Parallel Fingerprint Image Processing for Authentication Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fingerprint authentication systems face challenges in achieving responsive authentication without compromising reliability, as users expect faster processing times while maintaining high accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring a first candidate fingerprint image and a second candidate image during the same finger placement event, with the second image being processed in parallel or after the first, allowing for backup authentication if the first image is of insufficient quality, and combining images for enhanced reliability and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential processing of fingerprint images is used, then reliability of authentication is maintained, but authentication speed and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality assessment of the first fingerprint image immediately upon acquisition, before complete processing is finished. This allows the system to prepare backup plans in advance - if quality is insufficient, the second image acquisition is already triggered, preventing authentication delays while maintaining reliability through pre-prepared fallback options.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous parallel operations where the first fingerprint image processing, second fingerprint image acquisition, and quality assessment all occur simultaneously rather than sequentially. Multiple processes run concurrently to eliminate idle time, ensuring that authentication proceedings continue without interruption while maintaining thorough quality checks for reliability.
2Productivity
If faster authentication processing is implemented, then responsiveness improves, but reliability and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a partial quality assessment of the first fingerprint image quickly using simplified criteria to determine if fast-track authentication can proceed. This partial check enables rapid decision-making for clear cases while reserving comprehensive verification for borderline cases, thus improving overall throughput without sacrificing accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on image quality metrics. When the first fingerprint image shows high quality characteristics, the system reduces processing depth and skips certain verification steps to accelerate authentication. When quality parameters indicate potential issues, the system automatically increases processing thoroughness, balancing speed and accuracy adaptively.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of authenticating a user by means of a fingerprint authentication system comprising a fingerprint sensing arrangement and authentication circuitry. The method comprises the steps of acquiring a first candidate fingerprint image; acquiring a second candidate fingerprint image; processing, while acquiring the second candidate fingerprint image, the first candidate fingerprint image by the authentication circuitry; and evaluating a result of the processing. When the evaluation indicates that successful authentication is not likely based on the first candidate fingerprint image, the user is authenticated based on the second candidate fingerprint image.