BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

&null;0002&null; 1. Field of the Invention

&null;0003&null; The present invention pertains to biometric imaging technology, and in particular, to live scanning of prints.

&null;0004&null; 2. Background Art

&null;0005&null; Biometrics is a science involving the analysis of biological characteristics. Biometric imaging captures a measurable characteristic of a human being for identity and other related purposes. Print capture and recognition is an important biometric technology. Law enforcement, banking, voting, and other industries increasingly rely upon prints as a biometric to store, recognize or verify identity. Generally, a biometric is a measurable, physical characteristic or personal behavior trait used to recognize the identity, or verify the claimed identity, of a person who has a biometric reference template (e.g., data that represents a biometric measurement) on file.

&null;0006&null; Biometric imaging systems may include, but are not limited to, print imaging systems. Print imaging systems can capture images of prints on thumbs, fingers, palms, toes, feet, and/or hands. Such print imaging systems are also referred to as scanners or live scanners. Conventional live scanners use light to detect an image of a fingerprint and/or palm print. For example, one or more fingers or a palm are placed on a platen. An illumination source illuminates the underside of the platen. An image representative of valleys, ridges, or other characteristics of a fingerprint or a palm print is then detected by an image sensor, such as a solid-state camera.

&null;0007&null; One problem with conventional palm live scanner systems is that a palm naturally curves, while a typical platen has a flat planar surface upon which a palm is placed. Thus, there is a chance that not all portions of the palm print will be imaged during scanning. If this occurs, biometric information can be lost.

&null;0008&null; Also, in many live scanners, increasing the surface area of a flat platen requires a significant increase in the size of a camera being used to detect images on the platen. Large area cameras or sets of cameras can dramatically increase cost and complexity. As a result, the size of the surface area of a flat platen is limited in many live scanners to a size of an average palm or smaller.

&null;0009&null; Therefore, what is needed is a biometric capture system that includes an optical device shaped to better conform to a palm of a user's hand.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

&null;0010&null; Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for capturing biometric data including a non-planar prism configured to be illuminated by a light source and a scanning optical system configured to capture image data of a portion of a person interacting with the non-planar prism.

&null;0011&null; Other embodiments of the present invention provide a system for capturing biometric data including a non-planar prism configured to totally internally reflect light from a curved portion, such that the totally internally reflected light exists a planar portion and an image capturing system that receives the totally internally reflected light and generated image data therefrom of a person interacting with the curved portion.

&null;0012&null; In one aspect of the present invention, the non planar prism includes a curved portion and a planar portion. The curved portion is configured to receive a biometric object (e.g., one or more hands) of the person on a first surface and to totally internally reflect light beams from the light source from a second surface. The planar portion is coupled at an angle to the curved portion. The totally internally reflected light exits through the planar portion, after which it is received by the scanning optical system.

&null;0013&null; In one aspect of the present invention a surface area of the curved portion is substantially larger than a surface area of the planar portion.

&null;0014&null; Through the use of the curved surface of the non-planar prism, which is shaped to better conform to a palm of a user's hand, and the scanning imaging system the system can capture complete hand and palm prints, writer's palm prints, writer's palm, prints in combination with fingertips, and other prints for one or two hands, as is discussed is detail below.

&null;0015&null; Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present inventions, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

&null;0016&null; The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

&null;0017&null; FIG. 1 shows a system for capturing biometric data according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0018&null; FIG. 2 shows a local section of the system in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0019&null; FIG. 3 shows an indicator section of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0020&null; FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 show an encoder section of the system in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

&null;0021&null; FIG. 8 shows a prism and optical system in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0022&null; FIG. 9 shows a prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0023&null; FIGS. 10-11 illustrate how a subject places one or both hands, respectively, on a prism according to various embodiments of the present invention.

&null;0024&null; FIGS. 12-14 show various parts of a hand used during image and biometric analysis according to embodiments of the present invention.

&null;0025&null; FIG. 15 shows an image of a print pattern of writer's palms and fingertips captured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0026&null; FIG. 16 show an image of a print pattern of left and right hand prints taken during different scans captured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

&null;0028&null; Embodiments of the present invention provide a system including a non-planar prism and a scanning imaging system configured to locate and/or scan all or part of a hand print for one or more hands positioned on a curved portion of the non-planar prism. The curved portion can be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry of the non-planar prism. Typically, a print pattern on palm pocket, writer's palm, or the like, is hard to capture on a flat surface. In contrast, the non-planar prism of the present invention provides a form so that a print pattern on the palm pocket, writer's palm, or the like, can be captured. Print patterns or different parts of a hand (e.g., fingertips and a writer's palm) are also more easily captured using the non-planar prism. Hand and/or finger characteristic data can also be captured, for example hand geometry (e.g., finger lengths and spacing between fingers).

&null;0029&null; The scanning imaging system can be stationary or it can be rotated along an arcuate scan path about a centerline axis of the optical element. During the rotation, an image of the full hand print (including thenar, hypothenar, inter digital, palm heel, palm pocket, and fingertips) and/or full palm and finger prints can be captured by the measuring portion. This combination of a curved portion on the non-planar prism (e.g., a conical prism) and arcuate scan path provides a relative large platen surface area upon which to place a print pattern without requiring a correspondingly large area camera or set of cameras.

&null;0030&null; The optical element can also include an alignment device (e.g., a hand-locating feature) than can be used to position a hand based on a point between a thumb and an index finger, between any other two fingers, a full hand on one side of the alignment device, both hands with each hand on either side of the alignment device, or to capture writer's palm and/or writer's palm and fingertip images.

&null;0031&null; The optical element can also include a calibration area (e.g., target) that can be used to check calibration or perform calibration of the measuring device during each scan and/or be captured with the image for future quality control (e.g., calibration of a device displaying the image) of the captured image.

&null;0032&null; A communications system might be used to transmit captured biometric data through an interface to a remote processing system.

&null;0033&null; Terminology

&null;0034&null; To more clearly delineate the present invention, an effort is made throughout the specification to adhere to the following term definitions consistently.

&null;0035&null; The term &null;finger&null; refers to any digit on a hand including, but not limited to, a thumb, an index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or a pinky finger.

&null;0036&null; The term &null;print&null; can be any type of print including, but not limited to, a print of all or part of one or more fingers, palms, toes, foot, hand, etc. A print can also be a rolled print, a flat print, or a slap print.

&null;0037&null; The term &null;hand print,&null; as used herein according to the present invention, can include any region on a hand having a print pattern, including thenar and hypothenar regions of the palm, interdigital regions, palm heel, palm pocket, writer's palm, and/or fingertips.

&null;0038&null; The term &null;biometric data&null; or &null;biometric information&null; throughout the specification can be data representative of a biometric, a digital or other image of a biometric (e.g., raw image data, a bitmap, binary, or other file), extracted digital or other information relating to the biometric (such as minutiae), etc.

&null;0039&null; The term &null;live scan&null; refers to a capture of any type of print image made by a print scanner.

&null;0040&null; A platen can be movable or stationary depending upon the particular type of scanner and, the type of print being captured by the scanner.

&null;0041&null; The terms &null;biometric imaging system,&null; &null;scanner,&null; &null;live scanner,&null; &null;live print scanner,&null; &null;fingerprint scanner,&null; and &null;print scanner&null; are used interchangeably, and refer to any type of scanner which can obtain an image of a print pattern on all or part of one or more fingers, palms, toes, feet, hands, etc. in a live scan. The obtained images can be combined in any format including, but not limited to, an FBI, state, or international tenprint format.

&null;0042&null; The terms &null;finger characteristic information&null; and &null;hand characteristics information&null; are used to describe hand geometry information, such as finger and thumb lengths and spacing and minutiae extracted from print information.

&null;0043&null; The term &null;non-planar prism&null; includes a prism having a non-planar platen surface that extends around all or part of an axis of the prism, and whose non-planar platen surface allows for total internal reflection of light. A non-planar platen surface allows a print pattern (such as, a print pattern on a hand, a palm pocket, a writer's palm, a writer's palm with fingertips), or other hand characteristic images, to be captured. An example of this type of prism can be an approximately conically-shaped prism. Other examples can be approximately spherically shaped prisms, curved prisms, and the like.

&null;0044&null; Overall System

&null;0045&null; FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for capturing image data representing biometric data according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 includes a local section or unit 102 and a remote section or unit 104 (e.g., a computer, or the like) that can be coupled via a network 106. Network 106 can be any type of network or combination of networks known in the art, such as a packet-switched network with wired or wireless links, an intranet, the Internet, an Ethernet, or the like. Example links are links having a FIREWIRE or USB network interface. The remote section 104 may be in a same area as the local section 102, such that local and remote refer to an approximate distance they are relative to a final processing device of the image data (e.g., print or hand characteristic data).

&null;0046&null; Local section 102 includes a non-planar prism 108, having a non-planar (e.g., curved) portion that is symmetrical about an axis of symmetry of the prism, positioned between a light source 110 and a scanning imaging system 112. Scanning imaging system 112 can include a rotating imaging system 114 and a detecting system 116 (e.g., a camera). Scanning imaging system 112 captures image data from parts of a hand (not shown) interacting with non-planar prism 108. The image data is processed in processing and control system 118, which can generate one or both of an output signal and a communications signal, which can include the image data. The output signal can be transmitted to an optional output device 120, while the communications signal can be transmitted to input/output (I/O) device 122. The I/O device 122 then sends the output signal to remote section 104 over network(s) 106.

&null;0047&null; It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments scanning imaging system 112 can include a stationary lens sized to capture all light leaving non-planar prism 108 that has been totally internally reflected from a section of the non-planar prism 108 proximate an area in which a person (not shown) interacts with the non-planar prism 108 and a stationary large area array sensor.

&null;0048&null; Remote section 104 includes an I/O device 124, a processing system 126, and optionally an output device 128. Processing system 126 can be used to process the image data to generate biometric data. For example, extraction and matching operations can be performed on the image data to produce biometric data. Once completed, results can be displayed or audibly indicated using output device 128. It is to be appreciated that other processes known in the biometric arts can also be performed in remote section 104. All of these additional processes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

&null;0049&null; It is to be appreciated that network 106 and/or remote device 104 can be coupled to other peripheral devices and/or networks, which is contemplated within the scope of the present invention.

&null;0050&null; FIG. 2 shows local section 102 of system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Rotating imaging system 114 can include a motor 200, belt 202, and pulley 204 that rotates rotating stage 206, optical enclosure 208, and detecting system 116 around an axis of symmetry of non-planar prism 108. During rotation, positioning of rotating imaging system 114 can be monitored by controller 118 using signals from stop position sensor 210, home position sensor 212, and/or encoder system 214. In this example, encoder system 214 is an optical position encoder receiving light on sensor 216 after the light interacts with strip 218.

&null;0051&null; Although certain dimensions and/or types of devices are shown in this figure, these are not meant to be limiting, only exemplary. It is to be appreciated that different sizes or types of elements can be used within the scope of the present invention.

&null;0052&null; It is to be appreciated that, although not shown, various other types of devices can be used to rotate rotating imaging system 114. For example, an electromagnetic device (e.g., stepper motor), a resilient device, or any other device known to one or ordinary skill in the art are all contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Thus, a motor/belt/pulley system is shown merely as one exemplary way to rotate rotating optical system 114.

&null;0053&null; FIG. 3 shows a portion 300 of output device 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Portion 300 can include one or more of the following indicators: a display 302 (e.g., an LCD display), a plurality of visual indicators 304 (e.g., LEDs), and/or audio device 306. Portion 300 can also include input devices 308.

&null;0054&null; For example, depending on the functionality provided in local system 102, display 302 can output results from an image quality capture routine or an extract and match procedure performed using processing system 126 (e.g., a good scan, an identity of an individual scanned, etc.). Display 302 can also be used to give instructions to an operator as to what needs to done prior to, during, and subsequent to the scanning. Display 302 can further be used to indicate status of the scanning and whether it was successfully completed or not. In another example, display 302 can be a touch panel display that allows an operator to enter information into system 100 or control system 100 using a control device on the display.

&null;0055&null; LEDs 304, as shown in this example, can provide information about system 100 being ON, OFF, READY, or IN USE. LEDs 304 can also provide information regarding a quality of the scan, for example whether the images obtained are acceptable or rejected.

&null;0056&null; Audio device 306 can give audio indications of the status of system 100 shown through LEDs 304. Audio device 306 can also be used to provide pre-stored instructions for an operator, that might be in response to a status of system 100 or a quality of the scanned image.

&null;0057&null; Input devices 308 can be buttons, mechanical interfaces, electronic interfaces, etc. that can be used to control system 100 and or a scanning operation (e.g., an ON/OFF button, a start scan button, or the like).

&null;0058&null; FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 show zoomed in views of portions of encoder section 214 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Any type of position encoder can be used including, but not limited to, optical, magnetic, or mechanized position encoders with incremental or absolute position encoding.

&null;0059&null; FIG. 4 shows an encoder strip 218 having an incremental encoder scale 400 that is coupled to rotating stage 206.

&null;0060&null; FIG. 5 shows a transmission type optical encoder 500. Light passes through scale 400 of encoder strip 218 to be detected by encoder 500 while stage 206 is rotating.

&null;0061&null; FIG. 6 shows a reflection type optical encoder 600. Light reflects from scale 400 of strip 218 to be detected by encoder 600 while stage 206 is rotating.

&null;0062&null; FIG. 7 shows a mechanical encoder 700. An extension 702 (e.g., rod or shaft) interacts with scale 400 of strip 218. This interaction can be monitored by encoder 700.

&null;0063&null; FIG. 8 shows an optical system 208 (e.g., one or more optical elements, lenses, etc.) that can be used to direct an image from prism 108 onto detecting system 116 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0064&null; In one embodiment, optical system 208 can include a large optical device (e.g., a lens) that is large enough to direct light from an entire bottom area of prism 108 (e.g., surface 912 shown in FIG. 9 below) onto detecting system 116. In this embodiment, detecting system 116 can be a relatively large area scanner that looks an entire bottom area of non-planar prism 108.

&null;0065&null; This is in contrast to having a rotating radial detecting system that is used to scan light reflecting from surface 916 (FIG. 9) that exists prism 108 through surface 912 (FIG. 9), i.e., light totally internally reflected from prism 108 onto detecting system 116.

&null;0066&null; In some embodiments process and control system 118 can receive inputs from stop position sensor 210, home position sensor 212, a heater coupled to non-planar prism 108, I/O device 122, and other devices that may be associated with system 100. These inputs can be used to generate various output control signals, for controlling I/O device 122, scanning imaging system 112, and/or other devices that may be associated with system 100. I/O devices 122 and 124 can be FIREWIRE or USB transceivers, or other types of devices as are known in the relevant arts.

&null;0067&null; Non-Planar Prism

&null;0068&null; FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of non-planar prism 108 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Non-planar prism 108 has an opening 900 running along an axis of symmetry 902. Opening 900 is defined within an area 904 of non-planar prism 108 that has a non-planar first section 910 and a substantially planar second section 912. A top portion of non-planar prism 108 can contain a guide or positioning device 914, which is used to properly place a subject's hand (not shown) during biometric image capture.

&null;0069&null; Non-planar prism 108 can be manufactured from transparent, translucent, and/or colored acrylic, glass, plastic, or the like, and may be coated with various protective coatings, as is known in the relevant arts. If the non-planar prism material is colored, it can be of a color that matches a color of light for a light source being used. A first surface 906 of first section 910 is shaped so as to provide the non-planar aspect to prism 108. As discussed above, the non-planar shape is preferably approximately conical, but can also be curved, spherical, or the like, so long as a second surface 916 provides total internal reflection of incident light.

&null;0070&null; Platen surface 906 is a surface upon which an object (e.g., hand(s)) having a print is placed. Platen surface 906 can be a surface of non-planar prism 108 or another surface in optical contact with an outside surface of prism 108. For example, platen surface 906 can be a surface of an optical protective layer (e.g., silicone pad) placed on prism 108 at section 910.

&null;0071&null; In operation, the subject's hand is positioned using positioning device 914 and light enters non-planar prism 108 either from within opening 900 or via an edge 918 of opening 900. The light totally internally reflects from second surface 916, and out second section 912 onto a detector 116 (see FIG. 8).

&null;0072&null; Through use of the shape shown for non-planar prism 108, substantially all or part of a hand (e.g., thenar and/or hypothenar region of the palm, the &null;writer's palm,&null; inter digital regions, palm heel, palm pocket, and/or fingertips) can be captured in one or more scans. This is partially because a surface area of section 910 is sized to receive one or more hands wrapped around non-planar prism 108 generally along a direction of a curve.

&null;0073&null; Accordingly, in embodiments, images with features of up to two hands of a subject can be captured in a single scan.

&null;0074&null; Other exemplary non-planar prisms can be found in U.S. Ser. No. 10/______ , entitled &null;A Non-Planar Prism Used In A System For Obtaining Print And Other Hand Characteristic Information,&null; (Atty. Doc. No. 1823.0820003), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

&null;0075&null; In an optional embodiment, a air treatment system 950 can be located proximate prism 108. Air treatment system 950 can include one or more of the following elements: a sensor 952, a controller, 954, an air supply 956, an air treatment device 958, and a air director 960. It is to be appreciated that although air is used as an exemplary material, other materials now known or developed in the future, which can perform the same function as air, are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Sensor 952 can be a temperature sensor or any other type of sensor. Air supply 956 can be a clear air supply, an ambient air supply, or the like. Air treatment device 958 can be an air conditioner, a heater, or the like. Air director can be a blower, a recirculation pump, or the like.

&null;0076&null; Through directing (e.g., blowing) of air, moisture around prism 108 or a hand(s) interacting therewith can be reduced or substantially eliminated (e.g., dehumidified). This can allow for reduction or elimination of a halo in a captured image. The air can be either treated (e.g., heated, conditioned, etc.) air from air supply 956 that is treated using device 958 or ambient air, which may or may not be treated using device 958.

&null;0077&null; In one embodiment, air treatment system 950 directs a relatively large volume of air, which can dry a hand or platen (i.e., remove or evaporate moisture). In another embodiment, air treatment system 950 directs a relatively small volume of air at a prism, which prevents condensation (e.g., in humid environments) from forming on a platen when a finger or hand is placed thereon. This reduces or prevents a halo from appearing in a captured image.

&null;0078&null; In other configurations, air treatment system 950 can be used to allow for ionization of surface 906 to reduce static electricity on surface 906, which can reduce direct particles.

&null;0079&null; In still other configurations, air treatment system 950 can be used to sanitize surface 906 in order to reduce bacteria in or around the surface.

&null;0080&null; In still other configurations, sensor 952 can be used to monitor a temperature at, inside, or around prism 108. Controller 954 generate a control signal transmitted to air treatment device 958 to most appropriately treat prism 108. While in other configurations prism 108 may not require monitoring, and air treatment is done with sensing any conditions in or around prism 108.

&null;0081&null; FIGS. 10-11 illustrate how a subject places one 1000 or both 1100 hands on non-planar prism 108. As can be seen, positioning device 914 in used is either case to properly align the hand 1000 or hands 1100 on non-planar prism 108 for image capture.

&null;0082&null; Captured Hand Sections

&null;0083&null; FIGS. 12-16 show examples of various aspects of a hand or palm that can be imaged in order to generate biometric information or data. These are merely exemplary areas of a hand or palm. Other areas can be imaged, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art given this description. These examples are not meant to limit the invention.

&null;0084&null; FIG. 12 shows sections 1202-1214 of a palm 1200 of a hand 1216 that can be imaged, according to embodiments of the present invention. Section 1202 is a first interdigital area. Section 1204 is a second interdigital area. Section 1206 is a third interdigital area. Section 1208 is a fourth interdigital area. Section 1210 is a thenar area. Section 1212 is a hypothenar area. Section 1214 is a central area or palm pocket.

&null;0085&null; FIG. 13 shows creases 1300-1304 of palm 1200 that can be included in an image, according to embodiments of the present invention. Crease 1300 is a thenar crease. Crease 1302 is a proximal transverse crease. Crease 1304 is a distal transverse crease.

&null;0086&null; FIG. 14 shows a writer's palm or writer's palm hypothenar area 1400 of palm 1200. Writer's Palm 1400 includes a print pattern (ridges and valleys) that extends from palm hypothenar area 1212 up along a side of the hand.

&null;0087&null; FIG. 15 shows images 1500 of right (R) and left (L) hand writer's palms 1400 and fingertips 1502, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0088&null; According to a feature of the present invention, writer's palm 1400 and fingertips 1502 can be captured in a single scan because of the shape of non-planar prism 108. Unlike conventional planar platen surfaces, writer's palm 1400 and fingertips 1502 can be placed on a non-planar prism 108 at the same time during a live scan without requiring any difficult or awkward contortions of a persons hand.

&null;0089&null; FIG. 16 shows images 1600 of right and left hand prints captured during two scans of scanner 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

&null;0090&null; As described above, the non-planar surface of the non-planar prism allows for a pocket of a palm of hand to make contact with a platen and break a surface total internal reflection of the non-planar prism. This creates a mechanism for capturing a high contrast round palm print image. According to further embodiments, a print image can also be captured that includes both a palm print and one or more fingerprints on a same hand. In this way, other biometric information can be extracted from the print images, such as, the association of the palm and fingerprints as belonging to the same hand, distance information on the distance from palm locations to finger locations, etc. According to still further embodiments, both a hand print and target/calibration information can be captured at a same time and stored together.

&null;0091&null; Conclusion

&null;0092&null; While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.