Abstract:
An apparatus and method is provided that includes a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means. The sensing site of the fingerprint sensor makes a relative and obtuse angle with a guiding plane of the guiding means. The relative position of the guiding means with the fingerprint sensor allows for a more natural and ergonomically advantageous manner in obtaining a fingerprint. The task of reproducing a fingerprint now comes down to a pointing task of the fingertip to a guiding means. In addition, the relative position of the fingerprint sensor with the guiding means increases the reproducibility and reliability of fingerprint biometrics and authentication. Furthermore, the guiding means can be used as guidance but also as a sensor or actuator to initiate a process upon positive verification of the obtained fingerprint or to trigger the process of obtaining the fingerprint itself.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to fingerprint sensors. More particularly, the present invention relates to the placement and positioning of a fingerprint sensor in combination with a guiding means.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Fingerprint sensors are capable of scanning fingerprints and are commonly used in a variety of different application areas that are concerned with the identification, registration, verification and authentication of an individual. A fingerprint has a characteristic anatomical pattern that is unique to the individual bearing it. Although fingerprint patterns vary widely from type to type, each fingerprint has a small central area around which the remainder of the pattern is distributed. This central area is the core of the fingerprint and is located at the palm-site of the distal phalange of a finger. More specifically, this core is more or less opposite to the point that the fingernail emerges from the cuticle. In principle, a fingerprint could be obtained from different locations of a finger. However, the fingertip alone contains insufficient image data for a high-quality fingerprint. The ridges in the fingertip area are mostly parallel lines, with few distinct minutiae from which to construct an identification template.  
           [0003]    In order to obtain a certain degree of reliability and reproducibility in obtaining a fingerprint in these different application areas, it is important to obtain a fingerprint from more or less the same part of the finger. However, several problems exist with the current fingerprint devices that cause various kinds of inaccuracies in obtaining a fingerprint jeopardizing the reliability and reproducibility of fingerprint biometrics.  
           [0004]    For instance, it is difficult to control the actual placement of a finger on a fingerprint sensor with the existing fingerprint devices in terms of what part of the finger actually touches the fingerprint sensor. Most devices require a finger to be placed flat on the fingerprint device in order to scan at least a portion of the palm-site of the distal phalange of a finger. If a person is untrained in the process of taking a fingerprint, then that person is more likely to use his/her fingertip instead of the palm-site part of the distal phalange of a finger. This is not surprising, since the natural way of a finger to approach a fingerprint sensor that is positioned in a more or less horizontal or flat position, is to point with the fingertip of the finger to the fingerprint sensor. However, in case the fingerprint sensor is positioned in such a more or less horizontal or flat position, a skilled person in taking a fingerprint would flex his/her finger and/or hand to accommodate the position of the fingerprint sensor to ensure that the palm-site part of the distal phalange of a finger is touching the fingerprint sensor correctly. This does not only necessitate an awkward movement or position of the finger and/or hand, in some people the hand and/or fingers would also be anatomically constrained to flex the hand and/or finger correctly with respect to such a more or less horizontal positioned fingerprint sensor.  
           [0005]    An additional problem is that it is difficult to control the firmness and/or rotation of the finger at the fingerprint sensor. A lighter touch by the finger at the fingerprint sensor could easily result in a different reading by the fingerprint sensor than a more solid touch by the finger at the fingerprint sensor. Furthermore, comparison software that compares two or more fingerprints has limited capability when dealing with variation between fingerprint samples.  
           [0006]    In order to overcome some of the finger placement problems, some fingerprint devices include a guard around the fingerprint sensor to limit finger rotation and the approximate depth a finger could be placed with respect to the fingerprint sensor. However, the guards are not always effective in minimizing the finger rotation and accuracy of finger placement.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need to develop new devices and methods that would overcome the problems that exist with the current devices in which fingerprints are obtained.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides an apparatus and method that overcomes the limitations and problems in prior fingerprint devices and systems that are used for obtaining a fingerprint of an individual. First, the present invention includes a fingerprint sensor. The sensing site of the fingerprint sensor is capable of receiving the palm-site of the distal phalange of a user&#39;s finger.  
           [0009]    Second, the present invention includes a guiding means. The guiding means is positioned in proximity to the fingerprint sensor with the purpose to guide the fingertip of a user&#39;s finger toward the guiding means. Concurrently with this movement, the palm-site of the distal phalange of a user&#39;s finger is guided toward the sensing site of the fingerprint sensor.  
           [0010]    The position and placement of the guiding means relative to the fingerprint sensor is important and needs to establish that when the fingertip touches the guiding means, the palm-site of the distal phalange touches the sensing site of the fingerprint sensor. The position of the fingerprint sensor and guiding means could be either on the same place or on different planes (also referred to as a first contact area and a second contact area or guiding plane). In general, the guiding means includes a guiding plane that makes a relative and obtuse angle with the fingerprint sensor. The relative and obtuse angle between the guiding plane and fingerprint sensor allows an individual to approach the sensing site of the fingerprint sensor in a natural way and biomechanically advantageous fashion by pointing the fingertip to a guiding means.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment, the relative and obtuse angle of the fingerprint sensor with the guiding plane is substantially 140 degrees with a standard deviation of substantially +/−20 degrees. In another embodiment, where the guiding plane is projected from a tangent of a curved surface of the guiding means, the relative and obtuse angle is greater than or equal to substantially 90 degrees and less than substantially 180 degrees.  
           [0012]    Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, guiding means could be any type of object or element that is static to provide visual guidance to a person to place his/her fingertip on the guiding means. Guiding means could be a contact point or area. Guiding means could also be a visual representation.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment of the present invention, guiding means includes a moving means. In addition to providing visual guidance, the idea is that when the fingertip touches and moves the moving means backwards (i.e. in direction of the fingerprint sensor), the palm site of the distal phalange touches the sensing site in a firm and correct manner. The moving means could include various different types of means that enable movement such as a switch, a rolling bar, a rolling ball or a rolling wheel. In other words, moving means could include a rolling means, a pushing means, a pulling means, a flipping means or a gliding means.  
           [0014]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, guiding means includes a sensor. The sensor could be a sensor that is activated by the touch of the fingertip and/or could be a sensor that is activated by a movement of the fingertip. The present invention could include a wide variety of sensors such as, but not limited to, a switch, a rolling bar, a rolling ball, a rolling wheel, a second fingerprint sensor that reads the minutiae of the fingertip, an optical sensor or a conductive element. The sensor could be associated with a predetermined function that could be executed by an execution means once the fingertip of the user&#39;s finger activates the sensor. In some cases or systems, it might be necessary or desired to first verify an individual&#39;s fingerprint before executing the predetermined function or action. Therefore, the present invention further includes a verifying means to verify the fingerprint obtained from the palm-site of the distal phalange by fingerprint sensor.  
           [0015]    In view of that which is stated above, it is the objective of the present invention to provide a fingerprint sensor in combination with a guiding means located on a guiding plane whereby the fingerprint sensor and guiding plane make a relative and obtuse angle.  
           [0016]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a fingerprint sensor in combination with a guiding means to ensure a more natural and ergonomical movement of an individual&#39;s finger when obtaining a fingerprint of the palm site of the distal phalange of an individual&#39;s finger once the fingertip of the same finger touches the guiding means.  
           [0017]    It is still another objective of the present invention to position a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means in such a way to ensure a firm and correct placement of the palm site of the distal phalange of an individual&#39;s finger.  
           [0018]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a guiding means to guide the fingertip and thereby the palm site of the distal phalange of an individual&#39;s finger to the sensing of a fingerprint sensor.  
           [0019]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a guiding means with a moving means to enable that when the fingertip touches and moves the moving means backwards (i.e. in the direction of the fingerprint sensor), the palm site of the distal phalange touches the sensing site in a firm and correct manner.  
           [0020]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a guiding means with a sensor that is activated by the touch of the fingertip and/or activated by a movement of the fingertip.  
           [0021]    It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a sensor with a predetermined function or action that is executed once a fingerprint is successfully verified.  
           [0022]    The present invention is advantageous over previous fingerprint devices, systems and methods since the orientation of the fingerprint sensor and the relative position of the guiding means and the fingerprint sensor allows for a more natural and ergonomically advantageous manner in obtaining a fingerprint. The task of reproducing a fingerprint now comes down to a pointing task of the fingertip to a guiding means. A person no longer has to worry about a correct placement of the central core at the fingerprint sensor since this would be achieved concurrently and in a more or less automatic fashion once the fingertip touches guiding means. In addition, the orientation of the fingerprint sensor and the relative position of the guiding means increase the reproducibility and reliability of fingerprint biometrics and authentication. Furthermore, the guiding means can be used as guidance but also as a sensor or actuator to initiate a process upon positive verification of the obtained fingerprint or to trigger the process of obtaining the fingerprint itself. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0023]    The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be understood by reading the following summary in conjunction with the drawings, in which:  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 shows a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means according to the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 shows the relative and obtuse angle of the fingerprint sensor according to the present invention;  
         [0026]    FIGS.  3 - 5  show additional examples of a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means according to the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6 shows a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means in which the guiding means includes a moving means according to the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 shows a fingerprint sensor and a guiding means in which the guiding means includes a sensor according to the present invention; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 shows a system according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]    Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following exemplary details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.  
         [0031]    The present invention provides an apparatus and method for obtaining a fingerprint from an individual. The present invention is useful in a wide variety of applications such as in the identification, registration, verification and authentication of an individual. For the purpose of the present invention, obtaining a fingerprint is defined as obtaining a scan or image with a fingerprint sensor from an area around the central area at which the fingerprint pattern is distributed. This central area is the core of the fingerprint and is located at the palm-site part of the distal phalange of a finger. More specifically, this central area is more or less opposite the point that the fingernail emerges from the cuticle.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 shows an apparatus  100  with a fingerprint sensor  110 . Fingerprint sensor  110  has a sensing site  112  that is capable of receiving the palm-site  122  of the distal phalange of finger  120  in order to obtain a fingerprint from finger  120 . The size of the area from which a fingerprint is obtained is usually dependent on the size of the fingerprint sensor and/or the capabilities of the scanning and processing software. The present invention is not limited to the size of the fingerprint sensor as long as at least a portion around the central area at the palm-site of the distal phalange of a finger can be scanned or imaged as a fingerprint.  
         [0033]    One of the key ideas of the present invention is that it allows an individual to approach fingerprint sensor  110  in a natural and ergonomical way by pointing fingertip  124  of finger  120  to a guiding means  130 . Guiding means  130  is positioned in proximity to fingerprint sensor  110  to guide fingertip  124  toward  140  to guiding means  130 . Associated with this movement  140  by finger  120  is that palm-site  122  of the distal phalange of finger  120  is guided or moved toward sensing site  112  of fingerprint sensor  110  in a natural and ergonomic fashion without imposing any awkward movement or position to the individual&#39;s hand and/or finger.  
         [0034]    The position of guiding means  130  relative to fingerprint sensor  110  is important. This position should ensure a constant distance between fingerprint sensor  110  and guiding means  130  in order to achieve that palm-site  122  of distal phalange touches sensing site  112  of fingerprint sensor  110  when fingertip  124  touches guiding means  130 . The task of reproducing a fingerprint now comes down to a pointing task of fingertip  124  to guiding means  130 . A person no longer has to worry about a correct placement of the central core at the fingerprint sensor since this would be achieved concurrently and in a more or less automatic fashion once fingertip  124  touches guiding means  130 . If the position of fingertip  124  at guiding means  130  is more or less the same, then the position of palm-site  122  of the distal phalange at fingerprint sensor  110  is more or less the same.  
         [0035]    There are several different ways to establish the desired position between fingerprint sensor  110  and guiding means  130 . Guiding means  130  could be positioned at the same plane as the plane at which fingerprint sensor  110  is positioned. Guiding means  130  could also be positioned at a different plane as the plane at which fingerprint sensor  110  is positioned. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the fingerprint sensor  110  and guiding means  130  are located on two different planes or surfaces, i.e. fingerprint sensor  110  is located on first surface  150  and guiding means  130  is located on second surface  160  which is also referred to as a guiding plane. Irrespective of the choice on where and how fingerprint sensor  110  and guiding means  130  are positioned or located on the apparatus or system, sensing site  112  of fingerprint sensor  110  and the plane associated with guiding means  130  will always make a relative and obtuse angle. FIG. 2 shows relative and obtuse angle ω of substantially 140 degrees which is considered to be the optimal angle enabling an individual to touch fingerprint sensor  110  in a more natural and biomechanically advantageous fashion. However, in some cases it might be preferred to have fingerprint sensor to be in a more upright position from angle ω, whereas in other cases it might be preferred to have fingerprint sensor to be in a downward position from angle ω. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, obtuse angle ω is defined as substantially 140 degrees with a standard deviation σ of substantially +/−20 degrees.  
         [0036]    FIGS.  1 - 2  show second surface  160  in a horizontal position. However, second surface  160  is not limited to a horizontal position since second surface  160  could also be positioned at a vertical position as shown by second surface  310  in apparatus  300 . However, as shown by apparatus  400  in FIG. 4, fingerprint sensor  410  and guiding means  420  could still be located on more or less the same plane or surface  430  (i.e. abstract or physical) as long as guiding means  420  extends above plane  430  to ensure that the palm-site of the distal phalange touches sensing site of fingerprint sensor  410  when the fingertip touches guiding means  420 . For example, plane  440  that is based on the tangent of a curve of a potential contact point  450  of a fingertip on guiding means  420 , makes an angle γ with fingerprint sensor  410 . Preferably, angle γ is greater than or equal to substantially 90 degrees and less than substantially 180 degrees. A consideration that will decide the placement of fingerprint sensor and guiding means is whether the finger could generate enough pressure with the palm-site of the finger onto the fingerprint sensor to enable a firm enough touch to ensure a good fingerprint reading once the fingertip of that finger touches the guiding means. These considerations also take into account the location of the fingerprint device in relation to the person using the fingerprint device. For example, the fingerprint device could be located at desktop or elbow level, the fingerprint device could be located at eye or head level, or the fingerprint device could be approached from a lying down position of the user.  
         [0037]    In one embodiment of the present invention, guiding means could be any type of object or element that is static. Here, guiding means provides visual guidance to a person to place his/her fingertip on the guiding means. Guiding means could be a contact point or area. Guiding means could also be a visual representation such as a colored shape or picture. As shown in FIGS.  1 - 3 , guiding means could be a more or less flat element or object, or as shown in FIGS.  4 - 5 , guiding means could be a round element or object  420 ,  500  respectively. However, as a person of average skill in the art to which the present invention pertains would readily appreciate, guiding means could take any type of shape or form as long as it does not jeopardize the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Also, the integration of guiding means in the apparatus is not limited to the present invention since the guiding means could be attached to the apparatus or integrated within the apparatus.  
         [0038]    In another embodiment of the present invention, guiding means includes a moving means  610  as shown in apparatus  600  in FIG. 6. Here, in addition to providing visual guidance, the idea is that when fingertip  620  touches and moves moving means  610  backwards (i.e. in direction of fingerprint sensor  630 ), the palm site of the distal phalange touches the sensing site. In this way, a firm and correct placement of the central core of the palm site of the distal phalange at fingerprint sensor  630  is almost guaranteed since the palm-site moves backwards and onto fingerprint sensor  630 . In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, moving means  610  is a rolling ball and fingertip  620  rolls  640  rolling ball clockwise (as indicated in FIG. 6) to achieve finger movement in the direction indicated by arrow  650 . Moving means  610  could be a rolling bar, a rolling ball, a rolling wheel or any type of moving element or object that allows for the desired backward motion of the finger to place the palm-site of the distal phalange at fingerprint sensor  630 . The movement of moving means could be established by a rolling means as shown in FIG. 6 or by any other type of means that allows movement, such as, but not limited to, a pushing means, a pulling means, a flipping means or a gliding means.  
         [0039]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the guiding means could include a sensor. The fingertip would then activate this sensor. The sensor could be a sensor that is activated by the touch of the fingertip and/or could be a sensor that is activated by a movement of the fingertip. In this light, the present invention could include a wide variety of sensors such as, but not limited to, a switch, a rolling bar, a rolling ball, a rolling wheel, a second fingerprint sensor that reads the minutiae of the fingertip, an optical sensor or a conductive element. FIG. 7 shows some examples of how different sensors. For instance sensor  712  (e.g. a switch that can be pulled or pushed backwards  714 ), sensor  722  (e.g. a conductive element that can be touched or on which the fingertip has to make a backward motion  724  or a fingerprint sensor), sensor  732  (e.g. an optical sensor that can be touched at an optically transparent surface  734 ) or sensor  742  (e.g. an optical sensor or conductive element) could be integrated in or attached to apparatus  710 ,  720 ,  730  or  740  respectively. The sensor could be associated with a predetermined function or action such as opening a door, opening a computer file, entering a secured area or system, accessing classified information or sites, etc. As it is shown in FIG. 8, the predetermined function could be executed by an execution means  810  once the fingertip  820  activates the sensor  830 . In some cases, it might be necessary or desired to first verify an individual&#39;s fingerprint before executing the predetermined function or action. Therefore, the present invention further includes a verifying means  840  to verify the fingerprint obtained from the palm-site  850  of the distal phalange by fingerprint sensor  860 . The prior art teaches various kinds of verifying means that are suitable for the present invention. The predetermined function is then executed by the execution means  810  once the fingerprint is successfully verified by verifying means  840  assuming that the fingertip has activated sensor  830 .  
         [0040]    The present invention has now been described in accordance with several exemplary embodiments, which are intended to be illustrative in all aspects, rather than restrictive. Thus, the present invention is capable of many variations in detailed implementation, which may be derived from the description contained herein by a person of ordinary skill in the art. All such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.