Handheld Multimodal Biometric Imaging Apparatus with Polarized Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biometric systems require physical contact with sensors, which poses health risks and contamination concerns, and lack non-contact, portable solutions for simultaneous acquisition and registration of multiple biometric traits with high accuracy and resistance to spoofing.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held, portable apparatus with a housing, touchscreen display, and multiple illumination modules providing different wavelengths and polarizations, along with a camera and processing subsystem, captures images of biometric traits without contact, enhancing contrast of surface and subsurface features for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact with sensors is used for biometric acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to health risks and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with optical imaging systems. Multiple cameras capture images of biometric traits (fingerprints, palm prints, vein patterns) through non-contact optical methods, eliminating the need for physical sensor contact while maintaining acquisition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical illumination modules as intermediaries between the imaging system and the subject. These modules provide controlled lighting at various wavelengths to enhance the visibility of biometric features without requiring direct contact, thereby mediating the interaction between the system and the subject to eliminate health risks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact imaging is used to eliminate health risks, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lower image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into multiple specialized cameras, each optimized for capturing specific biometric traits. This includes cameras for fingerprints, palm prints, vein patterns, and other features, allowing each sensor to be tuned for maximum precision in its specific function while maintaining non-contact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs illumination modules that can vary lighting parameters such as wavelength, intensity, and polarization angle. By changing these optical parameters, the system enhances the contrast and visibility of different biometric features, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring physical contact.
3Reliability
If multiple biometric traits are acquired simultaneously, then reliability is improved through resistance to spoofing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional imaging system where a single device integrates multiple cameras and illumination modules capable of capturing various biometric traits (fingerprints, palm prints, vein patterns, facial features) simultaneously. This universal system achieves spoofing resistance through multimodal biometric verification while consolidating functions into one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions and biometric capture capabilities into a single integrated apparatus. By combining multiple cameras, illumination modules, and processing units into one cohesive system, the patent reduces the complexity that would arise from using separate devices for each biometric trait while maintaining high reliability.
4Ease of operation
If portable hand-held design is used for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a nested modular architecture where camera modules, illumination units, and processing components are arranged in compact, hierarchical configurations. Smaller functional units are integrated within larger housing structures, allowing the system to maintain precise alignment and assembly while achieving a portable, hand-held form factor.
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
Enables non-contact, simultaneous acquisition and registration of multiple biometric traits, improving accuracy and resistance to spoofing, while being portable and easy to use, suitable for field applications and integration with existing databases.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of illumination modules may also be disposed on the housing. The illumination modules may be configured to provide illumination of a portion of an anatomy of a person at different wavelengths and having different polarizations.
Implementation Method 2
The illumination modules may be configured to provide illumination of a portion of an anatomy of a person at different wavelengths and having different polarizations.
Implementation Method 3
A camera equipped with a polarization element is also supported on the housing. The camera forms an imaging subsystem for capturing one or more acquired images produced by illumination from the illumination modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand holdable, portable apparatus for imaging a portion of an anatomy of a person, without physical contact with the anatomy. The apparatus has a housing, a touchscreen display mounted in the housing, and a plurality of illumination modules disposed on the housing and configured to provide illumination beams at different wavelengths and having different polarizations. A camera is supported on the housing and forms an imaging subsystem for capturing a plurality of acquired images produced by illumination from the illumination modules. A processing subsystem analyzes the acquired images and generates a new image which has enhanced contrast of features associated with at least one of a surface biometric trait of the portion of the anatomy, and/or a subsurface biometric trait of the portion of the anatomy. This image(s) can be used for verification of the person's identity by software incorporated in the portable apparatus or by transmitting information generated by the images to a remote data base.