Fingerprint Imaging Algorithmic Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fingerprint imaging systems struggle to effectively correct complex optical distortions introduced by multiple optical elements and imperfections in the manufacturing process, leading to increased costs and precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A software-based algorithmic correction method using a 3D geometric model to rectify images by determining the differences between the conceptual and actual configurations of the imaging system, allowing for lower manufacturing tolerances without compromising image precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hardware-based rectification is used to correct radial and perspective distortion, then image distortion is reduced, but the system cannot compensate for distortions from complex optical elements and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from physical optical parameter adjustments to software-based parameter transformations. A geometric model is created that maps distorted image coordinates to rectified coordinates through mathematical transformations, allowing correction of complex distortions without adding physical rectification components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical rectification system with a software-based geometric modeling system. Instead of using additional optical elements or mechanical adjustments to correct distortion, the system uses computational algorithms to transform image coordinates based on a geometric model of the optical path.
2Manufacturing precision
If high precision optical components are used to meet distortion tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital geometric model that copies and represents the optical system's behavior, including all distortion characteristics. This virtual model allows the system to compensate for manufacturing imperfections through software transformation rather than requiring expensive high-precision components, effectively replacing physical precision with computational accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, high-precision optical components with a software-based correction system that has minimal hardware requirements. The geometric model and associated algorithms serve as a low-cost alternative to precision manufacturing, allowing standard components to achieve high effective precision through computational correction.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed to ensure component alignment within tolerances, then measurement precision is improved, but the time and complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the optical system by creating a geometric model that captures the actual distortion behavior. This model is established once during system setup or manufacturing, and then used repeatedly for image rectification without requiring repeated calibration procedures, significantly reducing the time loss associated with frequent alignment checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the geometric model as a feedback mechanism that continuously compensates for alignment errors. By comparing actual image coordinates with the predicted coordinates from the geometric model, the system automatically corrects for misalignment without requiring manual calibration adjustments, reducing both time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A software implemented system and method for algorithmic correction of systematic image distortions within fingerprint imaging systems. The system and method may implement a three dimensional geometric model of a fingerprint imaging system to discover where a configuration prescribed by a conceptual fingerprint imaging system and an actual configuration of a manufactured fingerprint imaging system differ. By describing this difference using the geometric model, images captured by the manufactured fingerprint imaging system can be rectified in operational use to generate rectified images with relatively low amounts of distortion present.