Method and device for preventing false acceptance of latent fingerprint images

• US 7,366,328 B2
• Filed: 03/01/2007
• Issued: 04/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Activcard Ireland, Limited
• Original Assignee: Activcard Ireland, Limited
• Inventors: Hamid, Laurence, Boyer, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Carter; Aaron W
• Application Number:
  US11/681,090
• Publication Number:
  US 20070147669A1
• Time in Patent Office: 425 Days
• Field of Search: 382115-127, 713/102, 713/186, 902 3- 6, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 340/5.52, 340/5.53, 340 58- 586
• US Class Current: 382/115
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1324 by using geometrical optics, e.g. using prisms G06V40/1312 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1382 Detecting the live character of the finger, i.e. distinguishing from a fake or cadaver finger
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/40 Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for detecting a latent fingerprint image provided to a biometric input device of a fingerprint based security system. First and second images of the fingerprint are captured during a time period interval Δt. At least one of the first and second images are analyzed to identify an extractable feature within a global reference frame, the extractable feature usable for authenticating an individual. The first and second images are compared one with the other to determine differences indicative of motion about the identified extractable feature within a local reference frame during the time period interval Δt. Absent motion about the identified extractable feature being detected, the fingerprint is registered as a latent fingerprint and cannot be used to authenticate the individual who is seeking authorization.

Claims

1. A method for preventing false acceptance of latent biometric information, comprising:

sensing first biometric information from a first portion of a biometric information source;

sensing second biometric information from a second portion of the biometric information source, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source, the first and second biometric information received at a different time one from the other;

analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information;

determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information;

comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information; and

determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the biometric information source is in the form of a fingerprint of a fingertip and the first and second biometric information is in the form of first and second images of the fingerprint.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the overlapping same portion of the biometric information source includes a feature indicative of a core of the fingerprint.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein one of the first and second biometric information is in the form of an image of a region of the fingerprint substantially smaller than a maximum imageable area of the fingerprint.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein the feature that is identified by analyzing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information is used to identify the same feature in the other one of the first and second biometric information.

6. A method according to claim 2, comprising digitizing the first and second biometric information.

7. A method according to claim 6, including:

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on the reference frame;

registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value; and

if the registration value is indicative of an identity of an individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein characterizing includes:

identifying a feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint; and

extracting the identified feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint.

9. A method according to claim 6, wherein said analyzing and determining first data and second data comprises:

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information, including;

determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location;

hashing the determined first data; and

hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said comparing comprises comparing the hashed first data with the hashed second data.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the detected difference includes translation of the feature and rotation of the feature with respect to a platen of a biometric information input device.

12. A contact imaging device capable of preventing false acceptance of latent biometric information, comprising:

a biometric information input device capable of sensing first biometric information provided from a first portion of a biometric information source at a first time and of sensing second biometric information provided from a second portion of the biometric information source at a second time, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source; and

a processing device capable of analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information, determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information, comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information, and determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the biometric information source is in the form of a fingerprint of a fingertip and the first and second biometric information is in the form of first and second images of the fingerprint.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the overlapping same portion of the biometric information source includes a feature indicative of a core of the fingerprint.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein one of the first and second biometric information is in the form of an image of a region of the fingerprint substantially smaller than a maximum imageable area of the fingerprint.

16. A device according to claim 13, wherein the feature that is identified by analyzing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information is used to identify the same feature in the other one of the first and second biometric information.

17. A device according to claim 12 wherein the processing device is capable of characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on a reference frame, registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value;

and if the registration value is indicative of an identity of an individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the processor is capable of characterizing biometric information by identifying a feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint and extracting the identified feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint.

19. A device according to claim 17, wherein the processor is capable of characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information by determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location, hashing the determined first data, and hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the processor is capable of comparing the hashed first data with the hashed second data.

21. A device according to claim 12, wherein the detected difference includes translation of the feature and rotation of the feature with respect to a platen of the biometric information input device.

22. A contact imaging device capable of preventing false acceptance of latent biometric information, comprising:

means for sensing first biometric information from a first portion of a biometric information source and for sensing second biometric information from a second portion of the biometric information source, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source, the first and second biometric information received at a different time one from the other; and

processing means for analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information, for determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information, for comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information, and for determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame.

23. A device according to claim 22, wherein the biometric information source is in the form of a fingerprint of a fingertip, the first and second biometric information is in the form of first and second images of the fingerprint, and the overlapping same portion of the biometric information source includes a feature indicative of a core of the fingerprint.

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein one of the first and second biometric information is in the form of an image of a region of the fingerprint substantially smaller than a maximum imageable area of the fingerprint.

25. A device according to claim 22, wherein the feature that is identified by analyzing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information is used by the processing means to identify the same feature in the other one of the first and second biometric information.

26. A device according to claim 22, further comprising means for digitizing the first and second biometric information.

27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the processing means:

characterizes the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on the reference frame;

registers the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value; and

if the registration value is indicative of an identity of an individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifies the individual.

28. A device according to claim 27, wherein the processing means:

identifies a feature indicative of the core of a fingerprint; and

extracts the identified feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint.

29. A device according to claim 26, wherein the processing means characterizes the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information by:

determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location;

hashing the determined first data; and

hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

30. A device according to claim 29, wherein the processing means further compares the hashed first data with the hashed second data.

31. A device according to claim 22, wherein the detected difference includes translation of the feature and rotation of the feature by the processing means with respect to a platen of the sensing means.

32. A method for preventing access by unauthorized individuals to buildings, rooms, devices, or information, comprising:

sensing first biometric information from a first portion of a biometric information source of an individual;

sensing second biometric information from a second portion of the biometric information source of the individual, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source, the first and second biometric information received at a different time one from the other;

analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information;

determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information;

comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information;

determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame; and

determining that the individual is unauthorized if the biometric information source is not identified as a live biometric information source.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the biometric information source is in the form of a fingerprint of a fingertip of the individual and the first and second biometric information is in the form of first and second images of the fingerprint of the individual.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the overlapping same portion of the biometric information source of the individual includes a feature indicative of a core of the fingerprint of the individual.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein one of the first and second biometric information is in the form of an image of a region of the fingerprint substantially smaller than a maximum imageable area of the fingerprint.

36. A method according to claim 33, wherein the feature that is identified by analyzing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information is used to identify the same feature in the other one of the first and second biometric information.

37. A method according to claim 33, comprising digitizing the first and second biometric information.

38. A method according to claim 37, including:

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on the reference frame;

registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value; and

if the registration value is indicative of an identity of the individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein characterizing includes:

identifying a feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint; and

extracting the identified feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint.

40. A method according to claim 37, wherein said analyzing and determining first data and second data comprises:

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information, including;

determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location;

hashing the determined first data; and

hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

41. A method according to claim 40, wherein said comparing comprises comparing the hashed first data with the hashed second data.

42. A method according to claim 32, wherein the detected difference includes translation of the feature and rotation of the feature with respect to a platen of a biometric information input device.

43. A security access system capable of preventing access by unauthorized individuals to buildings, rooms, devices, or information, comprising:

a biometric information input device capable of sensing first biometric information provided from a first portion of a biometric information source of an individual at a first time and of sensing second biometric information provided from a second portion of the biometric information source of the individual at a second time, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source; and

a processing device capable of analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information, determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information, comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information, determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame, and determining that the individual is unauthorized if the biometric information source is not identified as a live biometric information source.

44. A system according to claim 43, wherein the biometric information source is in the form of a fingerprint of a fingertip of the individual and the first and second biometric information is in the form of first and second images of the fingerprint of the individual.

45. A system according to claim 44, wherein the overlapping same portion of the biometric information source includes a feature indicative of a core of the fingerprint of the individual.

46. A system according to claim 45, wherein one of the first and second biometric information is in the form of an image of a region of the fingerprint substantially smaller than a maximum imageable area of the fingerprint of the individual.

47. A system according to claim 44, wherein the feature that is identified by analyzing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information is used to identify the same feature in the other one of the first and second biometric information.

48. A system according to claim 43, wherein the processing device is capable of characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on a reference frame, registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value;

and if the registration value is indicative of an identity of the individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

49. A system according to claim 48, wherein the processor is capable of characterizing biometric information by identifying a feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint of the individual and extracting the identified feature indicative of the core of the fingerprint of the individual.

50. A system according to claim 48, wherein the processor is capable of characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information by determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location, hashing the determined first data, and hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

51. A system according to claim 50, wherein the processor is capable of comparing the hashed first data with the hashed second data.

52. A system according to claim 43, wherein the detected difference includes translation of the feature and rotation of the feature with respect to a platen of the biometric information input device.

53. A computer readable medium containing instructions what when processed by a processor cause said processor to perform a method for preventing false acceptance of latent biometric information, comprising:

sensing first biometric information from a first portion of a biometric information source;

sensing second biometric information from a second portion of the biometric information source, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source, the first and second biometric information received at a different time one from the other;

analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information;

determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information;

comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information; and

determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame.

54. A computer readable medium according to claim 53, further including instructions for:

digitizing the first and second biometric information;

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on the reference frame;

registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value; and

if the registration value is indicative of an identity of an individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

55. A computer readable medium according to claim 54, wherein said instructions for characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information include instructions for:

determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location;

hashing the determined first data; and

hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.

56. A computer readable medium containing instructions what when processed by a processor cause said processor to perform a method for preventing access by unauthorized individuals to buildings, rooms, devices, or information, comprising:

sensing first biometric information from a first portion of a biometric information source of an individual;

sensing second biometric information from a second portion of the biometric information source of the individual, each of the first and second portions including an overlapping same portion of the biometric information source, the first and second biometric information received at a different time one from the other;

analyzing the first biometric information and/or second biometric information to identify a feature within the overlapping same portion for determining a reference frame for use in characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information;

determining first data relating to the feature within the first biometric information and determining second data relating to the same feature within the second biometric information;

comparing the first and second data to detect a difference between the first and second biometric information;

determining the biometric information source as a live biometric information source in dependence upon the detected difference, wherein the detected difference is indicative of relative motion of or about the feature within a local reference frame; and

determining that the individual is unauthorized if the biometric information source is not identified as a live biometric information source.

57. A computer readable medium according to claim 56, further including instructions for:

digitizing the first and second biometric information;

characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information based on the reference frame;

registering the characterized biometric information with stored templates to provide a registration value; and

if the registration value is indicative of an identity of the individual from whom the biometric information is received, identifying the individual.

58. A computer readable medium according to claim 57, wherein said instructions for characterizing the first biometric information and/or the second biometric information include instructions for:

determining first data indicative of the identified feature and its location;

hashing the determined first data; and

hashing second data from a same location of the other one of the first and second biometric information.