Camera-Based Fingerprint Authentication Using Multi-Finger Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint recognition systems on smartphones are limited by the size and effectiveness of electronic fingerprint sensors, which can lead to higher rates of false rejections and are not easily implemented on conventional smartphones due to limited camera resolution and light emitting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing fingerprint recognition using a mobile device's camera, which captures images of multiple fingers, detects the fingers using a finger detection algorithm, processes the images using segmentation algorithms to identify fingertip segments, extracts features from the fingers, generates a biometric identifier based on these features, and stores it for authentication purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic fingerprint sensors are added to smartphone devices, then fingerprint authentication capability is provided, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic fingerprint sensor with a camera-based imaging system. Instead of using a dedicated sensor that contacts the finger to capture ridges and valleys, the system uses a camera to capture images of the finger and processes these images to extract fingerprint features, thereby eliminating the need for additional sensor hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the fingerprint through camera imaging rather than direct electrical sensing. The camera captures visual information about the finger's surface characteristics, and this visual data is processed to generate a digital fingerprint representation, replacing the traditional sensor-based capture method.
2Weight of moving object
If electronic fingerprint sensors are made smaller to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but the region of capture is reduced which increases false rejection rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional contact sensor surface to a three-dimensional imaging approach. The camera captures the finger from multiple angles and at different depths, creating a volumetric representation that preserves more fingerprint detail. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive fingerprint capture without requiring a large sensor surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fingerprint capture process into multiple segments: capturing multiple images of the finger at different positions and angles, then processing these segmented images through algorithms that combine the information to create a complete fingerprint representation. This segmentation allows comprehensive capture without requiring a single large sensor area.
3Device complexity
If conventional smartphone cameras are used for fingerprint capture, then device simplicity is maintained, but camera resolution and light emitting capabilities are insufficient for accurate fingerprint recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image enhancement and processing steps to prepare the captured finger images for accurate fingerprint extraction. This includes adjusting image quality, enhancing contrast, and pre-processing the images to highlight fingerprint features, thereby preparing the data for subsequent accurate recognition without requiring a high-resolution camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the captured images through digital processing. By adjusting image parameters such as contrast, brightness, and sharpness through algorithms, the system enhances the quality of fingerprint images captured by standard cameras, making the fingerprint features more distinguishable and improving recognition accuracy.
4Reliability
If traditional fingerprint sensors are used, then dedicated fingerprint capture is achieved, but implementation on conventional smartphones is difficult due to limited camera resolution and light emitting capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone camera multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose (photography) and for fingerprint capture. The same camera hardware that takes photos is also employed to capture fingerprint images, eliminating the need for dedicated fingerprint sensor hardware and enabling universal implementation on standard smartphones.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are presented herein in support of a system and method for performing fingerprint recognition. Embodiments of the present invention concern a system and method for capturing a user's biometric features and generating an identifier characterizing the user's biometric features using a mobile device such as a smartphone. The biometric identifier is generated using imagery captured of a plurality of fingers of a user for the purposes of authenticating/identifying the user according to the captured biometrics and determining the user's liveness. The present disclosure also describes additional techniques for preventing erroneous authentication caused by spoofing. In some examples, the anti-spoofing techniques may include capturing one or more images of a user's fingers and analyzing the captured images for indications of liveness.