Patent ID: 8724860
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for measuring fingerprint patterns in skin, said apparatus comprising a sensor that includes a plurality of sensor elements configured to be responsive to a physical parameter of the skin, and means for establishing an overall, segmented picture related to said pattern coupled to the plurality of sensor elements, wherein the sensor elements are adapted to be activated by being heated with an applied electric current while the fingerprint is in contact with the sensor and to detect thermal changes in each sensor element due to heat loss from the sensor element to the skin during the heat activation, wherein upon the heat activation, sensor elements with relatively larger heat loss, thus smaller temperature changes, will map fingerprint ridges, and wherein each sensor element has either: at least one diode configured to selectively address said sensor element, activate said sensor element, and sense said physical parameter; or at least one diode configured to selectively address said sensor element and contribute to sensing said physical parameter and at least one resistor configured for activating/heating said sensor element and for sensing said physical parameter.