Ridge Pattern Recording System With Segmented Sensor Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biometric ridge pattern recording systems face high costs due to large image sensors, inadequate image quality due to noise and diffusion, and increased size, energy consumption, and reduced reliability from additional components and procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system that blends intensity values of intermediate images formed by small light-sensitive elements, with a processing unit assigning averaged values to output images, using a monochromatic image sensor and optical system with a wide spectral range, ensuring a high useful light flux and reduced stray light influence, thereby achieving high-quality images with reduced size, cost, and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large light-sensitive elements are used in image sensors, then image quality is improved, but system cost and sensor area increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensor into multiple smaller light-sensitive elements arranged in a grid pattern, where each element captures a portion of the optical image. These segmented elements work together to form the complete ridge pattern image, achieving required image quality without needing a single large light-sensitive element, thereby reducing sensor area and manufacturing cost
2Ease of manufacture
If small light-sensitive elements are used in image sensors, then system cost is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to noise and diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signals from multiple small light-sensitive elements through optical and electronic merging processes. The optical system directs light from different regions of the scanning surface to corresponding small elements, and the processed signals are merged to form the final high-quality ridge pattern image, effectively combining the weak signals from small elements into a coherent, high-resolution output
3Measurement precision
If additional optical components and processing procedures are added, then image quality is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system with multi-functional components that perform multiple operations simultaneously. The same optical elements are used for both image formation and signal differentiation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving image quality without proportionally increasing system size and complexity
4Measurement precision
If multiple mirrors are used in the optical system, then image quality is improved, but system dimensions and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path design where mirrors are arranged to reflect light through multiple dimensions rather than requiring a long linear path. This allows the optical system to achieve the necessary image quality through multiple reflections while keeping the physical footprint compact by utilizing vertical and lateral space efficiently
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 solution results in a cost-effective, reliable, high-speed ridge pattern recording system with small dimensions and compliant image quality meeting FBI standards, while minimizing energy use and system size.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system, as a rule including a collecting lens 4, a system of mirrors 5, an objective lens 6, protective glass 7 and microlenses 8 over the image sensor, takes this flux and creates an image of the ridge pattern on the light-sensitive surface 9 of a multi-element image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor converts the image from an optical image into an electronic digital image in the form of an array of intensity values proportional to the radiant flux incident on the corresponding light-sensitive element
Implementation Method 3
A source of light 1 radiates onto a component 2 which determines the position of the scanning surface 3 for the subject to be recorded, such as the ridge lines on the finger or the palm of the hand
Data Source
AI summary
Disclose a system for recording ridge patterns comprising a light source, a component which determines the position of a scanning surface, an optical system, a multi-element image sensor, an electronic memory and a processing device, wherein the output electronic image from the system is linked by means of merging in the processing device to at least two intermediate images which are linked to the optical image from the scanning surface.