Abstract: A biometric authentication device includes: a matching data generating unit which generates matching data from at least one biometric image representing a plurality of pieces of biometric information of a user; a mutual biometric information feature amount extraction unit which extracts a mutual biometric information feature amount representing the degree of similarity between two pieces of biometric information of the plurality of pieces of biometric information; a selection unit, which, for each of the first predetermined number of the registered users, computes a first selecting score based on the mutual biometric information feature amounts of the user and the registered users and selects the second predetermined number of registered users in order of decreasing the level of similarity based on the first selecting score of each registered users; and a matching unit which matches the matching data of the selected registered users with the matching data of the user.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a finger sensor, a display, and a controller coupled to the finger sensor and the display. The controller may be configured to collect finger data from multiple portions of a user's finger as the user's finger is moved around on the finger sensor along a finger travel path. The controller may also be configured to generate on the display a finger movement trace corresponding to the finger movement travel path.

Abstract: The present invention is an authentication apparatus comprising: a prism of an approximately quadrangle-frustum shape, the prism of the approximately quadrangle-frustum shape is arranged so that a bottom side, out of two parallel surfaces of the prism of approximately quadrangle-frustum shape, is a placing surface side for a finger; a first imaging means is arranged below a top surface parallel to the bottom surface, the first imaging means that images an image of the finger transmitted through the top surface; a light source that radiates light to at least one side surface of a first set of side surfaces, out of two sets of side surfaces of the approximately quadrangle-frustum shape that face each other; and a second imaging means that images the image of the finger transmitted through a second set of side surfaces, out of the two sets of side surfaces.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus for processing the images of fingerprints can be provided. For example, aligned images can be subjected to a tessellation process, whereas each image can be partitioned into a number of regions. Within each region at least one parameter associated with the ridges can be measured and stored. Such exemplary parameter can include, e.g., the prevailing ridge orientation, the average ridge separation and the phase of the ridges. The data can be projected and stored in a multidimensional coordinate system, whereas the representations of any two data can be separated by an amount corresponding to the dissimilarity of these data.

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: An apparatus for determining a fake image includes an image-acquiring block for acquiring an image captured by and input from a camera; and a background-learning block for learning a background of the image to create a learning background. Further, the apparatus for determining the fake image includes a face extracting-block for extracting a face region of a person to be authenticated when an input image for authentication is transmitted from the camera; and an inter-background comparing block for comparing a present background of an input image with the learning background. Furthermore, the apparatus for determining the fake image includes a motion information-comparing block for extracting motion information in the face region and the present background to compare the same with each other; and a fake image-determining block for determining whether the input image is faked using the compared results of the motion information and the backgrounds.

Abstract: An apparatus acquires information on a user's finger veins for personal authentication and includes: guides which form a space to put the user's finger in and block external light to come into the space sideways; a door assembly which closes when the user's finger is not in place and opens downward by a pushing force of the user's finger when the user's finger is in place, and blocks external light from above the space; a light source section disposed on a surface of the door assembly surface for irradiating the user's finger with light; a filter located at a space bottom and having a reflective surface for reflecting external light coming into the space or light from the light source section; and an imaging unit located under the filter for taking an image of veins of the user's finger exposed to the light emitted from the light source section.

Abstract: A biometric information acquisition apparatus includes: a light guide that guides a light beam through a plurality of light reflective surfaces; and an image pickup unit that receives the light beam output from the light guide and captures a subject image. The light guide includes an input surface that receives the subject image and is provided at a front surface side; a first light reflective surface that is opposed to the input surface and is provided at a back surface side; and a second light reflective surface that extends in a thickness direction of the light guide. A subject image can be acquired within a desired range by employing the light guide, while suppressing an increase in size of the biometric information acquisition apparatus.

Abstract: A device for capturing biometric characteristics, the device having an optical sensor with a field of view covering a detection zone for detecting optical characteristics, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the sensor in order to control it, the control unit being placed at least in part in the field of view of the sensor and includes a memory containing at least one signature resulting from at least one reference optical characteristic of the control unit as seen by the sensor, and a comparator module for comparing the signature with at least one corresponding signature that results from at least one optical characteristic of the control unit as supplied by the sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting users' pressing action is applied to an electronic apparatus which has at least an optical operating unit for an user to operate the electronic apparatus. The method includes the steps of detecting a deformation of a forcing object which forces the optical operating unit; and determining whether the user performs a pressing action according to a deformation degree of the forcing object. Further, an optical operating unit using the method is provided.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a light source; a prism having an imaging surface to be contacted with an object; and an image-forming optical system that forms an image of the object. The image-forming optical system includes a front lens group having a first optical axis tilted relative to the imaging surface; an image plane tilted from a surface perpendicular to the first optical axis of the front lens group; and a rear lens group having a second optical axis shifted in parallel to the first optical axis of the front lens group. The image-forming optical system is arranged to satisfy the following conditional expression: |Aim|/(90°?Ain)<0.5 Where Ain is an acute angle between the imaging surface and the first optical axis, and Aim is an angle between the image plane and a surface perpendicular to the first optical axis.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for contactless fingerprint detection and verification comprising illuminating a fingerprint and directing a reflected light through an imaging system using liquid crystal panels and birefringent elements to polarize the light. A plurality of polarized images are captured and used to calculate the depth of structural features on the fingertip. A means to generate a two-dimensional rolled equivalent image of the fingerprint is also provided which may then be used for verification and authentication. The invention also provides an imaging system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing rolled fingerprint capture and palm capture capability in a device having reduced size are provided. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods provide capture of rolled fingerprints, slap fingerprints and palm prints in one continuous workflow in a compact device. In certain embodiments, moisture discriminating optics and/or enhanced definition image formation previously achieved only in devices designed for capturing only fingerprints are provided. In certain embodiments, the systems employ a single scanning device to capture 500 ppi and/or 1000 ppi palm and fingerprint images.

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: An apparatus for capturing the image of a wet/moist fingerprint. The apparatus includes: a prism having an imaging plane on which a finger having valleys and ridges is place, a bottom plane parallel to the imaging plane and a reflective plane intercepting the imaging plane and intercepting the bottom plane at an angle ?; a light source for generating a light with an incident angle of approximately 0° with respect to a surface normal of the imaging plane; and a lens for capturing light reflected from the reflective plane. The apparatus further includes an image sensor for generating an image of the valleys and ridges of the finger, wherein the reflective plane is arranged in such a way to meet the equation of ?>45 +(arc sin (n1/n2))/2, where n1 is a refraction index of medium filled between the valleys of the finger and the imaging plane, and n2 is refraction index of the prism.

Abstract: A fingerprint identification apparatus includes at least three light sources, a light guide, a camera module and a processor. The light guide has a top and a bottom surfaces and at least three side surfaces. The top surface serves as a fingerprint contacting surface, each of the side surfaces has a first curved portion, the bottom surface has a second curved portion. Each of the first curved portions is opposite to the respective light sources and configured for converging the light beams emitted from thereof onto the top surface for illuminating a fingerprint thereon. The camera module aligns and cooperates with the second curved portion for capturing and converting an optical image of the fingerprint into electronic image associated with the fingerprint. The processor is configured for receiving and comparing the electronic image associated with the fingerprint with pre-stored electronic images of fingerprints to verify the fingerprint.

Abstract: An optical fiber preform comprises a primary preform that includes at least one inner cladding and a central core deposited inside a fluorine doped silica tube. The fluorine doped silica tube has a cross section area that is no more than about 15 percent smaller than the cross section area of the primary preform. The optical fiber preform has a large capacity, may be manufactured at reduced cost, and may be drawn to produce an optical fiber having reduced transmission losses.

Abstract: A method for processing at least an imprint image of an individual using a processing device that comprises an exhibition glass sheet having a surface for receiving said imprint. The method includes acquiring without contact at least one image of the imprint present in the space upstream from the said surface and which has not yet been in contact with it and detecting the contact between the imprint and the exhibition glass sheet; acquiring by contact at least one image of the imprint after contact with the exhibition glass sheet; and standardizing at least one of the contact-less images in proportions that are identical to those of one of the contact images by analysing at least one of the contact-less images and at least one of the contact images.

Abstract: The present invention regards a system comprised of a camera lens, a sensor, a light source and a structure for directly collecting (imaging) latent fingerprints from surfaces, either naturally or with a reagent to fluoresce, and suitable for use in military tactical environments. The present invention is intended to be used with a portable computer, having software capable of receiving, storing and processing images collected by the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A biometrics authentication system includes: a detection section; a light source section including a plurality of unit light sources capable of illuminating independently of one another; an image pickup device being arranged on the same side as a side where the light source section is arranged with respect to the detection section; a driving section driving the light source section so that the unit light sources periodically illuminate by time division, and driving the image pickup device so that while an image pickup operation by a first image pickup cell group positioned near each of illuminating unit light sources is suspended, an image pickup operation by a second image pickup cell group positioned farther from each of illuminating unit light sources than the first image pickup cell group is performed; an image processing section; and an authentication section.

Abstract: A fingerprint input module includes at least one prism sheet, an image-capturing unit, and a planar light source. The prism sheet has a micro-prism array. The image-capturing unit has a lens. The planar light source is disposed between the prism sheet and the image-capturing unit, and has a through hole in optical alignment with the lens for passage of light from the micro-prism array to the lens.

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: Disclosed is a pressure sensor comprising: a substrate; a pressure reception plate which is provided in a state of facing the substrate, the pressure reception plate comprising in a surface which faces the substrate, a low reflection region, and a high reflection region having a relatively higher reflection ratio compared to the low reflection region; a support portion to change a distance between the substrate and the pressure reception plate when a pressure is applied to the pressure reception plate, the support portion being provided in between the substrate and the pressure reception plate; and a plurality of light receiving elements which are respectively provided on the substrate in positions facing the low reflection region and in positions facing the high reflection region, of the pressure reception plate.

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: Methods and systems are provided for performing a biometric measurement on an individual. A purported skin site of the individual is illuminated under a plurality of distinct optical conditions during a single illumination session. Light scattered beneath a surface of the purported skin site is received separately for each of the plurality of distinct optical conditions. A multispectral image of the purported skin site is derived from the received light. A biometric function is performed with the derived multispectral image.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a transparent prismatic element having two contiguous inlet surfaces separated by a ridge. A lens and an image sensor make it possible to acquire images, each including a reproduction of a first pattern located against one of the inlet surfaces, and a reproduction of a second imaged pattern through the other inlet surface. Such a device can be used in a biometric detection apparatus for detecting both a skin print and the vein distribution of a user. The device can also be used in a reading terminal capable of detecting a skin print and a machine-readable tape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a biometric capture optical device (1) comprising a prismatic optical element (2) having one side (4) appearing in a window (3) to provide a support surface for a bodily limb and illuminating means (6) designed to illuminate the side (4) from within the element (2) and form by total reflection a biometric image of the bodily limb; in addition, luminous information display means are located beneath the element (2) opposite the window (3) so as, in the absence of the bodily limb on the side (4), to transmit, without total reflection, through the window (3) a luminous information image visible from outside (15).

Abstract: In a method of facilitating the playing of a game via a gaming apparatus, a wager may be received via a value input device. Biometric data associated with a game play selection of a game may be received, and whether to permit the game play selection may be determined based on the received biometric data. A video image relating to the game may be displayed on a display unit, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined.

Abstract: A registration apparatus includes: display control means for controlling display means to display a body part reflected on an image pickup surface and where the body part should be placed on the image pickup surface; driver means for driving a light source to emit light specific to a verification object inside the body part, the verification object being used for verification; extraction means for extracting a pattern of the verification object reflected on the image pickup surface as a result of emitting the light; and registration means for registering in storage means the pattern extracted by the extraction means.

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 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: According to the present invention, first, the first biometric information “a” is divided equally and biometric information “a” and biometric information “a?” are generated, the second biometric information “b” is divided equally and biometric information “b?” and biometric information “b?” are similarly generated. Then the biometric information “a?” that is the first half of the first biometric information “a” and the biometric information “b?” that is the first half of the second biometric information “b” are combined to generate one piece of biometric information 1 for a person. The biometric information “a?” that is the second half of the first biometric information “a”, and the biometric information “b?” that is the second half of the second biometric information “b”, are similarly combined to generate the other piece of biometric information 2 for the person. The biometric information 1 and 2 are stored and used for matching later.

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: 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: An imaging module for biometrics authentication comprises: a light source irradiating a living body with light capable of passing through the living body; a prism having an incidence surface including an incidence area for taking in light emerging from the living body, two or more reflecting surfaces for reflecting the light taken in through the incidence area, and an outlet surface for outputting the light reflected by the reflecting surfaces; and a camera module including a lens for focusing the light emerging from the outlet surface of the prism and an image pickup device for converting the light focused thereon by the lens into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal.

Abstract: A pattern matching device 1 includes an image obtaining unit 101 that obtains an image of a subject containing plural types of biometric patterns. Further, the pattern matching device 1 includes a separation-and-extraction unit 102 that separates and extracts the plural types of biometric patterns from the image. Yet further, the pattern matching device 1 includes a matching unit 103 that matches the separated and extracted plural types of biometric patterns against pre-registered biological information for matching, thereby to derive plural matching results.

Abstract: Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.

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 invention relates to a method of checking the authenticity of biometric sensing performed optically, in which a body organ (6) placed on a main face (2) of a prismatic optical element (1) is illuminated (8) with total internal reflection, and then the reflected radiation carrying the biometric image of said body organ is picked up (9). The method comprises the steps of superposing on the main illumination (8) on the main face (2) of the prismatic optical element (1), encoding illumination (14) in such a manner that it is the encoded combined radiation that is reflected by said main face (2) and picked up (9), and comparing (17) the encoded combined radiation with the encoding of the encoding illuminating radiation; thereby detecting the authenticity of the reflected radiation conveying the biometric image associated with the body organ placed on the main face.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating an orientation are disclosed. Methods of estimating an orientation include: dividing a fingerprint image into first partial regions, measuring the gradient of each pixel of the fingerprint image, and estimating a representative orientation of each of the first partial regions; obtaining an improved fingerprint image by filtering the fingerprint image using a double orientation filter, and remeasuring the representative orientation of each of the first partial regions by remeasuring the gradient of each pixel of the improved fingerprint image; and dividing the first partial regions into second partial regions, and estimating the representative orientation of the second partial regions with respect to the curvatures of the first partial regions in response to the remeasured representative orientation of each of the first partial regions and the remeasured gradients of the pixels.

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: Image normalization examines the pixels of two frames, most commonly sequentially obtained sub-images, and mathematically determines the displacement of those pixels from the first frame to the second based on pixel data. The pixel data is obtained from a scanning device, and may be for example grayscale value. The image may be for example that of a user's fingerprint, and the image normalization used to form a computed image of the fingerprint from a plurality of sub-images obtained from a fingerprint scanner. The computed image may be stored, compared to a reference frame or otherwise processed, for example for identifying the user.

Abstract: Provided are a fingerprint recognition apparatus including a sterilizing function and a method for sterilizing the same. The fingerprint recognition apparatus includes a sterilizing light source irradiating a sterilizing light on a fingerprint contact surface of a fingerprint sensor to sterilize at all times the fingerprint contact surface which many and unspecified users contact their fingers on repeatedly. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a route of bacterial infection and improve hygienic conditions.

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 input module includes at least one prism sheet, an image-capturing unit, and a planar light source. The prism sheet has a micro-prism array. The image-capturing unit has a lens. The planar light source is disposed between the prism sheet and the image-capturing unit, and has a through hole in optical alignment with the lens for passage of light from the micro-prism array to the lens.

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 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: 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: 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.