Knuckle profile indentity verification system
First Claim
1. A biometric geometry method for preparing a unique identity characteristic of a potential user based on at least one of the user'"'"'s fists placed in grip configuration by creating and storing as a template a reference profile of the undulating peaks and valleys of a knuckle pattern unique to each user, the method comprising the steps ofa) positioning the user'"'"'s knuckle contours of said one fist,b) capturing an image of the knuckles,c) extracting the knuckle profile from the captured image,d) digitizing the knuckle profile,e) storing the digitized profile as a template in a storage medium, andf) sharpening the peaks and valleys of the knuckle profile by convolving the profile using an autocorrelation algorithm, then storing the resulting autocorrelation curve information as the template in an auxiliary database.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for verifying/identifying a person based on contour of the knuckles of at least one hand, e.g. a digitized waveform unique to each individual. At an Enrollment Station a microcomputer is connected to a video camera (with CCD array). A candidate user grasps and turns a grip handle on the apparatus, thus positioning a fist before a viewing window and activating the camera to scan the fist and generate a contour of the user'"'"'s knuckle profile. User'"'"'s data comprises a knuckle profile of fist(s), 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 an electronic waveform profile (template) in an ID card, and simultaneously in a master database containing data of all authorized users in a guarded system (factory, retail store, bank customers, computer data files). Similar apparatus is installed at each Guarded Station (a door, turnstile, gate, ATM, etc.). To gain access or transaction approval at a Guarded Station, the user inserts his ID card into a reader to retrieve the template from the card and store it temporarily for use in a digital signal processor; the system may also retrieve the template from master database. As at the Enrollment Station, the user generates his knuckle profile by turning a grip/handle into position before a camera viewing window.
366 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A biometric geometry method for preparing a unique identity characteristic of a potential user based on at least one of the user'"'"'s fists placed in grip configuration by creating and storing as a template a reference profile of the undulating peaks and valleys of a knuckle pattern unique to each user, the method comprising the steps of
a) positioning the user'"'"'s knuckle contours of said one fist, b) capturing an image of the knuckles, c) extracting the knuckle profile from the captured image, d) digitizing the knuckle profile, e) storing the digitized profile as a template in a storage medium, and f) sharpening the peaks and valleys of the knuckle profile by convolving the profile using an autocorrelation algorithm, then storing the resulting autocorrelation curve information as the template in an auxiliary database.
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16. An apparatus for verifying the identity of a candidate user based on a knuckle profile of at least one fist, comprising
a face plate having a first viewing window therein of a size to accommodate the area of the knuckles of a closed fist, a grip handle for the candidate user to grasp so as to bring his fist into position for viewing through said window, means mounting said grip handle for pivotable motion about an axis to one side of said window, and for holding said grip handle normally upright, whereby grasping and turning said grip handle to a position in front of said window will locate the fist for viewing through said window, profice capturing means mounted so as to view and record through said window an image of the knuckles of a fist, said camera generating a scan-type output waveform signal, digitizer means for receiving said output signal and transforming said output signal into a digitized profile of the knuckles, and means for storing the digitized profile signals in memory as a template.
Specification