Apparatus for capturing a palmprint image

• US 20040057606A1
• Filed: 09/25/2002
• Published: 03/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Original Assignee: Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Inventors: David, Zhang Dapeng, Ming, Lu Guang, Adams, Kong Wai-Kin, Ming, Wong Keung, Xuan, Niu
• Application Number:
  US10/253,912
• Publication Number:
  US 20040057606A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/126
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/117 Identification of persons methods or arrangements for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints, G06F18/00, G06V40/00; identification of persons by analysing their voice or speech G10L17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands

Abstract

A palmprint image capture apparatus includes an enclosure with a window in it, and an image sensor and light source disposed within the enclosure and arranged to capture an image through the window. Protuberances are provided on the surface. The protuberances are arranged to be in known juxtaposition to a hand suitably placed on the window for capture of an image that includes the palm area of the hand.

Claims

1. A palmprint image capture apparatus including:

an enclosure with a window in it,

an image sensor disposed within the enclosure and arranged to capture an image through the window,

a light source disposed to illuminate the window, and

at least one protuberance adjacent the window, wherein the protuberance(s) is/are arranged to be in known juxtaposition to a hand suitably placed on the window for capture of an image that includes the palm area of the hand.

2. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the protuberances are pegs or pins disposed to be between the two or more fingers of the hand suitably placed on the window.

3. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light source is an annulus with the image sensor at its center.

4. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the image sensor is a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

5. A palmprint image capture apparatus including:

an enclosure having a window in it,

an image sensor disposed within the enclosure and arranged to capture an image through the window,

a light source disposed to illuminate the window,

a controller operable to control the image sensor and light source for capturing an image, and

at least one protuberance, wherein the protuberance(s) is/are arranged to be in known juxtaposition to a hand suitably placed on the window for capture of an image that includes the palm area of the hand.

6. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the protuberances are pegs or pins disposed to be between the two or more fingers of the hand suitably placed on the window.

7. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the light source is an annulus with the image sensor at its center.

8. A palmprint image capture apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the image sensor is a Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) or Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.