PALM PRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

• US 3,581,282 A
• Filed: 12/03/1968
• Issued: 05/25/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1968
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Norman G. Altman
• Original Assignee: Norman G. Altman
• Inventors: Altman, Norman G.
• Application Number:
  US04/780,768
• Time in Patent Office: 903 Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.83
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/10 Image acquisition document image scanning and transmission H04N1/00; control of digital cameras H04N23/60
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/12 Details of acquisition arrangements; Constructional details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1365 Matching; Classification
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence

Abstract

A palm print identification system in which an image of the palm pattern is optically formed and scanned to generate a video signal which is an analog of the pattern, the signal being converted into a numerical code. Because each palm print is unique, an individual is thereby given a singular identifying code number which is an index to the pattern. The code identification may be recorded on an ID card. To verify identification, the hand is placed on a sensing unit and the ID card is inserted in a suitable card reader. The numerical code on the card is sensed and converted into an electrical signal which is compared in a correlator with the video signal derived from the scanned palm of the hand to determine the degree of correspondence therebetween and thereby establish identification.

Claims

1. A palm-print reader adapted to provide a numerical identification of an individual, comprising:

a. optical means to form an image of the pattern of an individual palm print, b. means to scan said image to produce a video signal which is an analog of said pattern, c. electronic means to convert said analog signal into a digital code constituted by an array of numbers which is an index to said pattern, and d. means to record said code to provide said identification.

2. A reader as set forth in claim 1, wherein said optical means includes a prism whose hypotenuse is engageable by the palm, means disposed on one side of the prism to illuminate same and a lens system disposed on the other side of the prism to project the image of the palm print.

3. A reader as set forth in claim 2, further including means to constrain the hand to the area of said hypotenuse, said means including a row of guide pins disposed adjacent the upper margin of said area, the spaces between said pins being occupied by fingers of the hand.

4. A reader as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means to scan includes a rotating disc having a radial aperture therein and a photodetector mounted on said disc behind said aperture to intercept light and to produce said analog signal, said photodetector effecting a cyclical circular scan of said image.

5. A reader as set forth in claim 1, further including means to record said code on a card.

6. A palm print identification system comprising:

a. a palm-print reader adapted to scan an optical image of an individual palm print to produce a video signal thereof that is converted into a code constituted by an array of numbers which is an index to said palm print, said code being recorded to provide an identification, and b. means to verify said identification including means to convert said code identification into a signal and to compare said signal with a video signal derived by scanning the palm print of the individual presenting said identification to determine whether they correspond.

7. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said code is recorded on a card.

8. A system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the code on said card is sensed to effect said conversion.

9. A system as set forth in claim 6, wherein said code is an array of ten numbers.