Robotic automated test apparatus and method for testing biometric sensors with

Abstract

A robotic device, system and method for testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger. The robot system includes a robot and a biometric scanner. The robot includes a robot arm having an end effector configured to select a composite finger assembly. The composite finger assembly includes a near field communication (NFC) circuit. A controller is electrically coupled to the robotic arm. The controller is configured to control movement of the robotic arm, cause the end effector to select the composite finger assembly, and identify the composite finger assembly. The biometric scanner includes a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 384,326, filed on November 18, 2022, titled "ROBOTIC AUTOMATION TESTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING BIOMETRIC SENSORS WITH SYNTHETIC FINGERPRINTS" under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the automated testing of fingerprint / biometric sensor systems using synthetic fingerprints. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the robotic automation of testing fingerprint / biometric sensor systems using synthetic fingers including synthetic fingerprints. Background Art

[0004] Current standards for the evaluation of false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR) of fingerprint sensors set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Fast Identity Online (FIDO) rely on using a large number of human testers to provide evaluations of actual fingerprints. This evaluation technique has many drawbacks. The technique lacks comparability between test laboratories and when testers change. The test locations / conditions for verification are not defined. The technique provides little reproducibility. For example, the testers must be the same, which is difficult to achieve, and humans do not place their fingers in the same position and with the same pressure each time they test. Using actual fingerprints may raise privacy issues in most countries. Current testing techniques are costly in terms of travel, incentive costs, and legal administration. It requires a long testing time, and the system is prone to human errors (poor marking of fingers, incorrect presentation of fingers). Additionally, since the technique relies on living people, it is almost impossible to conduct tests in a pandemic situation. Finally, it may be difficult to obtain racial and age diversity among human test subjects depending on the test location. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a robotic system for testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger. The robotic system includes a robot that includes: a robotic arm including an end effector configured to select a synthetic finger assembly, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; a controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm, the controller being configured to: control the movement of the robotic arm; cause the end effector to select a synthetic finger assembly; and identify the synthetic finger assembly; and a biometric scanner coupled to a computer system, wherein the biometric scanner includes a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger.

[0006] In another aspect, the robotic arm includes a spring configured to apply a uniform pressure to the synthetic finger assembly.

[0007] In another aspect, the robotic system includes a non-contact reader configured to read an NFC circuit portion of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly. In one aspect, the NFC circuit includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. In one aspect, the controller is configured to: cause the non-contact reader to scan the NFC circuit on the synthetic finger assembly to determine the identity of the synthetic finger assembly; and record the identity of the synthetic finger assembly.

[0008] In another aspect, the robotic arm includes a non-contact reader configured to read an NFC circuit portion of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly.

[0009] In another aspect, the end effector is a vacuum end effector coupled to a vacuum source to enable the vacuum end effector to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly from a tray.

[0010] In another aspect, the end effector is a gecko-inspired gripper.

[0011] In another aspect, a computer system coupled to a biometric scanner is configured to extract an enrollment test procedure from a biometric sensor. In one aspect, a controller is configured to cause a robotic arm to control an end effector to place a synthetic finger assembly at multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure. In one aspect, the biometric scanner is configured to scan fingerprints at each of the multiple positions and record each scan result of the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions. In one aspect, the computer system is configured to receive each scan result of the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure; and record a reference template of the fingerprints, where the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure. In one aspect, the reference template is associated with the identity of the synthetic finger assembly recorded by a contactless reader.

[0012] In another aspect, the controller is configured to step through a tray that includes a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies.

[0013] In another aspect, the robotic arm is rotatable and articulable.

[0014] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger. The method includes: selecting, by an end effector of a robotic arm, a synthetic finger assembly from a tray, where the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; scanning, by a contactless reader, the NFC circuit disposed on the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly; identifying, by the contactless reader, the synthetic finger assembly; and scanning, by a biometric scanner, a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger according to an enrollment test procedure.

[0015] In another aspect, scanning the fingerprint according to the enrollment test procedure includes: placing, by the end effector of the robotic arm, the synthetic finger assembly at multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure; scanning, by the biometric scanner, the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions; and recording, by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner, each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions.

[0016] In another aspect, placing includes rotating the synthetic finger assembly.

[0017] In another aspect, the method includes recording a reference template of the fingerprint, where the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions according to the enrollment test process. In one aspect, the method includes recording the identity of the synthetic finger assembly read by the contactless reader. In one aspect, the method includes correlating the identity of the synthetic finger assembly with the reference template for each synthetic finger assembly.

[0018] In another aspect, the method includes moving the synthetic finger assembly to the contactless reader by the robotic arm. In one aspect, the method includes moving the synthetic finger assembly from the contactless reader to the biometric scanner by the robotic arm. In one aspect, the selection by the end effector of the robotic arm includes applying a vacuum by the end effector of the robotic arm to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly.

[0019] In another aspect, the selection by the end effector of the robotic arm includes lifting, holding, and moving the synthetic finger assembly with a gecko-like gripper.

[0020] In another aspect, the method includes returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after the enrollment test process is completed.

[0021] In another aspect, the method includes receiving enrollment test process data from the biometric scanner by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner.

[0022] In another aspect, the method includes the end effector of the robotic arm traversing step by step a tray containing synthetic finger assemblies to select each synthetic finger assembly placed within the tray. In one aspect, the method includes recording the reference template and the identity of each synthetic finger assembly of the synthetic finger assemblies in the tray.

[0023] In another aspect, the method includes: returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after the enrollment test process is completed; selecting, by the end effector of the robotic arm, a second synthetic finger assembly from the tray, where the second synthetic finger assembly includes a second synthetic finger and a second NFC circuit; scanning, by the contactless reader, the second NFC circuit placed on the second synthetic finger assembly; identifying, by the contactless reader, the second synthetic finger assembly; and scanning, by the biometric scanner, a second fingerprint placed on the second synthetic finger according to the enrollment test process. Description of the Drawings

[0024] In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as specific aspects, procedures, techniques, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the technology of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the technology of the present invention may be practiced in other aspects different from these specific details.

[0025] The drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification along with the following detailed description and are used to further illustrate aspects of the concepts embodying the claimed disclosure and to explain the various principles and advantages of those aspects. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements throughout the different views.

[0026] The synthetic fingerprints for testing biometric sensors and the methods for manufacturing synthetic fingerprints disclosed herein have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the aspects of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who will benefit from the description herein.

[0027] Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for manufacturing a synthetic finger including a synthetic fingerprint and using the synthetic finger to test a fingerprint / biometric sensor in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 A fingerprint generated using artificial intelligence technology in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A mold including a metal plate and an array of individual 3D fingerprint molds for manufacturing a plurality of synthetic fingers in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A support structure including a frame and a casting material for supporting the metal plate shown in Figure 3 during the casting process, the casting material for casting the 3D fingerprint molds onto the casting material to create a plurality of synthetic fingers is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A thin sheet of casting material including an array of synthetic fingers created using the metal plate shown in Figure 3 and 4 is shown, where the synthetic fingers are separated into strips from the array of synthetic fingers.

[0032] Figure 6 A structure including Figure 5A thin sheet of casting material for the synthetic finger array shown, where individual synthetic fingers are separated from the strip.

[0033] Figures 7A - 7E Steps for manufacturing a synthetic finger assembly for testing a fingerprint sensor used to identify a person's fingerprint in a fingerprint scanner system are shown, where:

[0034] Figure 7A A substrate or plate for mounting a synthetic finger is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7B A first synthetic finger sub-assembly including a near-field communication (NFC) circuit attached to a substrate is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7C A second synthetic finger sub-assembly is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the second synthetic finger sub-assembly including a double-sided tape attached over the NFC circuit;

[0037] Figure 7D A synthetic finger assembly is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 7E An alternative synthetic finger assembly is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a foam layer inserted between the substrate and the synthetic finger.

[0039] Figure 8 A dispensing tray is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes Figures 7A - 7D or a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies manufactured using the process shown in 7E.

[0040] Figure 9 A dispensing tray is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes Figures 7A - 7D or a plurality of synthetic fingerprint assemblies manufactured using the process shown in 7E.

[0041] Figure 10 A robotic automated test system for testing a biometric scanner with synthetic fingers is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 11 is according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 10 A close-up view of the robotic automated test system shown in is shown, showing a dispensing tray including a plurality of cells for accommodating a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies for a testing process.

[0043] Figure 12 Shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosureFigure 10 The robotic automation test system shown in [figure reference] shows the end effector of the robotic arm positioned above a synthetic finger-like component placed in a cell of a dispensing tray.

[0044] Figure 13 is a close-up view of a dispensing tray and the end effector of a robotic arm according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, with the end effector positioned above a synthetic finger-like component placed in a cell of the dispensing tray.

[0045] Figure 14 is a close-up view of a dispensing tray according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, showing the end effector of the robot in the process of lifting a synthetic finger-like component out of a cell of the dispensing tray.

[0046] Figure 15 shows according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 10 the robotic automation test system shown in [figure reference] in the process of placing a synthetic finger-like component near a non-contact reader.

[0047] Figure 16 is according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 15 a close-up view of the robotic automation test system shown in [figure reference] in the process of placing a synthetic finger-like component near a non-contact reader.

[0048] Figure 17 is according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 16 a close-up view of the robotic automation test system shown in [figure reference] in the process of lifting a synthetic finger-like component from a non-contact reader.

[0049] Figures 18A - 18D is a sequence of the robotic automation test system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure in the process of positioning a synthetic finger-like component on a sensor of a biometric scanner in various orientations and with applied pressure, where:

[0050] Figure 18A shows the end effector positioning the synthetic finger-like component relative to the sensor in a first orientation according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 18B shows the end effector positioning the synthetic finger-like component relative to the sensor in a second orientation according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 18C shows the end effector positioning the synthetic finger-like component relative to the sensor in a third orientation according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0053] Figure 18D The end effector positions the synthetic finger assembly relative to the sensor in a fourth orientation, showing at least one aspect in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an automated test process in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a computer device having a data processing subsystem or component in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0056] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 384,214, filed on November 18, 2022, titled "SYNTHETIC FINGERPRINTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SYNTHETIC FINGERPRINTS FOR TESTING BIOMETRIC SENSORS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0057] The following disclosure may provide exemplary systems, devices, and methods for conducting financial transactions and related activities. Although such financial transactions may be referenced in the examples provided below, the aspects are not limited thereto. That is, the systems, methods, and devices may be used for any suitable purpose.

[0058] In one aspect, due to anti-spoofing considerations, robotic automated testing of fingerprint / biometric sensor systems with synthetic fingerprints has not been foreseen as being acceptable to most biometric sensor manufacturers. However, the synthetic fingerprints and processes for manufacturing synthetic fingerprints disclosed herein provide improvements over existing biometric sensor test systems, due to significant improvements in using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate synthetic fingerprints and create authentic synthetic fingerprints that are not recognized by the fingerprint / biometric sensors being tested. The synthetic fingerprints disclosed herein are generated using high-quality synthetic fingerprint images, high-quality molds, and casting materials. The synthetic finger assembly can be read by various different fingerprint / biometric sensors being tested. Thus, the synthetic fingerprints and processes for manufacturing synthetic fingerprints disclosed herein provide significant improvements over conventional fingerprint / biometric sensor systems. Using synthetic fingerprints for robotic automated testing of fingerprint / biometric sensor systems helps to evaluate FAR / FRR during the testing process.

[0059] Now turning to the figures, Figure 1A flowchart of a process 100 for manufacturing a synthetic finger including a synthetic fingerprint and using the synthetic finger to test a fingerprint / biometric sensor according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Process 100 begins, for example, by creating a high-quality database 102 with a fingerprint image resolution of 500 ppi (pixels per inch) to 1000 ppi or higher. Database 102 can have different sources, for example, the following two main database 102 sources.

[0060] In one aspect, the first fingerprint database 104 includes fingerprint data generated by a computer (e.g., Figure 20 the computer device 3000 shown in) using AI-generated fingerprint technology or other training algorithms to generate reliable and human-like fingerprints. AI technology can include, for example, using generative adversarial networks (GAN or styleGAN) and / or other software techniques to improve the resolution of the last layer of fingerprint data. GAN is effective in generating larger high-quality images and training more generator models. Style-GAN is an extension of the GAN architecture that includes using a mapping network to map points in the latent space to an intermediate latent space, using the intermediate latent space to control the style at each point in the generator model, and introducing noise as a source of variation at each point in the generator model. The resulting model is not only able to generate realistic high-quality photos of human features such as fingerprints, but also provides control over the style of the generated images at different levels of detail by varying the style vector and noise. In one aspect, AI can be used on the final layer to improve the generation of growth patterns using details or patterns generated using a fixed algorithm, such as a multiresolution analysis algorithm (e.g., Min-Temp MultiRes or low-level AI-generated Syn-Re-GAN). However, such techniques may provide results with a lower similarity to human fingers. Figure 2 An example of a fingerprint 200 generated using AI technology according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] Return to reference Figure 1 Returning to, in another aspect, the second fingerprint database 106 includes fingerprint data from real people that can be adopted by process 100. Using the second fingerprint database 106 collected from real human fingerprints ensures similarity to real human fingerprints. However, this technique may significantly reduce certain benefits and diversity achievable using the AI-generated fingerprint database 104.

[0062] An example of AI software for generating a fingerprint database includes a pre-trained model configuration file (CFG) and a comprehensively generated dataset that is publicly available as the Clarkson Fingerprint Generator, which is an example of Style-GAN as described above. Example databases of real human fingerprints include some databases related to CrossMatch Gardian sensors or Biometrica Hi-Scan sensors, such as the NIST Special Databases. For example, these real human fingerprint databases can be used by process 100 to modify real human fingerprint data to generate synthetic fingerprints.

[0063] Once the high-quality database 102 has been created, process 100 includes creating 112 a synthetic finger using high-quality / hi-fidelity quality materials 108. The creation 112 of the synthetic finger can employ materials having optical, mechanical, conductive, and thermal properties, as well as other properties that reflect the properties of real human skin. Hi-fidelity quality materials that exhibit the properties of real human skin include gelling products (e.g., gelatin, pectin casein, agar), polymer products (natural or artificial gums), and / or additives that are mixed in ratios to produce casting materials that reflect the properties of real human skin.

[0064] The creation 112 of the synthetic finger includes the creation 110 of a high-quality 3D mold. Fingerprint data read from the high-quality database 102 is used to create a high-quality 3D model of the fingerprint. The high-quality 3D model uses grayscale as a displacement map on a high-resolution grid. The displacement map is used to achieve a maximum vertical displacement between 30 μm and 80 μm in order to reflect the true re-segmentation of the friction ridge depth of real fingerprints. Then, the high-quality 3D model is used to create the mold using a 3D process. As discussed above, high-quality fingerprint images have a resolution between 500 ppi (pixels per inch) and 1000 ppi or greater.

[0065] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a process for transforming fingerprint images in a 3D model using commercially available image processing techniques and image manipulation software. In practice, software having libraries "numpy" and "PIL", such as "Python", enables fast and easy image processing.

[0066] In one aspect, the image processing technique includes inverting the fingerprint image (if necessary) such that the background corresponds to "0" black and the fingerprint is presented in white. If there are any non-zero values at the boundaries of the image, a soft frame with a width of 5 pixels is created around the image with 0 values (increasing the size). The gray level re-segmentation is linearly modified such that the image gray level is in the range of 0 to 255. If several images from the same finger are available, the image with the best coverage and / or less rotation is selected. The fingerprint is centered. LANCZOS interpolation is used to modify the image size in order to target 3000 ppi and a high-quality image to compensate for any shrinkage. For example, using a final material with a shrinkage rate of 9.09% (divided by 1.1), a 500 ppi image is enlarged 6.6 times. The image is cropped to correspond to the size of the target pattern. For example, an area of 26 mm × 32 mm is cropped to (3064, 3776). If there are any non-zero values at the boundaries of the cropped image, a soft frame with a width of 6 to 12 pixels will overlap around the image with 0 values (maintaining the size).

[0067] The following 3D meshing technique can be performed using commercially available 3D software. The software has been successfully used for this case. The 3D meshing technique first creates a grid of squares representing a large area (e.g., 26 mm × 32 mm). The grid is subdivided such that the plane is composed of a vertex grid every 25 μm (in Blender, we use 1 unit = 1 mm). Using a displacement modifier (Displace in ), the input image is used as a texture (unwrap the texture such that the size corresponds), and the intensity is set such that a full white pixel corresponds to the desired maximum displacement (therefore, between 33 μm and 81 μm, which also takes into account the shrinkage of the material used to create the final composite finger). The displacement is applied and the final grid is obtained to allow 3D engraving, such as laser engraving / etching.

[0068] Return reference Figure 1 Returning to reference

[0069] Figure 3Illustrated is a mold 600 including a metal plate 602 and an array of individual synthetic 3D fingerprint molds 604 for fabricating a plurality of synthetic finger-like members. The array of 3D fingerprint molds 604 is formed on the metal plate 602. As discussed above, the fingerprint molds 604 can be fabricated using a high-precision additive process such as 3D printing or a high-precision subtractive process such as high-precision laser engraving. Each of the 3D fingerprint molds 604 can include a mark 606 formed near an image of a fingerprint to permit identification of the synthetic fingerprint. Figure 3 The metal plate 602 shown in [reference] produces 49 fingerprints. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the metal plate can include any number of fingerprint molds, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Figure 4 Illustrated is a support structure 700 including a frame 702 and a casting material 704, the frame for supporting Figure 3 the metal plate 602 shown in [reference] during a casting process. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the 3D fingerprint molds 604 on the metal plate 602 are cast onto the casting material 704 to create a thin sheet 704 of casting material including a plurality of synthetic fingerprints.

[0071] Figure 5 Illustrated is a thin sheet 800 of casting material including an array of synthetic finger-like members 802 created using Figure 3 and 4 the metal plate 600 and the casting material 704 shown in [reference]. As Figure 5 shown in [reference], according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the synthetic finger-like members 802 are separated from the array of synthetic finger-like members 802 into strips 804. In one aspect, the synthetic finger-like members 802 are separated by a robotic arm.

[0072] Figure 6 Illustrated is a thin sheet 800 of casting material including an array of synthetic finger-like members 802 shown in Figure 5 [reference]. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, individual synthetic finger-like members 806 are separated from the strips 804. In one aspect, the synthetic finger-like members 802 are separated by a robotic arm.

[0073] Figures 7A - 7D Illustrated are steps for fabricating a synthetic finger-like member assembly for testing a fingerprint sensor used to identify a person's fingerprint in a fingerprint scanner system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 7E Illustrated is an alternative synthetic fingerprint assembly 920.

[0074] Figure 7A Illustrated is a substrate 900 or plate for mounting a synthetic finger-like member thereon. The substrate 900 can be made of a material suitable for supporting, for example Figure 7D , 7EThe components of the synthetic finger assemblies 912, 920 shown respectively are made of any rigid or semi-rigid material. In one aspect, the substrate 900 can be formed of a polymeric material such as plastic. In one aspect, the polymer or plastic can be a bio-based polymer such as polylactic acid (PLA).

[0075] Figure 7B A first synthetic finger sub-assembly 904 is shown, which includes an NFC circuit 902 attached to the substrate 900. In one aspect, the NFC circuit 902 can be an RFID tag. In one aspect, the NFC circuit 902 can be attached to the substrate 900 using an adhesive, such as an adhesive sticker disposed on one side of the NFC circuit 902.

[0076] Figure 7C A second synthetic finger sub-assembly 908 is shown, which includes a piece of double-sided tape 906 attached over the NFC circuit 902. The top side 907 of the double-sided tape 906 is shown as being ready to receive the synthetic finger 910 as Figure 7D shown in.

[0077] Figure 7D A synthetic finger assembly 912 is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The bottom side 914 of the synthetic finger 910 manufactured according to steps 102 - 112 of the process 100 shown in Figure 1 is attached to the top side 907 of the double-sided tape 906 ( Figure 7C ). The fingerprint portion of the synthetic finger 910 is located on the top side 916 of the synthetic finger 910. The synthetic finger assembly 912 is shown as being ready to be used in a fingerprint / biometric sensor testing process.

[0078] Figure 7E An alternative synthetic fingerprint assembly 920 is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a layer of foam material 918 inserted between the substrate 900 and the synthetic finger 910. In the Figure 7E aspect shown in, the bottom side of the foam material 918 is attached to the top side 907 of the double-sided tape 906 ( Figure 7C ). A second adhesive layer 919 is attached to the top side of the foam material 918 to attach the bottom side 914 of the synthetic finger 910 to the top side of the foam material 918. The foam material 918 is used to control the pressure applied to the fingerprint sensor during the testing process.

[0079] Figure 8 A dispensing tray 1000 is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes using Figures 7A - 7Da plurality of synthetic finger components 1002 manufactured by the process shown in or 7E. The dispensing tray 1000 includes a frame 1004 that defines a plurality of cells 1006 arranged in an array. Each cell 1006 is configured to receive and accommodate a synthetic finger component 1002. As Figure 8 shown in the aspect shown, each synthetic finger component 1002 includes an identification mark 1008 disposed on a substrate 1010, as described in connection with Figures 7A - 7D or 7E. One side of the NFC circuit 1012 is attached to the substrate 1010, and the synthetic finger 1014 is attached to the opposite side of the NFC circuit 1012. In Figure 8 the aspect shown, the synthetic finger 1014 is positioned within the cell 1006 such that the synthetic fingerprint faces the bottom of the cell 1006. In other words, the opposite side of the synthetic finger 1014 that is attached to the NFC circuit 1012 is positioned such that it faces the bottom of the cell 1006. In one aspect, the layout configuration of the dispensing tray 1000 is suitable for manual or automated fingerprint / biometric sensor testing processes. During an automated testing process, for example, the end effector of a robotic arm selects a synthetic finger component 1002 from a cell 1006 of the dispensing tray 1000 and then places the synthetic fingerprint portion of the synthetic finger component 1002 on the fingerprint / biometric sensor under test.

[0080] Figure 9 illustrates a dispensing tray 1100 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a plurality of synthetic fingerprint components 1102 manufactured using the process shown in Figures 7A - 7D or 7E. The dispensing tray 1100 includes a frame 1104 that defines a plurality of cells 1106 arranged in an array. Each cell 1106 is configured to receive and accommodate a synthetic finger component 1102. As Figure 9 shown in the aspect shown, each synthetic finger component 1102 includes an identification mark 1108 disposed on a substrate 1010, as described in connection with Figures 7A - 7D or 7E. One side of the NFC circuit is attached to the substrate, and the synthetic finger is attached to the opposite side of the NFC circuit. In Figure 9 the aspect shown, the synthetic fingerprint is located on the bottom side of the synthetic finger component 1102 that faces the bottom of the cell 1106, the bottom side being opposite the side of the synthetic finger that is attached to the NFC circuit. In one aspect, the layout configuration of the dispensing tray 1100 is suitable for manual or automated fingerprint / biometric sensor testing processes. During an automated testing process, for example, the end effector of a robotic arm selects a synthetic finger component 1102 from a cell 1106 of the dispensing tray 1100 and places the synthetic fingerprint portion of the synthetic finger component 1102 on the fingerprint / biometric sensor under test.

[0081] Now return to reference Figure 1 Process 100 includes an automated test process 114 for testing a fingerprint sensor using synthetic finger members manufactured according to steps 102-112 of process 100. Synthetic finger members are manufactured according to steps 102-112 of process 100. Now refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 8 and 9 and, the layout of each of the created synthetic finger member assemblies 1001, 1102 set in dispensing trays 1000, 1100 is configured and optimized to automate the presentation of the synthetic finger member assemblies 1002, 1102 to the robot. Using proxy software for the collection software, data from all synthetic fingerprints can be automatically collected using NFC circuits 1012 on the synthetic finger member assemblies 1002, 1102. Data is collected according to an enrollment definition 116 (enrollment update) and verification location 118 defined by the sensor manufacturer (given in the evaluation result definition). A contactless reader is used to identify the synthetic fingerprints. This information is used to automatically label the data set.

[0082] Still referring to Figure 1 Process 100 may include creating 120 blind data 122 to prevent spoofing. The blind data 122 is provided to the algorithm 125 under evaluation. The process of blinding the data includes shuffling and / or renaming the verification data in such a way that the data is written in a separate file matching the enrollment data and cannot be inferred from the name / structure of the verification file. This step is optional but ensures that evaluation spoofing cannot be easily achieved, although it is still possible. The result of the shuffling is blind data 122 on one side and matching information 128 on the other side.

[0083] Run the algorithm 124 under evaluation (evaluation of FAR or FRR) using the blind data 122 as a generic attacker. The evaluation returns output matching results 126 in a predefined format that allows for automated evaluation. The matching information 128 and the matching results 126 output by the algorithm 124 are recombined to evaluate 130 the true FAR / FRR. The evaluation process according to various aspects of the present disclosure provides several advantages. For example, this evaluation process increases comparability between test laboratories using the same test materials and patterns across all laboratories; increases repeatability by defining fixed test positions / pressures and test conditions; eliminates privacy issues in the case of computer-generated fingerprint databases; reduces costs and test times; eliminates errors due to human presentation and marking (higher accuracy of presentation positions); allows testing in pandemic situations; using specific generation designs, the generated fingerprints can reflect some characteristics related to age or ethnicity; and / or using variations in conductivity, foam (pressure level), and environmental conditions (humidity and temperature) provides additional advantages for the evaluation process.

[0084] Figure 10 A robotic automated test system 1200 for testing a biometric scanner 1216 using synthetic fingers is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The robotic automated test system 1200 includes a robot 1202 that includes a movable robotic arm 1204, an end effector 1206, and a controller 1207 that is electrically coupled to the robotic arm 1204. The robotic arm 1204 is rotatable and articulable. In one aspect, the controller 1207 may be implemented as Figure 20 the computer device 3000 shown in

[0085] Return reference Figure 10 , the controller 1220 is configured to control the movement of the robotic arm 1204 and cause the end effector 1206 to select a synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the dispensing tray 1212 and identify the synthetic finger assembly 1210 using a non-contact reader 1214. In one aspect, the end effector 1206 is pneumatically coupled to a vacuum source via a tube 1208. In this instance, the end effector 1206 may be a vacuum end effector that is configured to lift the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the dispensing tray 1212, hold the synthetic finger assembly 1210, and move the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the dispensing tray 1212 to the non-contact reader 1214 and then to the biometric scanner 1216. Then, the end effector 1206 causes the synthetic finger assembly 1210 to contact the sensor 1218 to scan the synthetic fingerprint. The robot controller 1220 is configured to cause the robotic arm 1204 and the end effector 1206 to sequentially traverse the dispensing tray 1212 to select and replace a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies 1210 contained in the dispensing tray 1212. In another instance, the end effector 1206 may include a gripper having a gecko-like adhesive to grasp and manipulate the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the dispensing tray 1212, hold the synthetic finger assembly 1210, and move the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the dispensing tray 1212 to the non-contact reader 1214 and then to the biometric scanner 1216.

[0086] The biometric scanner 1216 is coupled to a computer system for collecting test data from the biometric scanner 1216. In one aspect, the computer system 1222 may be implemented as Figure 20 the computer device 3000 shown in Return reference Figure 10 , the biometric scanner 1216 includes a sensor 1218 that is configured to scan fingerprints disposed on the synthetic fingers 910, 910 ( Figure 7D , 7E ) of the synthetic finger assembly 1210.

[0087] The non-contact reader 1214 is configured to read the NFC circuit 902 ( Figure 7A , 7B ), for the purpose of identifying the synthetic finger assembly 1210, and in particular the synthetic fingerprint on the synthetic finger 910 ( Figure 7A , 7B ). In one aspect, the non-contact reader 1214 is an RFID tag reader. The non-contact reader 1214 can be coupled to the robot controller 1220 or the computer system 1222, or both.

[0088] The robotic arm 1204 may include a non-contact reader 1224 to wirelessly read the NFC circuit 902 ( Figure 7A , 7B ), for the purpose of identifying the synthetic finger assembly 1210, and in particular the synthetic fingerprint on the synthetic finger 910 ( Figure 7A , 7B ). As previously discussed, in one aspect, the NFC circuit 902 can be an RFID tag.

[0089] In one aspect, the robot controller 1220 is configured to cause the robotic arm 1204 to control the end effector 1206 to place the synthetic finger assembly 1210 in multiple positions according to an enrollment test procedure. The biometric scanner 1216 is configured to scan the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions and record each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions. In one aspect, the computer system 1222 is configured to receive each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure and record a reference template of the fingerprint. The reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions according to the enrollment test procedure. In one aspect, the reference template is associated with the identity of the synthetic finger assembly 1210 recorded by the non-contact reader 12140.

[0090] Figure 11 is according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 10 A close-up view of the robotic automation test system 1200 as shown in, showing the dispensing tray 1212 including a plurality of cells 1226 for accommodating a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies 1210 for a test procedure.

[0091] Figure 12 Shows according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 10 the robotic automation test system 1200 as shown in, showing the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 positioned above the synthetic finger assembly 1210 disposed in one of the cells 1226 of the dispensing tray 1212. Figure 13A close-up view of the dispensing tray 1212 and the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the end effector being positioned above a synthetic finger assembly 1210 disposed in a cell 1226 of the dispensing tray 1212. Figure 14 A close-up view of the dispensing tray 1212 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, showing the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 in the process of lifting the synthetic finger assembly 1210 out of a cell 1226 of the dispensing tray 1212. In one aspect, once the end effector 1206 is positioned above the synthetic finger assembly 1210, the end effector 1206 can lift the synthetic finger assembly 1210 out of the cell 1226 of the dispensing tray 1212 using vacuum, as Figure 14 shown.

[0092] Figure 15 Showing according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 10 the robotic automation test system 1200 shown in [[]] in the process of placing the synthetic finger assembly 1210 near the non-contact reader 1214. As described above, the non-contact reader 1214 is coupled to the robotic controller 12220 or the computer system 1222, or both. The non-contact reader 1214 reads the NFC circuit 902 ( Figure 7A , 7B ) for the purpose of identifying the synthetic finger assembly 1210, in particular the fingerprint to be scanned by the sensor 1218 of the biometric scanner 1216. Figure 16 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 15 A close-up view of the robotic automation test system 1200 shown in [[]] in the process of placing the synthetic finger assembly 1210 near the non-contact reader 1214.

[0093] Figure 17 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 16 A close-up view of the robotic automation test system 1200 shown in [[]] in the process of lifting the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the non-contact reader 1214, prior to moving the synthetic finger assembly 1210 onto the sensor 1218 of the biometric scanner 1216.

[0094] Figures 18A - 18D A sequence of the robotic automation test system 1200 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure in the process of positioning the synthetic finger assembly 1210 on the sensor 1218 of the biometric scanner 1216 in various orientations and with applied pressure. Figure 18AIllustrated is the end effector 1206 positioning the synthetic finger assembly 1210 relative to the sensor 1218 in a first orientation, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 18B Illustrated is the end effector 1206 positioning the synthetic finger assembly 1210 relative to the sensor 1218 in a second orientation, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 18C Illustrated is the end effector 1206 positioning the synthetic finger assembly 1210 relative to the sensor 1218 in a third orientation, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 18D Illustrated is the end effector 1206 positioning the synthetic finger assembly 1210 sensor relative to the sensor 1218 in a fourth orientation, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an automated test process 1300 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Now refer to Figure 19 and Figures 7A - 18D , according to one aspect of process 1300, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 selects 1302 the synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the tray 1212. The synthetic finger assembly 1210 includes synthetic fingers 910 ( Figure 7D , 7E ) and a near field communication (NFC) circuit 902 ( Figure 7B , 7C ). The non-contact reader 1214 scans 1304 the NFC circuit 902 disposed on the synthetic finger assembly 1210 to identify the synthetic finger assembly 1210. The non-contact reader 1214 identifies 1306 the synthetic finger assembly 1310. The biometric scanner 1216 scans 1308 the fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger 910 according to the registration test process.

[0096] In another aspect of process 1300, when scanning a fingerprint according to an enrollment test process, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 places the synthetic finger-like component 1210 at multiple positions according to the enrollment test process. The biometric scanner 1216 scans the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions. The computer system 1222 coupled to the biometric scanner 1216 records each scan result of the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions. In one aspect, placing includes rotating the synthetic finger-like component 1210. In another aspect, the computer system 1222 records a reference template of the fingerprint. The reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprints at each of the multiple positions according to the enrollment test process. In another aspect, the computer system 1222 records the identity of the synthetic finger-like component 1210 read by the contactless reader 1214. In another aspect, the computer system 1222 correlates the identity of the synthetic finger-like component 1210 with the reference template of each synthetic finger-like component 1210.

[0097] In various aspects, the robotic arm 1204 moves the synthetic finger-like component 1210 to the contactless reader 1214. In another aspect, the robotic arm 1204 moves the synthetic finger-like component 1210 from the contactless reader 1214 to the biometric scanner 1216. In another aspect, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 applies a vacuum to select, lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger-like component 1210. In another aspect, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 returns the synthetic finger-like component 1210 to the tray 1212 after the enrollment test process is completed. In another aspect, the computer system 1222 coupled to the biometric scanner 1216 receives enrollment test process data from the biometric scanner 1216.

[0098] In various aspects, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 sequentially traverses a tray 1212 containing synthetic finger assemblies 1210 and selects each synthetic finger assembly 1210 positioned within the tray 1212. In another aspect, the computer system 1222 records a reference template and the identity of each synthetic finger assembly 1210 of the synthetic finger assemblies 1210 within the tray 1212. In another aspect, the end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 returns the synthetic finger assembly 1210 to the tray 1212 after the registration test process is complete. The end effector 1206 of the robotic arm 1204 selects a second synthetic finger assembly 1210 from the tray 1212. The second synthetic finger assembly 1210 includes a second synthetic finger and a second NFC circuit. The contactless reader 1214 scans the second NFC circuit positioned on the second synthetic finger assembly. The contactless reader 1214 identifies the second synthetic finger assembly. The biometric scanner 1216 scans a second fingerprint positioned on the second synthetic finger according to the registration test process.

[0099] Figure 20 is a block diagram of a computer device 3000 having a data processing subsystem or component according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The computer device 3000 may be configured to implement computer functions in the process 100 described in conjunction with Figure 1 the processes shown in FIGS. 1-10. Figure 20 The subsystems shown in FIG. 1 are interconnected via a system bus 3010. Additional subsystems are shown such as a printer 3018, a keyboard 3026, a fixed disk 3028 (or other memory including computer-readable media), a monitor 3022 coupled to a display adapter 3020, and the like. Peripheral devices and input / output (I / O) devices coupled to an I / O controller 3012 (which may be a processor or other suitable controller) may be connected to the computer system by any number of means known in the art (such as a serial port 3024). For example, the serial port 3024 or an external interface 3030 may be used to connect the computer device to a wide area network (such as the Internet), a mouse input device, or a scanner. The interconnection via the system bus allows the central processor 3016 to communicate with each subsystem and to control the execution of instructions from the system memory 3014 or the fixed disk 3028, as well as the exchange of information between the subsystems. The system memory 3014 and / or the fixed disk 3028 may embody computer-readable media.

[0100] It should be noted that any hardware platform suitable for performing the processes described herein is suitable for use with the technology. As used herein, the terms "computer-readable storage medium" and "computer-readable storage media" refer to any one or more media that participate in providing instructions to a CPU for execution. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as fixed disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system RAM. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, among others, which include the wires that form part of a bus. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM discs, digital video discs (DVDs), any other optical medium, any other physical medium with patterns of marks or holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or data exchange adapter, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0101] Various forms of computer-readable media can participate in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries data to system RAM, and the CPU retrieves instructions from the system RAM and executes them. Instructions received by the system RAM may optionally be stored on a fixed disk before or after being executed by the CPU.

[0102] Computer program code for performing operations in aspects of the present technology can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language, Go, Python, or other programming languages, including assembly language. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer; as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., using an Internet service provider through the Internet).

[0103] Examples of methods in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure are provided in the numbered clauses below. One aspect of the method may include any one or more and any combination of the numbered clauses described below.

[0104] Clause 1. A robotic system for testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger, the robotic system comprising: a robotic arm including an end effector configured to select a synthetic finger assembly, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; a controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm; and a biometric scanner including a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger; wherein the controller is configured to: control movement of the robotic arm; cause the end effector to select the synthetic finger assembly; and identify the synthetic finger assembly.

[0105] Clause 2. The robotic system according to Clause 1, wherein the robotic arm includes a spring configured to apply uniform pressure to the synthetic finger assembly.

[0106] Clause 3. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, comprising a non-contact reader configured to read the NFC circuit of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly.

[0107] Clause 4. The robotic system according to Clause 3, wherein the NFC circuit includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

[0108] Clause 5. The robotic system according to Clause 4, wherein the controller is configured to: cause the non-contact reader to scan the NFC circuit on the synthetic finger assembly to determine the identity of the synthetic finger assembly; and record the identity of the synthetic finger assembly.

[0109] Clause 6. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the robotic arm includes a non-contact reader configured to read the NFC circuit of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly.

[0110] Clause 7. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the end effector is a vacuum end effector coupled to a vacuum source to enable the vacuum end effector to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly from a tray.

[0111] Clause 8. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the end effector is a gecko-inspired gripper.

[0112] Clause 9. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the controller is configured to sequentially traverse the tray, and the tray includes a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies.

[0113] Clause 10. The robotic system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the robotic arm is rotatable and articulable.

[0114] Clause 11. A system for testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger, the system comprising: a computer system; and a robot coupled to the computer system, the robot including: a robotic arm including an end effector configured to select a synthetic finger assembly, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; a controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm; and a biometric scanner including a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint placed on the synthetic finger; wherein the controller is configured to: control the movement of the robotic arm; cause the end effector to select the synthetic finger assembly; and identify the synthetic finger assembly.

[0115] Clause 12. The system according to Clause 11, wherein the computer system is coupled to the biometric scanner and is configured to extract a registration test process from the sensor.

[0116] Clause 13. The system according to any one of Clauses 11 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to cause the robotic arm to control the end effector to place the synthetic finger assembly at a plurality of positions according to the registration test process.

[0117] Clause 14. The system according to any one of Clauses 11 to 13, wherein the biometric scanner is configured to scan the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions and record each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions.

[0118] Clause 15. The system according to any one of Clauses 11 to 14, wherein the computer system is configured to: receive each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions according to the registration test process; and record a reference template of the fingerprint, wherein the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions according to the registration test process.

[0119] Clause 16. The system according to any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein the reference template is related to the identity of the synthetic finger assembly recorded by a contactless reader.

[0120] Clause 17. A method for testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger, the method comprising: selecting, by an end effector of a robotic arm, a synthetic finger assembly from a tray, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; scanning, by a non-contact reader, the NFC circuit disposed on the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly; identifying, by the non-contact reader, the synthetic finger assembly; and scanning, by a biometric scanner, a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger according to an enrollment test process.

[0121] Clause 18. The method according to clause 17, wherein scanning the fingerprint according to the enrollment test process includes: placing, by the end effector of the robotic arm, the synthetic finger assembly at a plurality of positions according to the enrollment test process; scanning, by the biometric scanner, the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions; and recording, by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner, each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions.

[0122] Clause 19. The method according to clause 18, wherein placing includes rotating the synthetic finger assembly.

[0123] Clause 20. The method according to any one of clauses 18 to 19, comprising recording a reference template of the fingerprint, wherein the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the plurality of positions according to the enrollment test process.

[0124] Clause 21. The method according to clause 20, comprising recording the identity of the synthetic finger assembly read by the non-contact reader.

[0125] Clause 22. The method according to clause 21, comprising correlating the identity of the synthetic finger assembly with the reference template for each synthetic finger assembly.

[0126] Clause 23. The method according to any one of clauses 17 to 22, comprising moving, by the robotic arm, the synthetic finger assembly to the non-contact reader.

[0127] Clause 24. The method according to clause 23, comprising moving, by the robotic arm, the synthetic finger assembly from the non-contact reader to the biometric scanner.

[0128] Clause 25. The method according to any one of clauses 17 to 24, wherein selecting by the end effector of the robotic arm includes applying a vacuum by the end effector of the robotic arm to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly.

[0129] Clause 26. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 25, wherein the end effector of the robotic arm selects to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly using a gecko-inspired gripper.

[0130] Clause 27. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 26, which includes returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after the registration test process is completed.

[0131] Clause 28. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 27, which includes receiving registration test process data from the biometric scanner by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner.

[0132] Clause 29. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 28, which includes the end effector of the robotic arm traversing step by step a tray containing synthetic finger assemblies to select each synthetic finger assembly placed within the tray.

[0133] Clause 30. The method according to Clause 29, which includes recording a reference template and the identity of each synthetic finger assembly in the tray.

[0134] Clause 31. The method according to any one of Clauses 17 to 30, which includes: returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after the registration test process is completed; selecting, by the end effector of the robotic arm, a second synthetic finger assembly from the tray, wherein the second synthetic finger assembly includes a second synthetic finger and a second NFC circuit; scanning the second NFC circuit placed on the second synthetic finger assembly by the contactless reader; identifying the second synthetic finger assembly by the contactless reader; and scanning a second fingerprint placed on the second synthetic finger by the biometric scanner according to the registration test process.

[0135] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of systems and / or processes using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will recognize that each function and / or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples can be implemented, individually and / or jointly, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein may be implemented, in whole or in part, equivalently in integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), firmware, or virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and / or writing the code for the software and / or firmware would be well within the skill of those in the art in light of this disclosure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed in a variety of forms as one or more program products, and that the illustrative forms described herein are applicable regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect such distribution.

[0136] Instructions for programming logic to perform the various disclosed aspects may be stored in the memory of the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage devices. Additionally, the instructions may be distributed via a network or by means of other computer-readable media. Accordingly, machine-readable media can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but are not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage devices for transmitting information over the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, non-transitory computer-readable media include any type of tangible machine-readable media suitable for storing or conveying electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0137] Any software component or functionality described in this application can be implemented as software code executed by a processor using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques and any suitable computer language (e.g., Python, Java, C++, or Perl). The software code can be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, magnetic media (e.g., hard disk or floppy disk), or optical media (e.g., CD-ROM). Any such computer-readable medium can reside on or inside a single computing device and can be present on or inside different computing devices within a system or network.

[0138] As used in any aspect herein, the term "logic" can refer to an app, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. The software can be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction set, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The firmware can be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction set and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0139] As used in any aspect herein, the terms "component", "system", "module", etc. can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0140] As used in any aspect herein, "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps that produces a desired result, where "step" refers to the manipulation of physical quantities and / or logical states, which can (but need not) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Common usage refers to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These terms and similar terms can be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0141] The network may include a packet-switching network. The communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using a selected packet-switching network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include the Ethernet communication protocol, which may be able to permit communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard titled "IEEE 802.3 Standard" published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or subsequent versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards promulgated by the International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards promulgated by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard titled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or subsequent versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are also contemplated herein.

[0142] Unless expressly stated otherwise in the foregoing disclosure, it should be understood that throughout this disclosure, the discussion of terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," etc., refers to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the registers and memories of the computer system and transforms it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the memories or registers of the computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0143] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to", "configurable to", "operable / operating", "suitable / adaptable", "capable", "compliant / complies with", etc. Unless the context otherwise requires, those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to" generally can encompass active state components and / or inactive state components and / or standby state components.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, generally, the terms used herein, and especially the terms in the appended claims (e.g., the subject matter of the appended claims) are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "includes" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, there is no such intent. For example, for purposes of illustration, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to a claim containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim contains the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" as well as the indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); this also holds for the use of the definite article to introduce claim recitations.

[0145] In addition, even if a specific number recited in an introduced claim is explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a recitation should generally be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a simple recitation of "two recitations" without any other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in cases where a convention such as "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such a construction is intended to be such that those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where a convention such as "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such a construction is intended to be such that those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that, generally, unless the context otherwise indicates, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, separate words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms should be understood as contemplating the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0146] Regarding the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations recited therein can generally be performed in any order. Moreover, although various operation flowcharts are presented in sequence, it should be understood that the various operations can be performed in other orders different from the shown order, or the various operations can be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise provides, examples of such alternative orderings can include overlapping, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incrementing, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reversing, or other variant orderings. Further, unless the context otherwise provides, terms such as "in response to", "associated with", or other past tense adjectives generally are not intended to exclude such variants.

[0147] It is noted that any reference to "an aspect", "in one aspect", "an example", "a example", etc. means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the aspect are included in at least one aspect. Thus, the phrases "in one aspect", "in one aspect", "in an example", and "in a example" that appear throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Further, the specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0148] As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents.

[0149] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other published material cited in this specification and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is not inconsistent therewith. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as expressly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is said to be incorporated by reference herein but which conflicts with the existing definitions, statements, or other published material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing published material. It is not admitted that they are prior art.

[0150] In summary, numerous benefits have been described that result from the use of the concepts described herein. The foregoing description has been presented in one or more forms for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more forms have been selected and described in order to illustrate the principles and practical applications, so as to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various forms and make various modifications suitable for the particular purposes contemplated. The claims presented herein are intended to define the general scope.

Claims

1. A robotic system for testing a biometric sensor using synthetic fingers, the robotic system comprises: A robotic arm including an end effector configured to select a synthetic finger assembly, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; A controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm; And A biometric scanner including a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint placed on the synthetic finger; Wherein the controller is configured to: Control the movement of the robotic arm; Cause the end effector to select the synthetic finger assembly; and Identify the synthetic finger assembly.

2. The robotic system according to claim 1, wherein the robotic arm includes a spring configured to apply uniform pressure to the synthetic finger assembly.

3. The robotic system according to claim 1, which includes a non-contact reader configured to read the NFC circuit of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly.

4. The robotic system according to claim 3, wherein the NFC circuit includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; and Wherein the controller is configured to: Cause the non-contact reader to scan the NFC circuit on the synthetic finger assembly to determine the identity of the synthetic finger assembly; and Record the identity of the synthetic finger assembly.

5. The robotic system according to claim 1, wherein the robotic arm includes a non-contact reader configured to read the NFC circuit of the synthetic finger assembly to identify the synthetic finger assembly.

6. The robotic system according to claim 1, wherein the end effector is a vacuum end effector coupled to a vacuum source to enable the vacuum end effector to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly from a tray.

7. The robotic system according to claim 1, wherein the end effector is a gecko-inspired gripper.

8. The robotic system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to sequentially traverse a tray, wherein the tray includes a plurality of synthetic finger assemblies.

9. A system for testing a biometric sensor using synthetic fingers, the system comprises: A computer system; And A robot coupled to the computer system, the robot includes: A robotic arm including an end effector configured to select a synthetic finger assembly, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; A controller electrically coupled to the robotic arm; and A biometric scanner including a sensor configured to scan a fingerprint placed on the synthetic finger; Wherein the controller is configured to: Control the movement of the robotic arm; Cause the end effector to select the synthetic finger assembly; and Identify the synthetic finger assembly.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the computer system is coupled to the biometric scanner and is configured to extract a registration test process from the sensor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cause the robotic arm to control the end effector to place the synthetic finger assembly at multiple positions according to the registration test process.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the biometric scanner is configured to scan the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions and record each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions; and wherein the computer system is configured to: receive each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions according to the registration test process; and record a reference template of the fingerprint, wherein the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions according to the registration test process; and wherein the reference template is related to the identity of the synthetic finger assembly recorded by the contactless reader.

13. A method of testing a biometric sensor using a synthetic finger, the method comprising: selecting a synthetic finger assembly from a tray by an end effector of a robotic arm, wherein the synthetic finger assembly includes a synthetic finger and a near field communication (NFC) circuit; scanning the NFC circuit disposed on the synthetic finger assembly by a contactless reader to identify the synthetic finger assembly; identifying the synthetic finger assembly by the contactless reader; and scanning a fingerprint disposed on the synthetic finger by a biometric scanner according to a registration test process.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein scanning the fingerprint according to the registration test process comprises: placing the synthetic finger assembly at multiple positions by the end effector of the robotic arm according to the registration test process; scanning the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions by the biometric scanner; recording each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner; recording a reference template of the fingerprint, wherein the reference template includes each scan result of the fingerprint at each of the multiple positions according to the registration test process; recording the identity of the synthetic finger assembly read by the contactless reader; and associating the identity of the synthetic finger assembly with the reference template for each synthetic finger assembly.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein selecting by the end effector of the robotic arm includes applying a vacuum by the end effector of the robotic arm to lift, hold, and move the synthetic finger assembly.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein selecting by the end effector of the robotic arm includes lifting, holding, and moving the synthetic finger assembly with a gecko-inspired gripper.

17. The method according to claim 13, comprising returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after completion of the enrollment test process.

18. The method according to claim 13, comprising receiving enrollment test process data from the biometric scanner by a computer system coupled to the biometric scanner.

19. The method according to claim 13, which comprises: stepwise traversing, by the end effector of the robotic arm, a tray containing synthetic finger assemblies to select each synthetic finger assembly positioned within the tray; and recording a reference template and the identity of each synthetic finger assembly of the synthetic finger assemblies in the tray.

20. The method according to claim 13, which comprises: returning the synthetic finger assembly to the tray by the end effector of the robotic arm after completion of the enrollment test process; selecting, by the end effector of the robotic arm, a second synthetic finger assembly from the tray, wherein the second synthetic finger assembly includes a second synthetic finger and a second NFC circuit; scanning, by the non-contact reader, the second NFC circuit disposed on the second synthetic finger assembly; identifying, by the non-contact reader, the second synthetic finger assembly; and scanning, by the biometric scanner, a second fingerprint disposed on the second synthetic finger according to the enrollment test process.

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