Method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear sensor
AssigneeDigital Persona, Inc.
InventorKenneth Brownlee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for scanning a fingerprint using a linear optical sensor. A finger or palm is rolled over a transparent roller. A light source directs light through the roller to illuminate or detect the finger. Light directed through the roller is focused onto a linear imaging device. A full 2D recreation of the fingerprint is assembled from the discrete line-image data collected by the linear array imaging sensor. The apparatus contains a rotation detector to detect rotational movement of the roller. A finger guide positioned adjacent to the roller prevents distortion of the finger due to excess pressure.
Claims25
An apparatus for scanning a fingerprint comprising:
- a linear imaging device;
- a substantially cylindrical transparent roller having an outer circumferential surface and two ends the transparent roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis, the transparent roller designed to have a finger rolled on the outer circumferential surface;
- a light source positioned to direct light through the circumferential surface of the transparent roller;
- and
- a focusing device to focus light directed through the circumferential surface of the transparent roller onto the linear imaging device.
A method for scanning a fingerprint comprising the steps of:
- rolling a finger over an outer circumferential surface of a transparent roller, the roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis;
- illuminating the finger with light directed through the outer circumferential surface of the roller;
- focusing light directed through the outer circumferential surface of the transparent roller onto a linear imaging device;
- and
- capturing an image of the fingerprint through the roller with the linear imaging device.
An apparatus for scanning a fingerprint comprising:
- a linear imaging device;
- a transparent roller rotatable on rotation points located on a longitudinal axis of the roller, the transparent roller designed to receive a finger rolled along an outer circumferential surface of the roller;
- a light source positioned to direct light through an outer circumferential surface of the roller;
- and
- a focusing device to focus light directed trough the circumferential surface of the transparent roller onto the linear imaging device.
An apparatus for scanning a fingerprint comprising:
- a linear imaging device;
- a transparent roller having a circumferential surface and two ends, the roller rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the roller, the roller forming a convex optical element designed to receive a finger on the convex optical element;
- a light source positioned to direct light through an outer circumferential surface of the roller;
- and
- an imaging device to obtain an image of the fingerprint through capturing light rays that exit the roller along the circumferential surface of the roller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.