Reflex Longitudinal Imaging via Through-Sensor Insonification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fingerprint scanning systems using longitudinal waves, such as ultrasound, face challenges in distinguishing relevant reflections from non-relevant interfaces, leading to suboptimal image quality due to signal interference and energy loss across multiple components.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic reflex imaging device comprising a platen, a plane wave generator, and a receiver array positioned between the platen and the generator, where the receiver array is in physical contact with the platen, and a backer is used to absorb or delay energy, allowing for improved focusing and reduced signal loss by separating the generation and detection functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional ultrasonic transducer is used to send pulses through multiple components to capture fingerprint reflections, then the system can obtain fingerprint information, but signal interference and energy loss occur due to multiple interfaces and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reception function from the traditional transducer and places it directly at the platen interface. The receiver array is positioned to capture reflections directly from the fingerprint interface without the signal passing through multiple intermediate components, thereby reducing energy loss and interference while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backer as an intermediary component with acoustic impedance matching properties. This backer is positioned between the generator and receiver array to minimize reflections and energy loss at the generator-receiver interface, allowing more ultrasonic energy to reach the fingerprint interface and return to the receivers.
2Loss of information
If range gating is used to identify relevant reflected pulses, then the system can filter out non-interesting reflections, but signal interference from multiple interfaces still degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reception function from the traditional transducer and places it directly at the platen interface. The receiver array is positioned to capture reflections directly from the fingerprint interface without the signal passing through multiple intermediate components, thereby reducing energy loss and interference while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If a single transducer is used for both generation and detection, then the device structure is simplified, but the system cannot optimize both transmission and reception functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic system into separate generation and detection components. The generator produces ultrasonic pulses while the receiver array independently captures reflections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the receiver array elements positioned and configured to maximize reception sensitivity and spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backer as an intermediary component with acoustic impedance matching properties. This backer is positioned between the generator and receiver array to minimize reflections and energy loss at the generator-receiver interface, allowing more ultrasonic energy to reach the fingerprint interface and return to the receivers.
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
This configuration enhances image clarity and accuracy by reducing signal interference and energy loss, enabling the creation of high-resolution digital images of fingerprints with improved detail and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
The energy generated may be substantially planar. The energy may be in the form of a longitudinal wave, such as an ultrasonic wave.
Implementation Method 2
Part of the pulse is reflected by the biological object, and the reflected energy is detected
Implementation Method 3
The reflected pulse received during the expected time is then processed, often by converting it to digital values that represent signal strength
Implementation Method 4
The backer may be configured to absorb or delay energy that originated from the generator
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic reflex imaging device and a method are described. A device according to the invention may include a platen, a generator, and a receiver positioned between the platen and the generator. A backer may be positioned so that the insonification device is between the receiver array and the backer. The backer may be configured to absorb or delay energy that originated from the generator. The generator produces an energy pulse, which travels through the receiver and the platen to reach a biological object. Part of the energy pulse is reflected from the biological object. The reflected energy pulse travels through the platen to the detector. The detector converts the reflect energy pulse to electric signals, which are then interpreted to create an image of the biological object.