Fingerprint Pattern Estimation via Repeated Surface Image Acquisition

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biometric authentication technologies face challenges in accurately estimating fingerprint patterns, particularly for newborns, due to factors like sebum and amniotic fluid, leading to inadequate identification in resource-limited settings.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that repeatedly acquires and estimates fingerprint patterns until a predetermined number of images with a consistent pattern are obtained, using machine learning algorithms to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If single image fingerprint pattern estimation is performed, then processing speed is improved, but identification accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoididentification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of multiple surface images before final pattern estimation. By collecting multiple images in advance and storing them in a buffer, the system ensures sufficient data is available for accurate pattern estimation without delaying the main processing flow, thus resolving the contradiction between processing speed and identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition unit continuously acquires surface images and the estimation unit continuously estimates patterns in a loop, maintaining continuous useful action. This continuous processing ensures that sufficient data is accumulated for accurate estimation while keeping the system responsive and efficient, addressing both speed and accuracy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If multiple surface images are acquired for pattern estimation, then identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of multiple surface images before final pattern estimation. By collecting multiple images in advance and storing them in a buffer, the system ensures sufficient data is available for accurate pattern estimation without delaying the main processing flow, thus resolving the contradiction between processing speed and identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the fingerprint analysis process into distinct functional units: acquisition unit for image capture, estimation unit for pattern recognition, and buffer for data storage. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, managing complexity while achieving accurate multi-image processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If repeated acquisition and estimation operations are performed, then pattern estimation accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern estimation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition of multiple surface images before final pattern estimation. By collecting multiple images in advance and storing them in a buffer, the system ensures sufficient data is available for accurate pattern estimation without delaying the main processing flow, thus resolving the contradiction between processing speed and identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The acquisition unit continuously acquires surface images and the estimation unit continuously estimates patterns in a loop, maintaining continuous useful action. This continuous processing ensures that sufficient data is accumulated for accurate estimation while keeping the system responsive and efficient, addressing both speed and accuracy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250259480A1Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 NEC CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that performs an acquisition operation of acquiring a surface image including fingerprints of a target person; a first estimation unit that performs a first estimation operation of estimating a pattern of the fingerprints from the acquired surface image; and an estimation control unit that controls the acquisition unit and the first estimation unit to repeat the acquisition operation and the first estimation operation until a predetermined number of surface images estimated by the first estimation unit to have a first pattern are acquired.