Fingerprint sensor and token reader and associated methods
First Claim
1. A fingerprint and token sensor system comprising:
- an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent said array of fingerprint sensing elements; and
a token comprising token message means for also causing said array of fingerprint sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon said token being positioned adjacent said array of sensing elements.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fingerprint and token sensor system includes an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent the sensing elements, and a token for also causing the sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon the token being positioned adjacent the sensing elements. Accordingly, the single sensor may be used for both fingerprints and for reading data from a token for range of useful purposes. Each fingerprint sensing element may preferably include an electric field sensing electrode, and a shield associated with a respective electric field sensing electrode. A drive circuit may be connected to the array of electric field sensing electrodes for driving same. The sensor is preferably in the form of an integrated circuit and includes a substrate adjacent the array of fingerprint sensing elements. The token may include an array of electrically conductive elements, a pattern defined by different dielectric values, or electric field generating elements cooperating with the array of electric field sensing electrodes. The elements may be carried on a card, for example. The data message of the token may include further information related to the identity of the token bearer, for example, or may confirm the proper identity of the bearer based upon a match with the live fingerprint of the bearer. Alternately, the token could bypass the requirement for a live fingerprint.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. A fingerprint and token sensor system comprising:
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an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent said array of fingerprint sensing elements; and a token comprising token message means for also causing said array of fingerprint sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon said token being positioned adjacent said array of sensing elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A single fingerprint and token sensor for sensing both a fingerprint and a token message from a token, said sensor comprising:
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an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent said array of fingerprint sensing elements, said array of fingerprint sensing elements also generating signals related to the token message based upon the token being positioned adjacent said array of fingerprint sensing elements; and token message reading means for reading the signals generated by said array of fingerprint sensing elements related to the token message. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A token for a single fingerprint and token sensor for sensing both a fingerprint and a token, said fingerprint sensor being of a type comprising an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent the array of fingerprint sensing elements;
- the token comprising;
a substrate; and token message means carried by said substrate for also causing the array of fingerprint sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon the token being positioned adjacent the array of sensing elements. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
- the token comprising;
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36. A method for sensing at least one of a fingerprint and a token using a single fingerprint and token sensor capable of sensing both a fingerprint and a token, the fingerprint and token sensor of a type comprising an array of sensing elements, the method comprising the steps of:
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reading fingerprint signals from the array of sensing elements related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent the array of fingerprint sensing elements; and reading token signals from the array of sensing elements related to a token message based upon a token being positioned adjacent the array of sensing elements. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification