FINGERPRINT-BASED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

Abstract: A fingerprint-based identification system includes a microprocessor where fingerprint information of possible users is input and stored as the reference fingerprint information. A fingerprint scanner scans fingerprints of practical users to compare the scanned fingerprint information with the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor. A user recognition unit allows the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner. A switching member is structured to open when the fingerprint information scanned at the fingerprint scanner agrees to the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor. A fingerprint scanner protection unit is provided at a front portion of the fingerprint scanner to protect the fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials.

Description: FINGERPRINT-BASED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (a) Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fingerprint-based identification system and, more particularly, to a fingerprint-based identification system which can effectively protect a fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials. (b) Description of the Related Art Generally, a fingerprint-based identification system is to record the pattern of fingerprints of users and identify the authorized user by comparing his fingerprint with the recorded pattern. Everyone is known to have unique, immutable fingerprints. A fingerprint is made of a series of ridges and furrows on the surface of the finger. The uniqueness of a fingerprint can be determined by the pattern of ridges and furrows. Due to the uniqueness of the fingerprint, it is preferred in verifying the personal identity compared to retina, iris, blood vessel, face, and others. Particularly, keeping pace with the development of computer networking, security service for privacy protection has been spotlighted particularly in the field of the fingerprint matching. The fingerprint matching is roughly placed into two categories of identification and verification. The fingerprint-based identification system has been extensively used in criminal investigation. In such a system, the contemporaneous fingerprint is compared with a large number of permanent fingerprints stored in database. The fingerprint-based verification system has been frequently used for household purpose. In the verification system, the input fingerprint is directly compared with the recorded fingerprint one by one. Recently, computer-based fingerprint matching techniques have been developed and employed for various applications such as access control, banking, criminal investigation, and electronic commercial transaction. This makes it possible that the fingerprint-based identification can be performed at distant areas based on the computer network. For instance, in the application of access control, the fingerprint- based identification system is installed at the door to prevent intrusion of unauthorized visitors. In such a system, the fingerprint information of the authorized users is recorded onto the keys, and the contemporaneous fingerprint is compared with the recorded fingerprint information. In the application of banking, the fingerprint-based identification system is introduced to prevent improper use of credit cards by others. In the application of criminal investigation, the fingerprint-based identification system may be used to detect criminals by comparing the target fingerprint with those stored in the database. The system may be also installed at computers such that only the authorized users can use the computers. In computer network-based commercial transactions, the fingerprint matching technique can be effectively employed for mutual identification purpose. Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a fingerprint-based identification system according to a prior art. As shown in Fig. 6, the fingerprint-based identification system includes a prism 62 onto which the finger 56 of the user is put at its ridge portion, and a light source 52 for projecting light to the prism 62. The prism 62 has a light entrance surface 54 through which light enters into the prism 62, a light exit surface 60 through which the light passes to the outside. The light entering the prism 62 suffers total internal reflection against a surface contacting the finger 56, and passes through the light exit surface 60. A light collimating lens 64 is placed near the light exit surface 60 to collimate the reflected light. A fingerprint image detection means 66 is provided near the light collimating lens 64 to detect fingerprint images from the collimated light. The fingerprint images detected at the fingerprint image detection means 66 are stored at a memory unit, and, in practical use, the target fingerprint image is compared with the stored fingerprint image data to thereby perform the desired identification. However, in the above described fingerprint matching system, since the prism 62 contacting the finger 56 to scan the fingerprint thereof is exposed to the outside, it is liable to be contaminated by alien materials so that the transparency thereof is deteriorated, resulting in serious performance failure. Particularly, when gums are attached onto the prism 62 by children, removal of the gums over a relatively long time scale seriously deteriorates the quality of the system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a fingerprint-based identification system which can effectively protect a fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials while ensuring reliable security. This and other objects may be achieved by a fingerprint-based identification system including a microprocessor where fingerprint information of possible users is input and stored as the reference fingerprint information. A fingerprint scanner scans fingerprints of practical users to compare the scanned fingerprint information with the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor. A user recognition unit allows the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner. A switching member is structured to open when the fingerprint information scanned at the fingerprint scanner agrees to the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor. A fingerprint scanner protection unit is provided at a front portion of the fingerprint scanner to protect the fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials. The fingerprint scanner protection unit opens only when the user recognition unit allows the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner. After the fingerprint scanning, the fingerprint scanner protection unit returns to the initial position to thereby intercept the fingerprint scanner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols indicate the same or the similar components, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front view of a fingerprint-based identification system with a fingerprint scanner protection unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a rear view of the fingerprint-based identification system shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3A is a partially amplified view of the fingerprint scanner protection unit shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3B illustrates another application structure of the fingerprint scanner protection unit shown in Fig. 3A; Fig. 4A is a cross sectional view of a fingerprint scanner protection unit for a fingerprint-based identification system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4B illustrates another application structure of the fingerprint scanner protection unit shown in Fig. 4A; Fig. 5 is a front view of a fingerprint-based identification system according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 is a side view of a fingerprint-based identification system according to a prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of this invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of a fingerprint-based identification system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the fingerprint-based identification system is applied to an electronic door with a door locker assembly 2, and Fig. 2 is a rear view of the fingerprint-based identification system. As shown in the drawings, the door locker assembly 2 is provided with a microprocessor 4 where the fingerprint information of the possible users is input and stored as the reference fingerprint information, a fingerprint scanner 6 where the fingerprint information of the practical users is input and compared with the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor 4, a switch 8 that opens or closes the door according to the control of the microprocessor 4. The door locker assembly further comprises a user recognition unit 10 for allowing the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner 6. As shown in Fig. 3A, the fingerprint scanner 6 has an empty portion 12 for receiving the finger, and a prism 14 defining the bottom of the empty portion 12 to generate fingerprint images of the finger under the application of light from a light source. The fingerprint images generated through the prism 14 are stored in the microprocessor 4 as the reference fingerprint information while passing through a collimating lens and an image detection member (not shown). The user recognition unit 10 is to permit the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner 6. That is, the user recognition unit 10 allows only the users whose information is previously stored at the microprocessor 4 to use the fingerprint scanner 6. As shown in Fig. 3A, a shutter 16 is provided at the front portion of the fingerprint scanner 6 as a fingerprint scanner protection unit. The shutter 16 is combined with the door locker assembly 2 via a pin 18 for a hinge shaft. The shutter 16 is connected to the microprocessor 4 such that it can be locked or released according to the control of the microprocessor 4. When the locking state of the shutter 16 is released, the shutter 16 is rotated around the pin 18 into the empty portion 12 of the fingerprint scanner 6. When the authorized user is verified through the user recognition unit 10, the locking state of the shutter 16 is released according to the control of the microprocessor 4. At this time, the user opens the shutter 16 through pushing to get access to the fingerprint scanner 6. When the fingerprint is scanned through the prism 14 of the fingerprint scanner 6 and the finger is withdrawn from the prism 14, the shutter 16 returns to the initial position. At this time, the shutter 16 is locked by the control of the microprocessor 4 while intercepting the fingerprint scanner 6. The shutter 16 may be formed with solid materials such as metals or synthetic resins capable of enduring against external force. It is preferable that the shutter 16 completely covers the fingerprint scanner 6. In order to consolidate the locking state of the shutter 16, as shown in Fig. 3B, a protrusion 21 working with a solenoid switch 19 may be further provided at the bottom portion of the shutter 16 while internally blocking that portion. When the microprocessor 4 is operated to release the locking state of the shutter 16, the protrusion 21 is lowered due to the working of the solenoid switch 19 to thereby free the shutter 16 from blocking. In this state, the user opens the shutter 16 through pushing to get access to the fingerprint scanner 6. After the fingerprint scanning, the shutter 16 returns to the initial position, and the protrusion 21 is elevated by the operation of the solenoid switch 19 to thereby block the shutter 16. In practical use, the user places the usual card such as RF-IC card, IC card, magnetic stripe card, or bar code card near the user recognition unit 10. When the microprocessor 4 identifies the card as the authorized card, the locking state of the shutter 16 is released. In this state, the user opens the shutter 16, and puts his finger on the prism 14 of the fingerprint scanner 6. In case the scanned fingerprint information agrees to that stored at the microprocessor 4, the locking state of the door locker 2 is released, and the user rotates the switch 8 to open the door. In the above-like double-security system, even when an unauthorized user is allowed to use the fingerprint scanner 6 with a lost card of the authorized user, the fingerprint scanner 6 can effectively prevent entrance of such an unauthorized user. Alternatively, the door may be structured such that it can automatically open when the fingerprint information captured through the fingerprint scanner 6 agrees to that stored at the microprocessor 4. As the user has passed through the door, the shutter 16 is closed by the control of the microprocessor 4, and the door is locked. Meanwhile, the user recognition unit 10 may be positioned within the wall at places where contamination risk thereof is high. In this case, the recognition capacity of the user recognition unit 10 should be so high as to perceive the card of the user through the wall. Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate a fingerprint scanner protection unit for a fingerprint-based identification system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, other components of the fingerprint-based identification system are the same as those related to the first preferred embodiment except that a shutter 20 capable of moving along the door locker assembly 2 is used as the fingerprint scanner protection unit. The shutter 20 is formed with solid materials such as metals or synthetic resins while bearing a size capable of completely covering the fingerprint scanner 6. A solenoid switch 24 is connected to the shutter 20, and structured to be operated by the control of the microprocessor 4. The solenoid switch 24 is formed with a housing, and an elastic member 22 disposed within the housing. After the fingerprint scanning operation, the shutter 20 can return to the initial position due to the elastic force from the elastic member 22. The shutter 20 is opening only to the user allowed to be accessed to the fingerprint scanner 6 through the user recognition unit 10. After the fingerprint scanning operation, the shutter 20 returns to the initial position due to the elastic force from the elastic member 22 of the solenoid switch 24 to thereby intercept the fingerprint scanner 6. As shown in Fig. 4A, the solenoid switch 24 is placed in the vertical direction together with the shutter 20 such that it can move the shutter 20 up and downwards. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4B, the solenoid switch 24 may be placed in the horizontal direction together with the shutter 20 such that it can move the shutter 20 in left and right directions. The latter structure is to consider the case where the width of the main body 2 is relatively large. Fig. 5 is a front view of a fingerprint-based identification system according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention where the fingerprint-based identification system is applied to an electronic door with a door locker assembly 2. In this preferred embodiment, other components of the fingerprint-based identification system are the same as those related to the first preferred embodiment except that the user recognition unit is formed with a plurality of number buttons 26. In this structure, the user should push the correct number buttons 26 instead of presenting his card to get access to the fingerprint scanner 6. The fingerprint scanner protection unit related to the second preferred embodiment may be also applied to this structure. Furthermore, both of the card-based user recognition unit related to the first preferred embodiment and the number button-based user recognition unit related to third preferred embodiment may be installed at one door locker, and used together. The above structured fingerprint-based identification system may be also applied for other security purposes such as banking, criminal investigation, and electronic commercial transaction. As described above, the inventive fingerprint-based identification system can completely protect a fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials such as dust or gums, increasing reliability of the system. Furthermore, in the double-security structure with a user recognition unit and a fingerprint scanner, security degree can be significantly enhanced. While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A fingerprint-based identification system comprising: a microprocessor where fingerprint information of possible users is input and stored as the reference fingerprint information; a fingerprint scanner for scanning fingerprints of practical users to compare the scanned fingerprint information with the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor; a switching member structured to open when the fingerprint information scanned at the fingerprint scanner agrees to the reference fingerprint information stored at the microprocessor; and a fingerprint scanner protection unit provided at a front portion of the fingerprint scanner to protect the fingerprint scanner from being contaminated by alien materials. 2. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 1 further comprising a user recognition unit for allowing the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner. 3. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 1 wherein the fingerprint scanner protection unit is formed with a push-type shutter capable of locking or releasing according to the control of the microprocessor. 4. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 3 wherein a protrusion is internally provided at an end portion of the shutter while working with a solenoid switch to keep the locking state of the shutter in a stable manner. 5. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 1 wherein the fingerprint scanner protection unit is a shutter working with a solenoid switch according to the control of the microprocessor. 6. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 5 wherein the shutter opens only when the user recognition unit allows the authorized users to get access to the fingerprint scanner, and, after the fingerprint scanning, returns to the initial position to thereby intercept the fingerprint scanner. 7. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 6 wherein the user recognition unit recognizes the authorized users through the input of cards or codes. 8. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 5 wherein the shutter opens in a vertical or horizontal direction. 9. The fingerprint-based identification system of claim 7 wherein the user recognition unit is exposed to the outside or disposed within the wall.

Inventors: JEON JU-HO, JEON, JU-HO
Applicants: JEON JU HO, SAMJIN COMP SERVICE CO LTD, JEON, JU-HO, SAMJIN COMPUTER SERVICE CO., LTD.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G06K9
IPC codes: E05B49, G06F21, G06K9, G06T1, G06T7