US5963657A — Economical skin-pattern-acquisition and analysis …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 172 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 172 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 48 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the electrooptical means have an image-receiving area that is smaller than the second end of the prism means; and the focal means form, on the image-receiving area of the electrooptical means, a reduced image of the second end of the prism means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the focal means comprise at least one lens.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the focal means comprise an objective lens for imaging the second end of the prism means onto the electrooptical means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the focal means further comprise means for flattening the focal surface, and improving uniformity of illumination, at the electrooptical means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: the flattening means further comprise a field lens closely adjacent to the second end of the prism means.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the focal means further comprise a field lens closely adjacent to the second end of the prism means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the field lens is fixed to the second end of the prism means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the field lens is formed in the second end of the prism means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the objective focal length is roughly eight millimeters; and the field-lens focal length is roughly forty millimeters.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the objective focal length is roughly eight millimeters; and the objective, prism means and electrooptical means are spaced to provide a reduction factor of roughly three.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 111 words

A bright-field FTIR apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said projecting means comprise means for projecting light to enter individual fibers, through their respective side walls, immediately adjacent to their respective terminations; and each termination at said first end is oriented, relative to said projected light and relative to a longitudinal direction of its fiber, so that said light at that termination is: reflected at that termination into and along its fiber toward the electrooptical means, if such relieved surface is out of contact with that termination, and in large part scattered by such relieved surface out of the corresponding fiber, if such relieved surface is in contact with that termination.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 114 words

A dark-field FTIR apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said projecting means comprise means for projecting light to enter individual fibers, through their respective side walls, immediately adjacent to their respective terminations at the first end; and each termination at said first end is oriented, relative to said projected light and relative to a longitudinal direction of its fiber, so that said light at that termination is: reflected at that termination out of its fiber, if such relieved surface is out of contact with that termination, and fractionally scattered by such relieved surface into and along its said fiber toward the electrooptical means, if such relieved surface is in contact with that fiber termination.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 78 words

A dark-field FTIR apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the prism means comprise a fiber-optic prism having a partially reflecting surface; said projecting means comprise means for projecting light into said prism to enter individual fibers, through their respective side walls, immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting interface; the partially reflecting interface redirects some of the light from the projecting means to pass along said individual fibers within said prism toward their respective terminations at the first end.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one physical condition comprises: a limitation on maximum permissible numerical aperture of the prism means; and fiber diameter that is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 160 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: an optical data-input end, comprising terminations of fibers of the bundle, for contact with such relieved surface at the fiber terminations, at least one side face for receiving light into the prism means across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, and a partially reflecting surface for redirecting light received through the side face to illuminate the fiber terminations at the data-input end; means for receiving light that passes through the partially reflecting surface from the illuminated fiber terminations, and in response providing at least one signal which is characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying light that passes through the partially reflecting surface to the receiving-and-providing means.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 160 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: an optical data-input end, comprising terminations of fibers of the bundle, for contact with such relieved surface at the fiber terminations, at least one side face for receiving light into the prism means across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, and a partially reflecting surface for redirecting light received through the side face to illuminate the fiber terminations at the data-input end; means for receiving light that passes through the partially reflecting surface from the illuminated fiber terminations, and in response providing at least one signal which is characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying light that passes through the partially reflecting surface to the receiving-and-providing means.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 68 words

Apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: means for projecting light into the light-receiving face of the prism so that the light crosses part of the bundle to enter individual fibers through their respective side walls immediately adjacent to the partially reflecting surface, to be partially redirected by said surface toward the data-input end of the prism for illuminating the terminations at the data-input end of the prism.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 116 words

Dark-field FTIR apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: light reaching each data-input-end termination, depending on contact between that termination and such relieved surface, can be at least fractionally passed from that termination back into and along the corresponding fiber; and light fractionally passed back into and along said corresponding fiber passes fractionally through the partially reflecting interface and the second optical element to the light-receiving means; and further comprising: an optical element formed from another bundle of optical fibers, secured to the prism along the partially reflecting surface and including an optical data-output end for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the data-input end and through the partially reflecting interface to the light-receiving means.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one physical condition comprises: a limitation on maximum permissible numerical aperture of the prism means; and fiber diameter that is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 243 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least in a region where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 2n.sub.avg (D/x.sub.F).sup.1/4, where n avg ≡average of core and cladding refractive indices in said region of the prism means; D≡periodicity of the fiber structure in said region; and x F ≡illumination-path distance in said region; said illumination-path distance being measured across the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through one said side face, and being measured to the midplane of the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through more than one said side face.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 243 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least in a region where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 2n.sub.avg (D/x.sub.F).sup.1/4, where n avg ≡average of core and cladding refractive indices in said region of the prism means; D≡periodicity of the fiber structure in said region; and x F ≡illumination-path distance in said region; said illumination-path distance being measured across the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through one said side face, and being measured to the midplane of the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through more than one said side face.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 165 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed one-half.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 165 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed one-half.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 244 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means and wherein the prism means, at least in a region where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 2n.sub.avg (D/2x.sub.F).sup.1/4, where n avg ≡average of core and cladding refractive indices in said region of the prism means; D≡periodicity of the fiber structure in said region; and x F ≡illumination-path distance in said region; said illumination-path distance being measured across the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through one said side face, and being measured to the midplane of the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through more than one said side face.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 244 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means and wherein the prism means, at least in a region where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 2n.sub.avg (D/2x.sub.F).sup.1/4, where n avg ≡average of core and cladding refractive indices in said region of the prism means; D≡periodicity of the fiber structure in said region; and x F ≡illumination-path distance in said region; said illumination-path distance being measured across the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through one said side face, and being measured to the midplane of the prism means if the apparatus is illuminated through more than one said side face.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 165 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 0.42.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 165 words

Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; and electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means; wherein the prism means, at least where the light crosses the fibers, have a numerical aperture that does not exceed 0.42.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 203 words

Apparatus for acquiring and using surface-relief data, from a relieved surface such as a finger, for controlling access to facilities, equipment, a financial service or information; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and for processing the received light to determine identity of the relieved surface, and for applying the determined identity to control access to such facilities, equipment, financial service or information; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 203 words

Apparatus for acquiring and using surface-relief data, from a relieved surface such as a finger, for controlling access to facilities, equipment, a financial service or information; said apparatus comprising: prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and for processing the received light to determine identity of the relieved surface, and for applying the determined identity to control access to such facilities, equipment, financial service or information; and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said at least one physical condition comprises: a limitation on maximum permissible numerical aperture of the prism means; and fiber diameter that is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 237 words

A secured system subject to access control based upon surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said system comprising: utilization means, susceptible to misuse in the absence of a particular such relieved surface that is related to an authorized user, said utilization means being selected from the group consisting of: a facility, apparatus, means for providing a financial service, and means for providing information; prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and for processing the received light to determine identity of the relieved surface, and for applying the determined identity to control access to the utilization means and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 237 words

A secured system subject to access control based upon surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said system comprising: utilization means, susceptible to misuse in the absence of a particular such relieved surface that is related to an authorized user, said utilization means being selected from the group consisting of: a facility, apparatus, means for providing a financial service, and means for providing information; prism means formed from optical fibers and including: a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, and a second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end; means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations; wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber; electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and for processing the received light to determine identity of the relieved surface, and for applying the determined identity to control access to the utilization means and intermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said at least one physical condition comprises: a limitation on maximum permissible numerical aperture of the prism means; and fiber diameter that is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 147 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; means for contacting a skin pattern to develop an electronic data array corresponding to an image of the skin pattern; means for generating in response a corresponding electronic data array for use in verification; means for performing a verification procedure; output means for indicating or effectuating, or both, a verification decision; means for formatting the data array in a compact form for use in storage, import or export; and means for converting the data array from said compact form to a different form for use by the verification-procedure performing means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 147 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; means for contacting a skin pattern to develop an electronic data array corresponding to an image of the skin pattern; means for generating in response a corresponding electronic data array for use in verification; means for performing a verification procedure; output means for indicating or effectuating, or both, a verification decision; means for formatting the data array in a compact form for use in storage, import or export; and means for converting the data array from said compact form to a different form for use by the verification-procedure performing means.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 20 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 28, wherein: the case volume is less than about 1.4 liter (eighty cubic inches).

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising: means for transmitting skin-pattern image data in said compact form to or from the apparatus.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 22 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 28, wherein: said formatting means comprise means for level-downsampling the data to develop said compact form.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 28 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 31, wherein: said formatting means comprise means for mapping the data into two- or single-bit data to serve as said compact form.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 53 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 32, wherein: said converting means comprise means for placing data in at least one format selected from the group consisting of: multilevel data, data expressed in terms of sinusoids, and data expressed in terms of Fourier transforms, to serve as said data array for use in verification.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 53 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 28, wherein: said converting means comprise means for developing data in at least one format selected from the group consisting of: multilevel data, data expressed in terms of sinusoids, and data expressed in terms of Fourier transforms, to serve as said data array for use in verification.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 40 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 28, wherein the fingertip-contacting means comprise: prism means formed from optical fibers; and electrooptical means for receiving light through said optical fibers and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such contacted fingertip.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 31 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 35, wherein: the fingertip-contacting means comprise means for crosslighting the fibers in a region where fiber diameter is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 23 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 36, further comprising: intermediate focal means for relaying light from the prism means to the electrooptical means.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 61 words

The self-contained apparatus of claim 28, wherein: the performing means comprise means, wholly within the case of said self-contained apparatus, for carrying out said verification procedure wholly within the case of said self-contained apparatus as distinguished from: transmission of a data array to a remote apparatus to be processed and then receipt of decision data from a remote apparatus after processing.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 77 words

The self-contained apparatus of claim 38, wherein: the carrying-out means comprise means for directly quantifying and manipulating internal characteristics of the data array that are directly related to fingerprint information expressed within the data array, to derive all of said verification decision, as distinguished from data encoding for transmission to a remote apparatus; and the indicating or effectuating means comprise means for performing said indicating or effectuating of said verification decision derived substantially wholly within the case.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 211 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; means, including an imaging unit and a sensor array disposed to receive an image therefrom, for contacting a skin pattern to develop an electronic data array corresponding to an image of the skin pattern; a video controller for controlling the sensor array to develop said electronic data array; an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the electronic data array; a digital signal processor for performing verification procedures based upon the electronic data array, and for developing a decision signal based upon the verification procedures; memory means for holding an authorized-user skin-pattern template, program firmware for the digital signal processor, and data used in the verification procedures; an output register for holding the decision signal; output means for transmitting a utilization-means switching signal, based on the decision signal, from the apparatus for effectuation of the decision signal; and a control, address, and data bus interconnecting the video controller, analog-to-digital converter, video processor, memory means, and output register.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 211 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; means, including an imaging unit and a sensor array disposed to receive an image therefrom, for contacting a skin pattern to develop an electronic data array corresponding to an image of the skin pattern; a video controller for controlling the sensor array to develop said electronic data array; an analog-to-digital converter for digitizing the electronic data array; a digital signal processor for performing verification procedures based upon the electronic data array, and for developing a decision signal based upon the verification procedures; memory means for holding an authorized-user skin-pattern template, program firmware for the digital signal processor, and data used in the verification procedures; an output register for holding the decision signal; output means for transmitting a utilization-means switching signal, based on the decision signal, from the apparatus for effectuation of the decision signal; and a control, address, and data bus interconnecting the video controller, analog-to-digital converter, video processor, memory means, and output register.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 22 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 40, wherein: the video controller comprises a programmable logic circuit that is custom-programmed for the apparatus.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 213 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 41, wherein: the digital signal processor in operation draws more than ten watts of electrical power, and has a characteristic of generating and radiating significant electromagnetic interference within the case; the holding or receiving means comprise means for converting input voltage to other voltages used in the apparatus, said converting means having the characteristic of generating and radiating extremely significant electromagnetic interference within the case; the video controller controls the sensor array to read data therefrom at a multiple-megahertz data rate; whereby noise filtering is necessarily limited, the video controller is sensitive to radiated electromagnetic interference, and the sensor array is extremely sensitive to radiated electromagnetic interference; and all of said elements are mounted together on a common circuit board that has a generally rectangular shape, and wherein: the sensor and related circuitry are disposed in one corner of the circuit board, the video controller and related circuitry are disposed near a second corner of the circuit board, the converting means are disposed in a third corner of the circuit board, said third corner being diagonally opposite from the first corner, and being generally across the board from the second corner, and the digital signal processor is disposed between the second and third corners of the board.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus of claim 42, wherein: the imaging unit is an optical imaging unit; and the sensor array receives an optical image from the optical imaging unit and in response generates a high-impedance signal at said multiple-megahertz data rate.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 46 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 43, wherein: the optical imaging unit comprises prism means formed from optical fibers; and the sensor array comprises electrooptical means for receiving light through said optical fibers and in response forming said high-impedance electrical signal, characteristic of such contacted fingertip.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 44, wherein: the optical imaging unit comprises means for crosslighting the fibers in a region where fiber diameter is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 28 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 45, wherein: the optical imaging unit further comprises intermediate focal means for relaying light from the prism means to the electrooptical means.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 23 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 40, further comprising: a keypad; and a buffer register transmitting signals from the keypad to the bus.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 20 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 40, further comprising: an alphanumeric display module connected to receive signals from the bus.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 27 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 40, further comprising: indicator lights or acoustic annunciator means, or both, for indicating system status information such as the decision signal.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 55 words

The apparatus of claim 40, wherein: the sensor array is an integrating device; integration time for the sensor array is settable; the digital signal processor comprises means for automatically monitoring contrast, as represented in the electronic data array, and in response to the monitored contrast automatically adjusting the settable integration time to optimize effective contrast.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 77 words

The self-contained apparatus of claim 40, wherein: the digital signal processor comprises means, wholly within the case and within the digital signal processor, for carrying out all of said verification procedures by analyzing, wholly within the case, said electronic data array; and the carrying-out means comprise means for carrying out all of said analyzing by directly quantifying and manipulating internal characteristics of the data array that are directly related to fingerprint information expressed within the data array.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 183 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; an optical bench disposed within or forming part of, or both, the case; said bench having: mounting bosses for optical-fiber prism means, a mounting ring for an objective lens, and a mounting pocket for a sensor array; optical-fiber prism means mounted to the optical-bench bosses for contacting a skin pattern to develop an image thereof; an objective lens mounted to the optical-bench ring for relaying the skin-pattern image to a sensor array; a sensor array mounted to the optical-bench pocket for receiving said image and in response developing an electronic data array corresponding to the image; a surface-mount electronics board holding a digital signal-processing chip for analyzing the data array to verify identity corresponding to such skin pattern; and verification-decision indicating or effectuating means, or both.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 183 words

Self-contained apparatus for skin-pattern verification, comprising: a case having volume less than about two liters (one hundred twenty cubic inches), and having mounted within or for access at the surface of the case all the following elements; means for holding an electrical-energy storage device or for receiving electrical power from an external source, to power the apparatus; an optical bench disposed within or forming part of, or both, the case; said bench having: mounting bosses for optical-fiber prism means, a mounting ring for an objective lens, and a mounting pocket for a sensor array; optical-fiber prism means mounted to the optical-bench bosses for contacting a skin pattern to develop an image thereof; an objective lens mounted to the optical-bench ring for relaying the skin-pattern image to a sensor array; a sensor array mounted to the optical-bench pocket for receiving said image and in response developing an electronic data array corresponding to the image; a surface-mount electronics board holding a digital signal-processing chip for analyzing the data array to verify identity corresponding to such skin pattern; and verification-decision indicating or effectuating means, or both.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 35 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 52, further comprising: associated with the optical-fiber prism means, illumination means for crosslighting the fibers in a region where fiber diameter is substantially constant with respect to longitudinal position.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 24 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 53, further comprising: intermediate focal means for relaying light from the optical-fiber prism means to the electrooptical means.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 24 words

The self-contained skin-pattern-verification apparatus of claim 52, wherein: the optical-fiber prism means comprise fused optical fibers having a numerical aperture less than one half.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 52: wherein the optical-fiber prism means are cylindrical; and further comprising a substantially cylindrical-section cradle fixed to the mounting bosses and supporting the optical-fiber prism means.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 56, wherein: the cylindrical-section cradle is a condenser lens for coupling illumination to the optical-fiber prism.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising: illumination means also supported from the cylindrical-section cradle and condenser lens.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 55 words

The self-contained apparatus of claim 52, wherein: the digital signal-processing chip comprises means, wholly within the case and on said board and within the chip, for carrying out all of said analyzing by directly quantifying and manipulating internal characteristics of the data array that are directly related to fingerprint information expressed within the data array.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-10-04	2003-04-05	2003-10-05	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-10-04	2007-04-05	2007-10-05	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-10-04	2011-04-05	2011-10-05	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Economical skin-pattern-acquisition and analysis apparatus for access control; systems controlled thereby

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