Knuckle profile identity verification system
First Claim
1. A biometric hand geometry method for preparing a unique identity characteristic of a user based on at least one fist in grip configuration by creating and storing as a template a reference profile of the undulating peaks and valleys of a knuckle surface contour unique to each user, the method comprising the steps ofa) positioning the user'"'"'s knuckles of said one fist with respect to a device which captures the undulating contour of the knuckle and interphalangeal joint surfaces,b) scanning the surface of the knuckles, the successive scan lines running from the interphalangeal joints to a position on the knuckle,c) extracting the knuckle surface contour as a smooth curve defined as a sequence of discrete points on the knuckle contour,d) storing the knuckle surface contour as a template in a storage medium.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system (method and apparatus) for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckle surface of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a device for identifying the knuckle surface profile (e.g. a video camera or electromechanical contour sensing device). A candidate user grasps a grip handle, preferably vertically oriented, on the apparatus, positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the device to scan or assess the fist and generate a contour of the user'"'"'s knuckle surface contour. User'"'"'s data comprises a knuckle contour, an assigned PIN, and optionally, information such as user'"'"'s name, bank ID number, Social Security Number, and access restrictions. User'"'"'s data may be stored as a profile (template) in an ID card, and/or in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system.
33 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A biometric hand geometry method for preparing a unique identity characteristic of a user based on at least one fist in grip configuration by creating and storing as a template a reference profile of the undulating peaks and valleys of a knuckle surface contour unique to each user, the method comprising the steps of
a) positioning the user'"'"'s knuckles of said one fist with respect to a device which captures the undulating contour of the knuckle and interphalangeal joint surfaces, b) scanning the surface of the knuckles, the successive scan lines running from the interphalangeal joints to a position on the knuckle, c) extracting the knuckle surface contour as a smooth curve defined as a sequence of discrete points on the knuckle contour, d) storing the knuckle surface contour as a template in a storage medium.
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15. An apparatus for verifying the identity of a candidate user based on a knuckle surface contour of at least one fist, comprising
a face plate having a first viewing window therein of a size to accommodate the area encompassing the knuckles and proximal interphalangeal joints of a closed fist, a grip handle for the candidate user to grasp so as to bring his closed fist into position for viewing through said window, means mounting said grip handle for pivotable motion before said window, whereby grasping said grip handle in front of said window will locate the fist for viewing through said window, scanning means mounted so as to view and record through said window an image of the knuckle surface of a fist, said scanning means generating a scan-type output waveform signal, successive scan lines running from the interphalangeal joints to a position on the knuckles, signal processing means for receiving said output signal and transforming said output signal into a digitized contour of the knuckles surface, and means for storing the digitized contour signals in memory as a template.
Specification