Subdermal Fingerprint Scanner Using Optical Coherence Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fingerprint scanning technologies in consumer electronics are not secure enough, as surface fingerprints can be easily faked, and existing secure methods are either too bulky, expensive, or do not fit within the form factor and price constraints of modern devices, failing to meet consumer expectations for rapid and secure access.
Innovation Solution
A multiple reference optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan, covering an area of approximately 16 mm-17 mm in less than a second, fitting within a slim profile of 6 mm, using a single reference mirror with oscillatory motion and lateral source arrays to achieve high resolution and security compliant with NIST standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface fingerprint scanning is used, then the device is simple and fast, but security is insufficient as fingerprints can be easily faked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface fingerprint scanning to three-dimensional subdermal imaging by introducing optical coherence tomography. This allows visualization of fingerprint features beneath the skin surface, creating a new dimensional layer of authentication that is difficult to fake while maintaining integration with existing device structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical surface scanning mechanisms with optical coherence tomography technology. This substitution enables non-contact subdermal imaging through optical fields, providing enhanced security without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems.
2Reliability
If secure subdermal imaging is implemented, then security is improved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the optical coherence tomography scanner integrates fingerprint imaging, depth profiling, and authentication capabilities in one compact unit. This merging of functions reduces overall device volume while maintaining enhanced security features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the scanning system to serve multiple purposes: subdermal fingerprint imaging, depth measurement, and security authentication. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate systems, reducing volume and cost.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution fingerprint scanning is used, then security is improved, but the scan time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous optical coherence tomography scanning that captures multiple depth planes and fingerprint features simultaneously in a single continuous operation. This eliminates the need for sequential scanning steps, maintaining high resolution while reducing total scan time through uninterrupted data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optical alignment and reference arm configuration before actual fingerprint scanning begins. This preliminary setup ensures that when scanning starts, the system is already optimized for rapid high-resolution capture, reducing the effective scan time while maintaining measurement precision.
4Reliability
If advanced security features are added, then authentication security is improved, but the device price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical coherence tomography image copy of the subdermal fingerprint structure rather than requiring physical contact or complex mechanical scanning. This optical copying method reduces manufacturing complexity and component costs while maintaining high authentication security through non-contact subdermal imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes system parameters such as optical wavelength, coherence length, and scanning speed to achieve high security authentication with reduced hardware complexity. By carefully tuning these parameters, the system achieves secure subdermal imaging without requiring expensive high-performance components throughout the entire system.
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 scanner satisfies the NIST FAP10 standard for fingerprint security with a resolution of 500 dpi, offering rapid, secure, and robust user authentication that is transparent to the user and does not increase the device's size or price, suitable for unlocking consumer electronics and other secure applications.
Implementation Method 1
optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan
Implementation Method 2
combining a multiple reference optical coherence tomography system with a single reference mirror
Data Source
AI summary
The invention teaches a multiple reference optical coherence tomography scanner that provides a subdermal fingerprint scan, covers an area of approximately 16 mm-17 mm×10 mm in less than a second, and fits into a slim profile of less than 6 mm in thickness, thereby fitting within the slim consumer electronics such as the iPhone and similar consumer electronics. Various embodiments are taught.