Fingerprint Sensor Fraud Detection via Total Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting fraud in fingerprint capture devices are not robust against careful fraud attempts and require incompressible acquisition times, degrading the ergonomics of the sensor.

Innovation Solution

A fraud detection method using the principle of total dark-field reflection, where only light rays originating from diffusion in the finger are captured, allowing for efficient fraud detection by analyzing light intensity and gradient curves to validate the presence of real skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image analysis methods are used to detect fraud, then the detection process can be implemented quickly, but the methods are not robust against sophisticated fraud attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud detection robustnessVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/image analysis systems with an optical system based on total reflection principles. The sensor captures light reflected at specific angles from the fingerprint, providing fraud detection through optical properties rather than complex image processing, thus improving reliability while reducing computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from image-based features to optical reflection intensity and angular distribution. By measuring light reflection at specific angles (total reflection) and comparing it to reference values, the system achieves robust fraud detection through physical parameter changes rather than complex image analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If physiological measurement methods are used to validate real skin, then fraud detection robustness is improved, but the acquisition time becomes incompressible and ergonomics are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud detection robustnessVSAvoidacquisition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming physiological measurements (perspiration, pulse, oximetry) with instantaneous optical reflection measurements. The total reflection optical system captures fraud detection data in the same brief moment the finger is placed on the sensor, eliminating the need for extended acquisition periods and maintaining excellent ergonomics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system utilizes the natural optical properties of real skin versus artificial materials. Real skin inherently produces specific total reflection patterns due to its biological structure, allowing the system to self-validate without requiring additional measurement time or external physiological stimuli

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The method provides robust fraud detection while maintaining acceptable user time, enhancing the security and efficiency of fingerprint authentication processes.

Implementation Method 1

only light rays originating from the finger resulting from scattering within the finger are used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

principle of total dark-field reflection, where only light rays originating from diffusion in the finger are captured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3388976B1Method for detecting fraud
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 IDEMIA IDENTITY & SECURITY FRANCE SAS
  • EP3388976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388976B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3388976B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A method for detecting fraud when using a body part fingerprint capture device that employs a total reflection dark-field principle and comprises a transparent slide on which a body part to be verified is placed. The method includes: using said device to acquire (61) a first fingerprint image with illumination of the body part such that the entire surface of the body part in contact with the transparent slide reflects light; using said device to acquire (63) at least a second fingerprint image by illuminating the body part with a single LED; obtaining (67) for each second fingerprint image representative information of a level of light re-emitted by the body part using each image obtained; and comparing (68) each piece of information obtained to reference information to validate that the body part is a genuine body part.