초록 ▼

Surface relief of a finger etc. is read using an optical-fiber prism unit, with fiber terminations at one end to contact the surface, and at the other for light passage along fibers from the first. Light enters where NA<0.5 and fiber diameter is constant with longitudinal position. The device is in

Surface relief of a finger etc. is read using an optical-fiber prism unit, with fiber terminations at one end to contact the surface, and at the other for light passage along fibers from the first. Light enters where NA<0.5 and fiber diameter is constant with longitudinal position. The device is in a 1.4-2 L case, with a battery or power input, converter to form a corresponding data array for verifying, digital signal processor to do the verifying, and output to indicate or implement a decision. A video controller (with custom-programmed logic circuit) operates the sensors to develop the data array; an ADC digitizes the array; memory holds an authorized-user skin-pattern template, firmware for the processor, and data used in verifying; an output register holds the decision signal--all on a control, address, and data bus. High-power, radiative elements and a fast high-impedance data reader are on a common board in an isolating layout. The prism unit is cylindrical, held by a cylindrical-section cradle and forming a novel condenser lens to support lights and couple light to the prism. The imager has a cylindrical wall, transverse face for output of a skin pattern, and angled elliptical face to contact skin. To make many optical-fiber prisms each with one transverse and one angled face, transverse and angled cuts through a fused-fiber cylinder are alternated. The verifier can be within, and respond to the analysis to control, a door handle or lock: a hand need not move from reading position to open the door.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising:prism means formed from optical fibers and including:a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, anda second end,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for acquiring surface-relief data from a relieved surface such as a finger; said apparatus comprising:prism means formed from optical fibers and including:a first end, comprising terminations of the fibers for contact with such relieved surface, anda second end, comprising opposite terminations of the same or corresponding fibers, for passage of light traveling along the fibers from the first end;means for projecting light across the fibers in a region where the prism means satisfy at least one physical condition for efficient nonducting transillumination based upon a relationship between indices of refraction in the prism means, for lighting the first-end terminations;wherein a light fraction dependent on contact between such relieved surface and each illuminated first-end termination is ducted from that termination along its fiber;electrooptical means for receiving at the second end each light fraction from the first end, and in response forming an electrical signal characteristic of such surface relief; andintermediate focal means for relaying each light fraction at said second end to the electrooptical means.