Contactless Rolled Fingerprints via Multi-Perspective Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint acquisition technologies face challenges such as low-quality prints due to contact-based methods like ink-based and digital contact acquisition, which are time-consuming, prone to smearing, and require specific hand positions, while non-contact methods often capture only 2D images from a single perspective, lacking the accuracy of rolled fingerprint captures.
Innovation Solution
A computing device captures multiple perspectives of a finger using cameras, generating a rolled fingerprint representation that simulates the rolling motion without physical contact, enhancing accuracy and efficiency by using a small, movable device that can capture a 180-degree view of the finger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based fingerprint acquisition methods (ink-based or digital contact) are used, then fingerprint capture is possible, but the process is time-consuming and produces low-quality prints prone to smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical fingerprint acquisition systems with a non-contact optical imaging system. Instead of requiring physical contact with ink or sensor surfaces, the system uses cameras to capture multiple perspectives of the finger, eliminating the time-consuming and smearing-prone contact process while maintaining capture quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D single-perspective fingerprint capture to multi-dimensional capture by acquiring images from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables the system to reconstruct rolled fingerprint representations without physical contact, resolving the contradiction between capture quality and acquisition time.
2Productivity
If non-contact fingerprint methods are used, then acquisition speed improves, but the captured images are limited to 2D single perspective, lacking accuracy of rolled fingerprint captures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances non-contact acquisition by capturing multiple perspectives (front, side, top views) simultaneously and integrating them into a comprehensive rolled fingerprint representation. This multi-dimensional approach maintains the speed advantage of non-contact methods while achieving the accuracy traditionally associated with contact-based rolled fingerprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple 2D images captured from different perspectives into a unified rolled fingerprint representation. By combining the information from front, side, and top views, the system creates a complete 360-degree fingerprint profile that matches the accuracy of traditional rolled contact prints while preserving non-contact acquisition speed.
3Measurement precision
If traditional rolled fingerprint capture is used, then high accuracy is achieved, but it requires specific hand positions and contact-based procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the requirement for specific hand positions and contact-based procedures by replacing mechanical rolling capture with non-contact optical imaging. Users can provide fingerprints naturally without needing to position their hands precisely or perform rolling motions, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy through multi-perspective image integration.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes capturing one or more friction ridge images of a finger at an instance in time, the one or more friction ridge images including a plurality of perspectives of the finger. The method also includes determining, from the one or more friction ridge images, a rolled fingerprint representation of the finger, the rolled fingerprint representation comprising data from the plurality of perspectives, and outputting the rolled fingerprint representation.