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Fingerprint sensing apparatus and method

  • US 6,191,410 B1
  • Filed: 06/23/1999
  • Issued: 02/20/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/23/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for sensing fingerprints comprising:

  • a) fingerprint differentiation means for internally reflecting illuminating radiation from points of illumination on a contact surface of the fingerprint differentiation means corresponding to fingerprint valleys in one or more fingers of the subject pressed in a contact zone on the contact surface, and for transmitting illuminating radiation through the contact surface at points of illumination corresponding to fingerprint ridges in the fingers of the subject;

    b) illuminating means affixed to the fingerprint differentiation means for internally illuminating the contact surface with a plurality of sub-beams of illuminating radiation, the angle of incidence of the sub-beams to the contact surface being selected to provide for reflection of the sub-beams from points of illumination corresponding to fingerprint valley points and transmission of sub-beams through the contact surface at fingerprint ridge points which contact the contact surface;

    c) sensing means affixed to the fingerprint differentiation means for sensing sub-beams reflected from the contact surface and generating an electric signal for each sub-beam received.

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