Non-contact Biometric Device Illumination and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric authentication devices using fingers often face issues with decreased authentication accuracy due to fingerprints of other users remaining on the scan panel and the need for contact, which increases the risk of contact and potential virus transmission. Additionally, the illumination used in these devices can cause dazzle to the user and result in poor image capture due to a small depth of field in non-contact setups.
Innovation Solution
A biometric information acquisition device is designed with a camera to capture images of a user's hand inserted into an imaging space, an illumination system that illuminates from above to reduce dazzle, and a housing that accommodates both the camera and illumination. The device features a first opening formed in a substantially rectangular shape to create the imaging space, allowing for non-contact biometric data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-type biometric authentication is used to ensure authentication accuracy, then authentication reliability is improved, but the risk of contact and virus transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-type mechanical scanning system with a non-contact imaging system using multiple cameras to capture finger images from different angles. This substitution eliminates physical contact between the user and the scanning device, thereby reducing virus transmission risk while maintaining authentication capability through image processing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly contacting the finger for authentication, the system creates optical copies (images) of the finger from multiple perspectives using several cameras. These digital copies are then processed to extract biometric information, enabling authentication without physical contact and thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and contamination risk
2Measurement precision
If light source is installed to illuminate fingerprints for image capture, then image quality is improved, but dazzle to the user increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions light sources at the upper side of the device, illuminating the finger from a different spatial dimension (from above rather than from the front). This dimensional change in illumination direction allows the light to illuminate the fingerprint area effectively for image capture while avoiding direct entry into the user's eyes, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and dazzle
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light amount of light source is reduced for non-contact authentication, then dazzle is reduced, but depth of field becomes small and image clarity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple independent light sources positioned at different locations (upper side of the device). This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized for specific illumination tasks - providing sufficient light for clear fingerprint imaging while controlling overall illumination to prevent dazzle. The distributed lighting arrangement also improves depth of field coverage across the finger surface
4Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to capture finger images from different angles, then authentication accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the imaging device with multiple cameras that serve multiple functions: capturing finger images from different angles for comprehensive biometric data, providing structural information for alignment, and enabling various authentication modes. This multi-functionality justifies the increased number of components by maximizing their utility across different operational scenarios
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces dazzle caused by illumination and allows for stable, non-contact acquisition of finger images, improving authentication accuracy and user experience while minimizing the risk of contact and infection.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (14) that captures an image of a hand (H) of a user
Implementation Method 2
an illumination (13) that illuminates inside of the imaging space (18) from above
Data Source
AI summary
A biometric information acquisition device includes a housing. The housing includes a bottom surface side, a top surface side, a front surface side, a back surface side, and an opening in the front surface side between the bottom and top surface sides. The opening defines an imaging space. A camera is disposed in the housing, with the camera being configured to capture an image of a palm of a hand of a user when inserted into the imaging space with the palm facing the top surface side. An illumination is between the top surface side and the opening, with the illumination being configured to illuminate the imaging space from above. A mirror reflects light from the illumination toward the palm, and a display prompts the user to insert the palm into the imaging space with the palm facing the top surface side.