Patent ID: 6061464
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A fingerprint-reading system, comprising:sensor configured to provide electrical output signals corresponding to an image of a fingerprint, comprising,a matrix of sensitive elements configured to produce respective temporary electrical charges in response and in spatial relation to contact of a finger,a heating resistor configured to create a transient thermal variation in said matrix of sensitive elements so that the temporary electrical charges are produced in said sensitive elements upon creation of the transient thermal variation; anda read-out mechanism synchronized with creation of the transient thermal variation and configured to produce said output signals corresponding to said respective temporary electrical charges produced in spatial relation to contact of the finger;wherein said heating resistor is configured to create said transient thermal variation of said matrix of sensitive elements by placing said heating resistor in contact with said matrix of sensitive elements, such that said heating resistor is traversed by a transient current in synchronism with said readout mechanism producing said output signals.