IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

• US 3,619,060 A
• Filed: 11/19/1968
• Issued: 11/09/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/1968
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Joseph E. Johnson
• Original Assignee: Joseph E. Johnson
• Inventors: Johnson, Joseph E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wibert, Ronald L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rothenberg, J.
• Application Number:
  US04/777,117
• Time in Patent Office: 1,085 Days
• Field of Search: 250/219 340/149 356/71,168,167,165,166 283/7 70/277
• US Class Current: 356/71
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/88 Image or video recognition using optical means, e.g. reference filters, holographic masks, frequency domain filters or spatial domain filters
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 70/51 Light sensitive control means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]

Abstract

An identification device which includes a source of parallel light beams, a prism having a face for receiving the light beams and having another face for receiving an object to be identified, apparatus for receiving an image of the object and additional apparatus for comparing the image of the object with a known image.

Claims

1. An identification device comprising means for providing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second face disposed at an angle greater than about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams, a third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second face being arranged for receiving an object to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, and means for comparing the image formed by the light reflected between the points of contact of said object to be identified with a known image, said object to be identified is a human finger on a hand of a person to be identified, and further comprising means for positioning said finger on said second facE including a plate pivotally mounted adjacent said second face, an opening in said plate for said finger to physically engage said second face when said finger is in position, a top guide and a pair of side guides disposed adjacent said opening to position said finger on said plate, rod means mounted and constructed to fit snugly between two fingers on said hand, said rod being resiliently mounted, resiliently mounted stop means engageable with the end of said finger, trigger means for retaining said plate at an angle with respect to said second face, said stop means being constructed to release said trigger when said finger is in its position, thereby bringing said finger into direct physical engagement with the second face.

2. An identification device comprising means for providing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second face disposed at an angle greater than about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams, a third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second face being arranged for receiving an object to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, and means for comparing the image formed by the light reflected between the points of contact of said object to be identified with a known image, said means for comparing images comprising a beam splitter, a lens means constructed and mounted to receive light reflected at locations on said second face where said object to be identified does not contact said second face and to project the reflected light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, first relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply, said first relay means being operable when excess pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, second relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply means, said second relay means being operably actuated when adequate pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, third relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said second photocell, said third relay means being operable when the comparison is not affirmative, fourth relay means connected to said second relay means, said fourth relay means being operable when said second relay means is actuated and said first and third relay means are not activated, and output means connected to said fourth relay means.

3. An identification device comprising means for providing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second face disposed at an angle greater than about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams, a third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second fAce being arranged for receiving an object to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, and means for comparing the image formed by the light reflected between the points of contact of said object to be identified with a known image, said means for comparing images comprising a beam splitter, a lens means constructed and mounted to receive the light reflected at locations on said second face where said object to be identified positioned on said second face does not contact said second face and to project the reflected light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the first terminal of said power supply means and having a second terminal connected to a second terminal of said second photocell, indicator means having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said first variable resistance and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second variable resistance.

4. An identification device according to claim 3 wherein said indicator means comprises a voltmeter.

5. An indicator device according to claim 3 wherein said indicator means comprises a relay operable upon a predetermined differential voltage between the second terminal of said first variable resistance and the second terminal of the second variable resistance.

6. An identification device comprising means for providing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second face disposed at an angle greater than about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams, a third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second face being arranged for receiving an object to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, and means for comparing the image formed by the light reflected between the points of contact of said object to be identified with a known image, said means for comparing images comprising a beam splitter, a lens constructed and mounted to receive the light reflected at locations on said second face where said object to be identified positioned on said second face does not contact said second face and to project the reflected light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, and means for comparing the amount of light reaching said respective photocells.

7. An identification device according to claim 6 further comprising means for positioning said known transparency comprising a frame for holding said transparency, motor means, a first wheel, belt means interconnecting said motor means with said first wheel, a first connecting rod eccentrically connecting said first wheel to one edge of said frame, a second wheel, second belt means interconnecting said motor means with said second wheel, a second connecting rod eccentrically connecting said second wheel to a second edge of said frame.

8. An identification device comprising means for providinG light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second face disposed at an angle greater than about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams, a third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second face being arranged for receiving a human finger to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, means for positioning said finger on the second face of said prism comprising a plate pivotally mounted adjacent said second face, an opening in said plate for said finger to physically engage said second face when said finger is in position, a top guide and a pair of side guides disposed adjacent said opening to position said finger on said plate, rod means mounted and constructed to fit snugly between two fingers on said hand, said rod being resiliently mounted, resiliently mounted stop means engageable with the end of said finger, trigger means for retaining said plate at an angle with respect to said second face, said stop means being constructed to release said trigger when said finger is in position, thereby bringing said finger into direct physical engagement with the second face, a beam splitter, a lens constructed and mounted to receive the light reflected at location on said second face where said object to be identified positioned on said second face does not contact said second face and to project the reflected light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, first relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply means, said first relay means being operable when excessive pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, second relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell on the second terminal of said power supply means, said second relay means being operable when adequate pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, third relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of a second photocell, said third relay means being operable when the comparison is not affirmative, fourth relay means connected to said second relay means, said fourth relay means being operable when said second relay means is actuated and said first and third relay means are not activated, and output means connected to said fourth relay means, means for positioning said transparency comprising a frame for holding said transparency, motor means, a first wheel, belt means interconnecting said motor means with said first wheel, a first connecting rod eccentrically connecting said first wheel to one edge of said frame, a second wheel, second belt means interconnecting said motor means with said second wheel, a second connecting rod eccentrically connecting said second wheel to a second edge of said frame.

9. In an identification device, means for comparing a first optical image of an object to be identified with a second known imAge transparency comprising a first photocell and a second photocell, a beam splitter for directing said first optical image onto each of said photocells, said second known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the first terminal of said power supply means and having a second terminal connected to a second terminal of said second photocell, indicator means having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said first variable resistance and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second variable resistance.

10. In an identification device, means for comparing a first optical image of an object to be identified with a known image transparency comprising a prism for forming said first optical image having a first face, a second face disposed at an angle with respect to said first face and third face angularly disposed with respect to said second face, said second face being arranged for receiving said object in direct physical contact therewith, means for projecting collimated light onto said second face to be reflected at locations thereon where said object does not contact said second face whereby said reflected light forms said first image a first photocell and a second photocell, a beam splitter for directing said first optical image onto each of said photocells, said known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, first relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply means, said first relay means being operable when excessive pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, second relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell on the second terminal of said power supply means, said second relay means being operable when adequate pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, third relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of a second photocell, said third relay means being operable when the comparison is not affirmative, fourth relay means connected to said second relay means, said fourth relay means being operable when said second relay means is actuated and said first and third relay means are not activated, and output means connected to said fourth relay means.

11. An identification device comprising means for directing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second elongated face disposed at an angle of at least about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams within said prism, a third elongated face disposed in space parallel relationship with respect to said second face for internally reflecting said light beams within said prism, a fourth reflectively coated face disposed at an angle with respect to the second face equal to the angle between said first face and said second face, said second face being constructed for receiving an object to be identified in direct physical contact therewith for breaking the internal reflection at the points of contact and scattering the incident light at said points, means disposed adjacent said third face for comparing an image formed by the light scattered by the points of contact of said object to be identified with a known image.

12. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said means for directing light beams comprises a light source, lens means mounted for deflecting the light beams from said light source into parallel relationship one with respect to another.

13. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said angle between said first face and said second face is of the order of 45* and wherein said angle between said fourth face and said second face is of the order of about 45*.

14. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said means for comparing an image comprises a beam splitter, a lens means constructed and mounted to receive light scattered by the points of contact of said object to be identified positioned on said second face and to project said scattered light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter.

15. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said object to be identified is a human finger on the hand of a person to be identified, and further comprising means for positioning said finger on said second face.

16. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said means for comparing images comprises a beam splitter, lens constructed and mounted to receive the light scattered by the points of contact of said object to be identified positioned on said second face and to project said scattered light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first image plane and a second image plane angularly disposed one with respect to the other, said beam splitter directing light beams received from said second lens to each of said image planes, a known image transparency interposed between said second prism and said second image plane, and means for comparing the images in said image planes.

17. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said means for comparing images comprises a beam splitter, a lens means constructed and mounted to receive light scattered by the points of contact of said object to be identified on said second face and to project said scattered light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, first relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply, said first relay means being operable when excess pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, second relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and The second terminal of said power supply means, said second relay means being operably actuated when adequate pressure is applied to said second face by the object being identified, third relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said second photocell, said third relay means being operable when the comparison is not affirmative, fourth relay means connected to said second relay means, said fourth relay means being operable when said second relay means is actuated and said first and third relay means are not activated, and output means connected to said fourth relay means.

18. An identification device according to claim 11 wherein said means for comparing images comprises a beam splitter, lens constructed and mounted to receive light scattered by the points of contact of said object to be identified positioned on said second face and to project said scattered light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, indicator means having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said first variable resistor and its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second variable resistor.

19. An identification device according to claim 18 further comprising means for positioning said transparency comprising a frame for holding said transparency, motor means, a first wheel, belt means interconnecting said motor means with said first wheel, a first connecting rod eccentrically connecting said first wheel to one side of said frame, a second wheel, second belt means interconnecting said motor means with said second wheel, a second connecting rod eccentrically connecting said second wheel to a second side of said frame.

20. An identification device according to claim 18 wherein said indicator means comprises a voltmeter.

21. An indicator device according to claim 18 wherein said indicator means comprises a relay operable upon a predetermined differential voltage between the second terminal of said first variable resistor and the second terminal of said second variable resistor.

22. An identification device comprising means for providing light beams in parallel relationship one with respect to another, a prism having a first face disposed substantially perpendicular to said light beams, a second elongated face disposed at an angle of at least about 42* with respect to said first face for internally reflecting said light beams within said prism, a third elongated face disposed in spaced parallel relationship with respect to said second face for internally reflecting said light beams within said prism, a fourth reflectively coated face disposed at an angle with respect to the second face equal to the angle between said first face and said second face, said second face being constructed for receiving one finger on a hand to be identified in direct physical contact therewith, means for positioning said one finger on said second face comprising a plate pivotally mounted adjacent said second face, an opening in said plate for said one finger to physically engage said second face when said one finger is iN position, a top guide and a pair of side guides disposed adjacent said opening to position said one finger on said plate, rod means mounted and constructed to fit snugly between two other fingers on said hand, said rod being resiliently mounted, resiliently mounted stop means engageable with the end of said one finger, trigger means for retaining said plate at an angle with respect to said second face, said stop means being constructed to release said trigger when said one finger is in its position, thereby bringing said one finger into direct physical engagement with the second face, a beam splitter, a lens constructed and mounted to receive the light scattered by the points of contact of said one finger positioned on said second face and to project said scattered light through said beam splitter, diaphragm means interposed between said lens means and said beam splitter, a first photocell and a second photocell, said beam splitter being arranged to direct light beams received from said lens to each of said photocells, a known image transparency interposed between said beam splitter and said second photocell, power supply means, one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said first photocell and said one terminal of said power supply means being connected to one terminal of said second photocell, a first variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said first photocell, a second variable resistor having one terminal connected to the second terminal of said power supply means and having its second terminal connected to the second terminal of said second photocell, first relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of said power supply means, said first relay means being operable when excessive pressure is applied to said second face by said one finger, second relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell on the second terminal of said power supply means, said second relay means being operable when adequate pressure is applied to said second face by said one finger, third relay means connected between the second terminal of said first photocell and the second terminal of a second photocell, said third relay means being operable when the comparison is not affirmative, fourth relay means connected to said second relay means, said fourth relay means being operable when said second relay means is actuated and said first and third relay means are not activated, and output means connected to said fourth relay means, means for positioning a transparency comprising a frame for holding said transparency, motor means, a first wheel, belt means interconnecting said motor means with said first wheel, a first connecting rod eccentrically connecting said first wheel to one edge of said frame, a second wheel, second belt means interconnecting said motor means with said second wheel, a second connecting rod eccentrically connecting said second wheel to a second edge of said frame.