adjacent to the fingerprint sensor and absorb moisture. The moisture absorbing units and have a groove structure which generates a capillary phenomenon. The fingerprint sensor is of the sweep type which scans biometric information through relative displacement with the finger, and is formed in parallel with the direction of relative displacement between the groove structure and the finger. The groove structure has a width smaller than the pitch of the ridges of an average fingerprint.

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: Individual authentication techniques are disclosed, which relate to a vein recognition based to biometric authentication system. Systems and methods to capture the subcutaneous vein pattern at the back of the palm and use it as the biometric identity of an individual are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent encryption key with biometric identification apparatus and method. Embodiments of the invention include an intelligent encryption key with biometric identification apparatus, comprising a biometric acquisition unit, a processing unit, a storage unit and I/O units. The processing unit is connected to the acquisition unit via one of the I/O units; the storage unit is connected to the processing unit; and the other one of the I/O units is also connected to the processing unit for connecting the host. The present invention employs biometric information of human body as authentication information. Moreover, the present invention discloses an operating method of the intelligent encryption key with biometric identification function, which allows improving the security and usability of intelligent encryption key by acquiring biometrics of a user.

Abstract: A finger guide positions a finger on a fingerprint sensor in a manner optimal for the operation of authentication or identification while grasping a stylus. The finger guide may also be used for enrollment of the initial fingerprint data into the system through one or more readings of generally the same relevant portions of the fingerprint for translation into a template for future comparison. The finger guide non-forcibly guides the subject writer's finger into a position where a relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the fingerprint sensor so that said relevant portion of the sensed fingerprint correlate with generally same relevant portions of the fingerprint previously translated into the template. The finger guide and stylus may be used with a dynamic signature verification system to authenticate or identify the writer or to verify that the writer has signed his name.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus with a thin-shaped body. The image pickup apparatus includes: emitter means 8 for emitting an imaging light; light transmission means for leading the imaging light that comes from one face directly to another face, and leading the imaging light that comes from a certain position of the another face to a different position of the one face; and image pickup means for picking up an image equivalent to the imaging light from the light transmission means. Therefore, the emitter means can be placed substantially on the same plane as the image pickup means under the one face M1 of the light transmission means. Thus, the body of the image pickup apparatus can be thinner.

Abstract: A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of masking a plain datum b having n bits. The inventive method is characterised in that a masked datum m is produced using the following masking function: (I), wherein p is a prime number, bi is the bit at position i of plain datum b, and qi is the prime number at position i in a set of prime numbers (q1, . . . , qn). The invention also relates to a method of masking a biometric print, consisting in: determining a set of s real minutiae which are characteristic of the print; mixing and arranging the real minutiae with t false minutiae; and forming a mixed biometric datum b having n=s+t bits, such that, for any i: bi=1 if position i corresponds to a real minutia, and bi=0 if position i corresponds to a false minutia. The invention can be used to secure a security document such as a bank cheque.

Abstract: The present invention allows a device to easily generate pseudorandom numbers using information about a living body. An imaging element outputs an image signal equivalent to imaging light reflecting a target of identification inside a certain part of a living body. The device extracts data from the image signal output from the imaging element. This data reflects a change arising from the living body and a change of the imaging element. The device then generates a pseudorandom number using the data as a seed. Specifically, to produce the seed, the device sequentially selects two image signals output from the imaging element as a pair, sequentially detects difference between the pair of image signals, recognizes one of the detected differences as criterion, and then calculates a degree of difference between the criterion and the rest of differences.

Abstract: Impact resistant circuit modules are disclosed for enclosing a die having a sensor area. Preferred modules include a flexible circuit and a die coupled thereto. The flexible circuit is preferably folded over compressible material to help absorb applied forces. A gap may be provided between sides of the die and the compressible material to help prevent peeling. A metal reinforcing layer may be bonded to the back of the die. A low modulus material including a patterned gap underneath the die may be used to absorb forces. A dry film adhesive may be placed between at least part of the upper surface of the die and the flexible circuit, preferably to provide further point impact resistance and protection. High and low modulus material may be combined in ruggedizing structures. Consumer devices employing such circuit modules are also taught, as well as module construction methods.

Abstract: The imaging apparatus for authenticating a user can quickly perform matching step of the inputted biometric data. This apparatus for authenticating the user includes an imaging unit for imaging a guided finger and a guided palm, a matching data storing unit for storing the determined finger image and the determined palm image, and a matching unit for matching the imaged finger image and the imaged palm image with the stored finger image and the stored palm image. The matching unit selects the finger image having the similar feature amount based on the imaged finger image and authenticates a user based on the result of matching of the palm image corresponding to the selected finger image with the imaged palm image.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method of inserting symbols thereof are disclosed, by which a convenient symbol input system is provided and by which a user is facilitated to input a symbol using a fingerprint pattern of the user. The present invention includes a fingerprint recognizer, a control unit searching a symbol matched to the recognized fingerprint pattern if a fingerprint pattern is recognized by the fingerprint recognizer, and an output unit outputting the searched symbol.

Abstract: A fingerprint identifying system includes a light source, a light-transmissive finger press plate, and an image-capturing unit. The light-transmissive finger press plate is disposed to receive light from the light source, and has a top face adapted to contact a finger, a bottom face, and at least one first microstructure layer formed on at least one of the top and bottom faces of the light-transmissive finger press plate for guiding the light received from the light source to uniformly scatter. The image-capturing unit is disposed below the light-transmissive finger press plate.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes an image reading assembly positioned below a placement surface on which an object to be examined is placed, and a sensing circuit for sensing that the object is placed on the placement surface, in accordance with a pressure applied to the placement surface.

Abstract: A registration apparatus includes a corresponding pixel detection unit that detects two or more than two pixels in an object of identification shown in a first image obtained by shooting the object of identification at a site of a living body from a first position and corresponding two or more than two pixels, whichever appropriate, in the object of identification shown in a second image obtained by shooting the object of identification from a second position different from the first position and located substantially on a plane including the first position, an inclination detection unit that detects the extent of inclination of the site of the living body relative to a reference plane on the basis of the difference of each corresponding pair of pixels, a correction unit that corrects the distortion of the first image or the second image according to the extent of inclination and a registration unit that registers the object of identification shown in the first image or the second image corrected for the dist

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for biometric sensing. An illumination subsystem provides light at discrete wavelengths to a skin site of an individual. A detection subsystem receives light scattered from the skin site. A computational unit is interfaced with the detection system. The computational unit has instructions for deriving a spatially distributed multispectral image from the received light at the discrete wavelengths. The computational unit also has instructions for comparing the derived multispectral image with a database of multispectral images to identify the individual.

Abstract: To provide a hand-held device with built-in fingerprint sensor provided on a control panel, which does not ruins the operability of the movement of a cursor or a pointer of the display screen. A hand-held device with built-in fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint sensor for the fingerprint attestation provided on a control panel. A cursor or a pointer displayed on a display unit is moved according to a time change in the position where the pressure is provided or the movement of the finger on the sensor side of the fingerprint sensor. Further, the timing when said time change is detected is decided according to a time change in the position of the finger on said sensor side or the applied pressure.

Abstract: A finger sensor may include a plurality of finger image sensing arrays for generating a respective plurality of finger image data sets based upon sliding finger movement over the finger image sensing arrays, and a processor cooperating with the finger image sensing arrays. The processor may determine finger movement based upon the finger image data sets, and generate a resampled finger image data set by resampling the finger image data sets based upon the determined finger movement. The processor may further deskew the finger image data sets when generating the resampled finger image data set.

Abstract: Method of comparing a test fingerprint with a stored reference fingerprint. The stored reference fingerprint and an image strip sequence of the test fingerprint are produced, wherein image strips of the image strip sequence represent different areas of the test fingerprint. Individual distance values between each image strip of the test fingerprint and at least one section of the reference fingerprint using a distance function are determined. An overall distance value from the individual distance values are determined, the overall distance value being a measure of similarity between the test fingerprint and the reference fingerprint.

Abstract: There is provided an authentication device capable of improving an authentication accuracy, in which a finger tilt angle ? made by a straight line between the positions at the fingertip abutting portion 6 and the image pickup camera 4 and the finger positioned in the imaging space is detected from a distance D2 (FIG. 5) between the finger positioned in the imaging space and the image pickup camera 4 and the distance D1 (FIG. 5) between the positions at the image pickup camera 4 and the fingertip abutting portion 6. The projection distortion of the corresponding comparative images can be removed according to the difference between the finger tilt angle ? and the finger tilt angle ? of registration information previously stored at the time of registration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus with a thin-shaped body. The image pickup apparatus includes: emitter means 8 for emitting an imaging light; light transmission means for leading the imaging light that comes from one face directly to another face, and leading the imaging light that comes from a certain position of the another face to a different position of the one face; and image pickup means for picking up an image equivalent to the imaging light from the light transmission means. Therefore, the emitter means can be placed substantially on the same plane as the image pickup means under the one face M1 of the light transmission means. Thus, the body of the image pickup apparatus can be thinner.

Abstract: An identification card includes a fingerprint sensor, an antenna, a dual-mode radio frequency modulator connected to the antenna and digital circuitry having memory to store a digital word, the digital word including a representation of a fingerprint initially scanned by the fingerprint sensor to identify an individual associated with the identification card. The identification card further includes a control processor connected to the digital circuitry and the radio frequency modulator to communicate a signal to the antenna indicative of a successful match between the fingerprint initially scanned by the fingerprint sensor and newly scanned fingerprint. With such an arrangement, a technique is provided biometrically authenticating the identity of an individual passing through a checkpoint without requiring the individual to stop or exit a vehicle and eliminates the need for a central database of biometric data on individuals.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, and a controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for generating successive image samples at least some of which are separated by different time intervals. The controller may generate finger movement signals based upon the successive image samples and the different time intervals. The controller may generate a plurality of repeating groups of ratio-metrically related image samples based upon the different time intervals. The reduced number of image samples may provide greater processing efficiency and reduced power consumption.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, a sensor controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for collecting image data therefrom, an image processor, and a communications path for sending image data from the sensor controller to the image processor. The sensing device may use at least one of the sensor controller and the image processor for (i) selecting a reference image data subset based upon reference image data, (ii) selecting a new image data subset, and (iii) comparing the new image data subset to the reference image data subset to develop a matching score, and, if the matching score is above a matching threshold, then not having new image data corresponding to the new image data subset sent over the data communications path, and, if the matching score is below the matching threshold, then having the new image data corresponding to the new image data subset sent over the data communications path.

Abstract: Device (1) for the taking of fingerprints, wherein the fingerprint is impressed on an impression surface (3) of a prism (5), allows to obtain of a predetermined image by indirect light, less sensitive to the presence of residues and dirt, and comprises a light source (15) laterally placed with respect to the taking surface (11) on which the fingerprint is impressed, one surface (12) adjacent to that on which the fingerprint is impressed being treated so as to have one layer (13) having a reduced reflectivity directed toward the inside of the prism (5).

Abstract: Every time to-be-verified biometric is input, the apparatus reflects the degree of fluctuation in the to-be-verified biometric information on narrowing down of registered feature information. After to-be-verified biometric information is input through the a biometric information input unit, the to-be-verified sub-feature information obtaining unit extracts two or more items of sub-feature information from the to-be-verified biometric information. Based on the pieces of to-be-verified sub-feature information, the to-be-verified sub-feature information assessing unit assesses an acquisition stability of each item of to-be-verified sub-feature information. According to the acquisition stability assessment, the registered feature information narrowing unit selects one or more pieces of registered feature information to be subjected to comparison/verification, thereby narrowing down the registered feature information.

Abstract: To provide an image pick-up apparatus, a fingerprint certification apparatus, and an image pick-up method capable of correcting a light volume unevenness by variation of the light volume in a plurality of light sources. An image pick-up device unit comprises pixels which are two dimensionally arranged, and images an object. A light source consists of a plurality of LEDs arranged in parallel to the main scan direction of the image pick-up device unit, and impinges a light on the object. A LED driving unit controls the luminance of a plurality of LEDs so that the light volume distribution of the center region of the main scan direction in the image pick-up device unit becomes more uniform.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: A finger biometric sensor may include a thin film substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT) layer on the thin film substrate, and an array of electric field sensing electrodes adjacent the TFT layer for receiving a finger adjacent thereto. The TFT layer may include a plurality of TFTs defining a respective TFT amplifier stage for each electric field sensing electrode. The sensor may further include a finger excitation electrode adjacent the array of electric field sensing electrodes, and at least one integrated circuit adjacent the thin film substrate. The integrated circuit may include a monocrystalline substrate and processing circuitry adjacent the monocrystalline substrate and connected to the TFT amplifier stages.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for the optoelectronic recording of a moving object, particularly for recording a finger that is rolled on a support surface. It is the object of the invention to find a novel possibility for electronic recording of rolled fingerprints which enables high-resolution individual images with a high image rate for joining the individual images without gaps to form a total image by means of simple sensors.

Abstract: Herein is described a tokenless biometric method for processing electronic transmissions, using at least one user biometric sample, an electronic identicator and an electronic rule module clearinghouse. The steps for processing of the electronic transmissions comprise of a user registration step, wherein a user registers with an electronic identicator at least one registration biometric sample taken directly from the person of the user. A formation of a rule module customized to the user in a rule module clearinghouse, wherein at least one pattern data of a user is associated with at least one execution command of the user. A user identification step, wherein the electronic identicator compares a bid biometric sample taken directly from the person of the user with at least one previously registered biometric sample for producing either a successful or failed identification of the user.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing with a connector member opening therein, electronic circuitry within the housing, and a finger sensor assembly carried by the housing. The finger assembly may include a thinned finger sensing integrated circuit (IC) secured to the housing that has a thickness less than 200 microns. The finger sensor assembly may also include a connector member extending through the connector member opening in the housing and coupling together the thinned finger sensing IC and the electronic circuitry. The thinned finger sensing IC may be adhesively secured to the housing, such as using a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the thinned finger sensing IC may conform to a non-planar surface.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a main body, a cover having a through hole, an image sensor and a first lens received in the main body, a second lens received in the through hole, and a light source embedded in the main body. The first lens has a bottom surface with a first curved portion, a first flat surface and a side surface. The light source is configured for illuminating the first flat surface. The second lens has a top surface with a second curved portion, and a second flat surface. Wherein the cover is movable relative to main body between a first position where the second lens is away from the first lens such that the first flat surface is exposed, and a second position where the second flat surface faces towards the first flat surface and the second curved portion aligns with the first curved portion.

Abstract: A finger sensor may include a finger sensing integrated circuit (IC) having a finger sensing area, an IC carrier having a cavity receiving the finger sensing IC therein and having at least one beveled upper edge, and a frame surrounding at least a portion of an upper perimeter of the IC carrier and having at least one inclined surface corresponding to the at least one beveled upper edge of the IC carrier. The finger sensor may also include a biasing member for biasing the IC carrier into alignment within the frame. The biasing member may include at least one resilient body for biasing the IC carrier upward within the frame. In other embodiments, the finger sensor may include an IC carrier having a cavity receiving the finger sensing IC therein and having at least one laterally extending projection.

Abstract: An acquisition system for obtaining images of a fingerprint from a finger, or marks of another kind of target. The system may have two or more cameras positioned at different directions towards the target. Each camera may have a light source for illuminating the target from a direction different than that of the respective camera. The cameras may take sequences of images of the target at different focuses as the whole target might not be in focus in one image due to a depth of focus being less than the depth of the target. Portions of the images showing the target in focus may be cut from the images and stitched together to result in an image revealing virtually the whole target in focus. This target may be a fingerprint to be rolled out on or in a two dimensional medium for analysis, identification, storage, and so on.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading an image pattern of a detecting object comprises a detecting surface on which a detecting object is placed, a sensor array having a plurality of sensors arranged to read an image pattern of the detecting object placed on the detecting surface, a first detection electrode, provided on at least an upper portion of the sensor array, having the detecting surface; a second detection electrode provided to be electrically insulated and spaced from the first detection electrode; a counter electrode provided to be opposite to the first detection electrode through an interlayer insulating film; signal voltage applying circuit which applies a signal voltage having a first signal waveform that varies periodically to the counter electrode to excite a second signal waveform to the first detection electrode through the interlayer insulating film, and contact detector which determines whether the detecting object brought into contact with the detecting surface is a specific detecting ob

Abstract: A fingerprint image pickup device includes a light source that emits a light for transmission through a fingertip portion having a fingerprint to be photographed, an image pickup unit that picks up the light from the light source and transmitted through the subject to acquire a fingerprint image in which convex and concave parts of the fingerprint are dark and bright, respectively, and an optical system that images the light transmitted through the fingertip portion on the image pickup unit. The optical system is arranged so that a distal side of the fingertip portion is tilted, at a predetermined angle, farther away from the optical system than an opposite side, with reference to a position at which a ventral side of the fingertip portion contacts a face orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical system.

Abstract: Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant.

Abstract: Quality of biometric prints is enhanced by any one of several different methods. In one embodiment, if a biometric print does not have a high enough quality, the biometric print is discarded. In another embodiment, a matching score is associated with the degree to which the two biometric prints match. In another embodiment, a ranking is associated with a biometric print, and the ranking is determined based upon two or more matching scores associated with the biometric print. In another embodiment, a variety of distinguishing features are derived from a given biometric print and are stored for authenticating a biometric print of a user requesting access to a secure entity. In an embodiment, a transformation is applied to at least a portion of a newly acquired biometric print to improve the match of the newly acquired biometric print to a stored biometric print.