Biometric Authentication Skin Detection Using Multi-Wavelength Near-Infrared Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint authentication systems can be manipulated by artificial tissues, such as silicone or gelatine fingers, which are not effectively distinguished from living human skin using current methods.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact skin detector using semiconductor diodes that emit radiation at specific near-infrared wavelengths (950 nm and 1050 nm, 950 nm and 1200 nm, or 1050 nm and 1300 nm) to differentiate between living and non-living skin by evaluating the intensity of reflected radiation, ensuring that only living human skin triggers a positive authentication signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fingerprint scanners are used, then authentication can be performed, but the system can be manipulated by artificial fingerprints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple wavelengths (780nm, 850nm, and 940nm) of electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the fingerprint. Different materials (living skin vs. artificial materials) have different spectral reflection characteristics at these wavelengths. By analyzing the reflected radiation intensity at each wavelength, the system can distinguish living human skin from artificial materials, thereby preventing manipulation while maintaining authentication reliability.
2Reliability
If additional verification methods like temperature or pulse measurement are added, then manipulation resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional detector that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: capturing fingerprint images and measuring spectral reflection characteristics at different wavelengths. This single device integrates what would traditionally require separate sensors (imaging sensor + spectral analysis sensor), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high manipulation resistance through spectral analysis.
3Measurement precision
If spectral analysis with multiple wavelengths is implemented, then differentiation between living and artificial skin improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by sequentially activating different wavelength sources (780nm, 850nm, 940nm) rather than having all sources active simultaneously. The detector captures reflected radiation at each wavelength in sequence, which reduces total energy consumption compared to continuous multi-wavelength illumination, while still gathering sufficient spectral data for accurate skin differentiation.
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
This approach provides reliable differentiation between living and non-living skin, enhancing the security of fingerprint authentication systems by reducing the risk of manipulation and maintaining effectiveness across various skin tones and lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting diodes emit radiation with different wavelengths of 950 nm and 1050 nm, or 950 nm and 1200 nm, or 1050 nm and 1200 nm, or 1050 nm and 1300 nm, in the direction of the detection area
Implementation Method 2
The at least one receiving diode receives the radiation reflected from the detection area by the transmitting diodes, i.e., the re-emissions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for authenticating a person on the basis of at least one biometric parameter, particularly a fingerprint. Said apparatus comprises a biometric detector (20) for detecting a biometric parameter, a skin detector (24) for identifying, in a contactless manner, living human skin within a detection range. The skin detector (24) is provided with at least one group encompassing at least one radiation unit (26, 28) and at least one reception unit (30). The at least one radiation unit (26, 28) emits radiation in the direction of the detection range at least at two different wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 1500 nm, at least one of the wavelengths (26, 28) ranging from 900 nm to 1500 nm, while the reception unit (30) receives radiation reflected from the detection range. The disclosed apparatus further comprises a signal evaluation unit (22) that is connected to the biometric detector (20) and the skin detector (24) and is used for evaluating the intensity of the reflected radiations of the radiation unit (26, 28) which are received by the reception unit (30). Based on the intensities of the reflected radiations of the radiation unit (26, 28) which are received by the reception unit (30) at the two different wavelengths, the signal evaluation unit (22) can determine whether the skin detector identifies living human skin. Detecting living human skin is a prerequisite for outputting an authentication signal.