Arete Associates

Clive Bolton

Stephen C Lubard

J Kent Bowker

Stephen G Miller

John M Wartman

Surface relief of a finger is read using an optical-fiber prism unit, with fiber terminations at one end to contact the surface, and at the other for light passages along fibers from the first. Light enters where NA&lt;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 unit, converter to form a corresponding data array for verifying, digital signal processor to do the verifying, and output to indicate or implement a decision. The optical fiber prism unit has a substantially circular cylindrical wall defining a longitudinal axis, fused optical fibers parallel to the longitudinal axis, a traverser face for output of a skin pattern image from the prism and a generally elliptical angled face for contacting such a skin pattern.

Economical skin-pattern-acquisition and analysis apparatus for access

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&lt;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.

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Melrose, MA, United States of America

Clive Bolton