KR101256237B1 - Finger Guide Device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a finger guide device for positioning a finger of a human subject (or a finger including a feature point) on a fingerprint sensor in an optimal manner for data capture operations of authentication or recognition of a subject in which the relevant portion of the finger is aligned with a sensor or scanner. It is about. Authentication or recognition is generated by fingerprint matching. The finger guidance device may also be used for registration of initial fingerprint data into the system through one or more readings of the fingerprint and conversion into a template for future comparison matching. The finger guidance device may also serve to provide the user with haptic feedback or other forms of feedback corresponding to the temperature or temperature. The finger guide device may also include an outer surface ridge that feels somewhat uncomfortable due to the application of high pressure per square inch on a small area of the finger when the finger is misplaced to induce a more comfortable placement of the finger. The finger guide device may have an inner surface that is curved to follow a wide variety of fingertip shapes and sizes, and the sides and front have shorter radii of curvature than the rear portion of the finger guide device. The front of the finger guidance device may have its side and short radius of curvature sufficiently steep to serve as a stop for positioning the tip of the finger at approximately 0.51 to 2.29 cm (0.20 to 0.90 inch) in front of the center of the sensor. This is an ideal location for registering a target user and for later authentication or recognition. The finger guide device material or surface may be electrically conductive, thereby facilitating improved use of capacitive or other types of electronic devices or electromagnetically actuated fingerprint sensors requiring such potential sensing means. It can serve as a means for delivering drive signals. Additional tactile improvements, such as dual positioning bumps or braille or acoustic or mechanical movement or visual marks or indicator light feedback, may be added within the finger guidance device if desired. The level of the fingerprint sensor or scanner can be raised or lowered as a further improvement for changing the data capture feature. The finger guidance device may be used in communication with the electromagnetic device to perform an additional purpose of functioning as a switch or pointing device.

Finger guidance, fingerprint sensor, tactile feedback, thermal conductivity, ridge, braille

Description

Finger Guide Device {Finger Guide Device}

The present invention places a finger, thumb, or human hand comprising a unique feature point on a scanner or sensor or other means, so that the fine feature of the relevant part of the tissue below or below that feature called a fingerprint is identified. A finger guide part called a finger guide device used for capturing an image. Such finger guidance devices are used with electronic devices, optical devices, electromagnetic devices, capacitive devices, electroluminescent devices, or similar scanners or sensors that require repeating and appropriately accurate positioning, aligned with scanners or sensors. Applications include accurate recognition of an individual with a minimum number of error rejections or repetitions of the process for scanning or reading a registered portion of the fingerprint.

US patent application 2004-101172 (Lane) discloses a finger imaging system for receiving a finger of a person being fingerprinted by an automated fingerprint reader. The system includes a finger imaging device having a finger receiving portion for receiving a finger to be fingerprinted. When in the generally desired position, a locator bar that engages the crease of the subject finger extends outward from the finger receiving surface. US Patent Application 2004-101171 (Rain et al.) Discloses a finger imaging system for receiving and holding a person's finger being fingerprinted by an automated fingerprint reader. The system includes a finger receiving device having a finger receiving portion and a finger positioning portion that together form a recess with reduced dimensions so that the target finger forcibly inserted therein is maintained in a stable position. And finally, US patent application 2004-076314 (Cheng) discloses an apparatus comprising a fingerprint sensor and guide means. The sensing area of the fingerprint sensor is obtuse with respect to the guide plane of the guide means.

Traditionally, to record a fingerprint, ink is applied to the finger, and the finger is then "rolled" across the paper or other ink receiving surface to print an image of the fingerprint. Fingerprints left by leaving oil residues in contact with the surface are forensically captured by various processing techniques that reveal the fingerprint by "lifting" it.

More recently, alternative techniques have been developed that can reveal microfeatures in a fingerprint and capture the fingerprint directly from the finger. Electronic sensing technology maintains a finger on the sensing system to reveal an image of the fingerprint or to generate an electronic representation of the fingerprint, for example as a digital file, so that the system has a skin or biological tissue difference or finger region across the finger region. Detecting only the relevant portion of the. Examples include, but are not limited to, optical sensors, electro-luminescent pressure sensitive systems, integrated circuits having the ability to measure capacitance of individual pixel sizes, and the like.

The manufacturing cost for some types of fingerprint scanning system is added by the size of the fingerprint area detected. This is especially the case for silicon-based or integrated circuit (IC) type sensors. As with most ICs, assuming the same device formation and number of layers, the larger the IC, the more expensive it is. The manufacturing cost of the sensor is directly related to the sensing area and the mass production of the sensor, and the size of the thumb is not optimal when only relevant parts of the fingerprint need to be scanned to form a fingerprint authentication system. If only a portion of the fingerprint is used to reduce system cost, it becomes important to place substantially the same relevant portion of the finger that was originally registered on the sensor for all authentication or recognition actions.

Clearly, assuming that smaller sensors are less expensive, and that the area of the fingerprint being detected is still large enough to provide an acceptable level of matching or security, the optimal solution is to eliminate unnecessary portions of the entire fingerprint area. These are smaller sensors. The finger guidance device of the present invention is a device that can be used to reliably reposition a finger on a small sensor to enable more efficient recognition. The device reduces error rejection due to a failure to position the finger close enough to its original registration position or to a position where the sensor can read the matched relevant portion of the fingerprint. The finger guidance device reduces the incidence of error rejection by guiding the target finger to a generally identical, original registration position, naturally, intuitively and non-forcefully, each time a fingerprint recognition system is used.

When smaller sensors are used, the computer is electronically completed by a completed "template" in which the finger represents one relevant area of the finger, or a larger area of the fingerprint of the original subject than a single scan can produce alone. Once registered in such a way as to scan several overlapping relevant parts of the fingerprint assembled into a system, the system is consistently within the same approximate location so that the relevant part of the fingerprint can be read by the sensor, so that registration and authentication or recognition can occur. It depends on being able to touch the sensor. Failure to reposition the finger correctly on the fingerprint sensor or scanner may cause an error rejection, or in other words, because the sensor reads another area of the fingerprint, the fingerprint may match a previously registered area or portion of the fingerprint. No known object is rejected. This is an error rejection. If the system permits further attempts and the second or subsequent attempts align the feature points containing the relevant portion of the fingerprint originally stored during registration at the scanner or sensor, the known subject will be approved (recognized or "authenticated"). will be. The finger guide is said to physically and non-forcefully guide the finger into the correct position so that the relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the sensor or scanner, even after substantial time has elapsed between registration and the next authentication action, and again "finds" the correct position. By providing a simple funnel or inverted pyramid guide for the finger, which provides a variety of tactile and other feedback means for the subject user to make it easier, the average number of attempts to authenticate a known subject is reduced. If the finger is in the correct position, but the touch pressure is too high or too low, the scanner or sensor may capture a distorted image, which may cause error rejection. The finger guidance device also assists the user in learning and repeating the correct touch pressure using various feedback means including but not limited to tactile feedback, mechanical movement feedback, acoustic or visual feedback, and the field of possible feedback means is human It is known to those skilled in the art of engineering. In contrast to basic flat surface sensors or coarsely designed sensors, the defined error rejection rate for untrained subjects may range from 10-20% of all subjects. Systems using a finger guidance device will experience less than 10% error rejection, and fingerprint authentication systems using a finger guidance device can be optimized for much lower error rejection rates.

Much like a round or rectangular funnel guides a fluid into a container, the finger guide device includes a finger recess that acts to guide the finger towards the same location on the sensor in a repeatable manner. Another simple similarity is to describe the ball on the vertex of an unstable pyramid as compared to the ball in an inverted pyramid where the ball always rolls to the lowest point of the same sphere through natural gravity and the guiding effect of the sidewalls of the inverted pyramid recess. In the case of a finger guide device, a similar action is initiated by the muscle applying a force to move the finger into the finger guide device recess towards the sensor area, the movement being described in the disclosed physical shape in the finger guide device of the present invention. Guided by a recess element. The guiding effect of the mechanical recess and the overall performance of the finger guidance device may be due to feedback due to the tactile properties of the finger guiding material or surface, an element of additional physical shape intended to produce tactile feedback, mechanical movement, or other visual or acoustic It may be further enhanced through tactile or other feedback communication to the subject, such as feedback means. The sensor is placed in alignment with the finger guide device in the correct position adjacent to the desired area of the finger to "read" the relevant portion (protrusion) of the fingerprint.

Previous devices for placing a finger for fingerprinting focused on the need to hold (precise, pressurized and flattened) the finger with respect to the flat scanning surface, and the skin below the first joint of the finger or the first joint of the finger. There was a tendency to place the finger roughly from the wrinkles. The intention was to replace the fingerprint rolling effect, and pressure to flatten the fingers was an important factor. Modern semiconductor sensors require only a light touch and, as is known, often focus on repeating multiple scans or captures of the same relevant portion of the fingerprint. What is needed is an average number of attempts to authenticate a known subject by providing a simple circular, elliptical, rectangular, or square funnel recess or guide for the finger that physically guides the finger into the correct position against the scanner or sensor. Various tactile, mechanical movements, acoustics, or visual feedback means to the target user to make it easier and more natural to "find" the correct finger position again, even after substantial time has passed between enrollment and subsequent authentication attempts. It is an apparatus that can be further improved by providing. In contrast, in basic flat surface sensors or coarsely designed sensors, this error rejection rate for untrained subjects can range from 10 to 15% for all trials.

The finger guidance device of the present invention provides the correct position and touch through a set of basic designs and components, including physical aids, physical properties, material properties, and surface finish properties, as well as effective assistance in positioning the fingers in essentially the same position in a repeatable manner. Provide a learning mechanism to assist the target user in knowing (pressure). Additional feedback mechanisms may also be used to assist with the effectiveness of the finger guidance device.

Indeed, a preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device of the present invention is designed to reposition the relevant portion of the finger at a distance of 0.51 to 2.29 cm (0.20 to 0.90 inch) from the bottom of the fingerprint aligned with the sensor or scanner, and thus It is located from the fingertip rather than the ridge below the first joint in the finger. In addition, the upper edge of the finger guide device in the front is a profile low enough to avoid contact with the nail. Such contact introduces an error, because the subject trims his nails to different lengths and most feel uncomfortable pressure on the ends of the nails, the two states of which are claimed to help place the finger on a fingerprint reader or scanner. Found in

The physical design of the finger guidance device allows for a sufficiently accurate placement of the finger on the sensor to facilitate a substantial increase in the rate of first time acceptance (of the registered subject), and the result is equivalent to reducing the rate of error rejection. This preferred embodiment has a relatively short concave radius (or relatively steep incline) at the front of the finger guide device, wherein the fingertip just below the fingernail is in contact with or in front of the front of the finger guide device, and the guide supports the body. A long radius concave shape (or less steep slope) adjacent to the opposite side of the sensor, extending upwardly. The portion of the sides opposite the scanner or sensor is very steep to keep the finger centered laterally. Overall, the finger guide device is sized for an average finger, but accommodates a wide range of hand joint sizes because he only connects with a small curved portion that includes the relevant portion of the finger.

While the tolerances allowed for finger placement on small electronic sensors mounted on flat surfaces are quite large, positioning the fingers on such devices is still difficult for untrained subjects. This relevant portion of the fingerprint, depending on the accuracy of the algorithm and system used, is limited to approximately half to two-thirds of the area of the fingerprint scanned, necessarily overlapping with the relevant portion of the fingerprint previously scanned (registered) and present in the registration template. Can be. Low-accuracy systems can operate in less than half the sensor window overlap. The actual relevant part required for security matching depends on the algorithm and the level of security or security setting actually required within the algorithm. This relates to the relevant portion of the scanned subject fingerprint that is correlated with the subject's registered template.

The ability to position generally identical portions of the fingerprint to align against the active area (window) of the sensor in a consistent and repeatable manner facilitates quick and accurate registration and helps to substantially reduce the error rejection rate. The finger guidance device of the present invention reduces error rejection to less than 10% in registered but unskilled subjects. Skilled or system optimization with finger guidance devices, or both, will further reduce the error rejection rate.

This reduction in error rejection rates, on average from about 15% to less than 10%, makes a significant difference in security system authorization and marketability. Failure in the user population is substantially reduced if people do not have to touch the sensor multiple times to be accepted. In late 2003, a new keyboard was introduced to approximately 250,000 users and did not have an effective finger guidance solution. There was a significant failure in the user base, and the company that developed the system faced considerable criticism. Such a problem causes the user to doubt how well the system works, although the problem may technically be referred to as a user error or a user error due to incorrect finger placement during the authentication process. The finger guidance device reduces this expected user error and increases the likelihood of target user acceptance at the first touch. This is an important factor in developing a biometric system that saves a lot of time for a system's lifetime and can compete with a password or PIN in terms of user time and efficiency.

Using the finger guidance device of the present invention for registration and authentication improves the effectiveness of the finger guidance device in practical implementation and application. This is because the natural feel of the finger guidance device guides the user each time in a non-forced and ergonomically generally identical position or alignment with the active sensor area of the relevant portion of the finger. This guidance process is physical and neutral, providing important tactile feedback for first use and subsequent learning. During registration, the system may require the subject to touch and remove the finger several times. Finger guidance devices are generally designed to receive a finger, thumb, or any finger from the left or the right exterior. This means that he assists with placement but does not strictly limit placement to accurate and repeatable placement, instead he simply derives placement within the tolerance of the sensor and fingerprint template matching algorithm. This allows the template to extend beyond the strict limits of an ideal or "perfect" window frame (projection), thus creating a template with a guard band designed to accommodate future misalignment within the tolerance and alignment capacity of the finger guide device. . This functionality is important for long-term repeatable performance, and the alignment enhancements facilitated by the finger guides need only be raised to the limits required by the matching system, template dimensions, and the security level of the algorithm. In a finely tuned (optimized) system, error rejection of an experienced user object can be reduced to less than 2% with the aid of a finger guidance device of the present invention.

Some sensors drive electrical potential into finger tissue. This may be a radio frequency or RF electromagnetic signal. The finger guidance device may be electrically conductive to assist this application during registration and subsequent authentication acts. In this case, the conductive material properties and mechanical design elements of the finger guide device may be directed to "irradiating" the target finger tissue with the required RF signal generated by the sensor and passing through or reflected by the finger guide device or its smooth and conductive surface. Say you help. A generally parabolic element of one preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device of the present invention emits and reflects its electromagnetic radiation into the associated finger tissue and assists the sensor in capturing image data of the relevant portion of the fingerprint. The flat sided conductive side will also improve the irradiation of the relevant area of the fingerprint.

The mechanical surface properties and materials chosen for the finger guidance device are important for performance. Because the finger must slide easily into place, a low coefficient of friction (sliding coefficient or static friction coefficient or both) is placed at its natural localized lowermost part on the bottom of the finger guide, where the finger is properly aligned with the scanner or sensor. It is useful to allow this. This surface characteristic and non compulsory guiding process places the finger at the same base position each time, and the relevant portion of the fingerprint is captured, reducing error rejection and reducing the need for additional touch to the sensor. Examples of materials having such low coefficient of friction properties include, but are not limited to, smooth metals, smooth plastics, and painted, polished, or waxed surfaces. Lubricants may also be used. If the surface material has a high coefficient of friction (eg, rubber, urethane-based material, or rough plastic), the use and function of the finger guide device may be reduced or compromised because the fingers do not slide easily into place.

Other feedback elements may be included in various further preferred embodiments of the present invention. One will develop the ability to feel right. The finger guide device may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity. Examples include, but are not limited to, metals, metal plated surfaces, certain ceramics, or certain carbon-based materials. In this case, the finger guide device tends to feel cold for touch at room temperature, not because of its absolute temperature but because it has a thermal conductivity that quickly conducts heat from the finger when it is touched. If the finger guidance device is made of metal, this property will make him feel like metal for the touch (eg, cold feeling). By feeling colder than the rest and colder than the sensor, the subject will learn the correct “feel” of the finger guide device and also feel the sensor better to determine his location.

Additional bumps may be added to help orient the finger or to allow the subject to “fine adjust” their finger position. This may be unnecessary for normal or average sized fingers, but may be useful when the subject has very small fingers with little contact with the surface area of the finger guides.

Braille may be added to the finger guide device to assist a user with blind or impaired vision.

Finger guidance devices may also use physical elements and material properties to prevent improper use. For example, a preferred method of practicing the present invention surrounds the finger guides with a relatively hard and distinct ridge. While not dangerously "sharp", this ridge is designed to be uncomfortable for the user. When a finger is placed across this ridge, it is not dangerous, but the ridge is inconvenient because it applies high pressure (PSI) to the skin across a very narrow area. This high pressure per square inch, through the sense of touch (tactile feedback), signals that the finger guide device is not being used correctly. The feeling of a misaligned finger is said to be unnatural, so the user will instinctively reposition his finger within the recess of the finger guide device for a more natural and comfortable feeling. The natural tendency is to avoid finger placement on the uncomfortable lateral ridge of the finger guide, instead sliding the finger or thumb down into the finger guide and onto the sensor (desired position). It is in this correct position that the finger or thumb placement feels natural and secure to the target user.

A further embodiment of the present invention provides a feedback mechanism, including one designed to notify and train (train) a subject about the correct placement of his finger, or that he accepts into the system (that is, his fingerprint is scanned, compared, and correctly matched). It may include feedback designed to notify the subject of the fact that it has been received. Sound may be used to “guide” the finger to the sensor. Visual indicators may be used. Examples include, but are not limited to, icons, marks of fingerprint pictures, reference marks, light sources (such as LEDs), and colored circles. Finally, a physical mechanical movement feedback mechanism, such as vibration or "click" feedback, can be applied very similarly to a click button found within a stick vibrator or keyboard and control panel that notifies the pilot of engine stop warnings when flying an aircraft. All such feedback methods are known to those skilled in the art of ergonomics and are referred to in their entirety rather than in detail herein.

This feedback mechanism can also be used to correct misuse of the system. For example, lack of extreme pressure or touch pressure on the sensor can cause scanning problems. The overpressure may flatten the feature point and saturate the sensor, making it impossible to accurately analyze the feature point. Conversely, the lack of pressure in the form of a touch that is too light can cause feature points to remain unanalyzed by the sensor, so that a good image cannot be generated. In each case, voice commands or sound or vibration or other feedback means can be used to convey the need to relax or slightly press or pressurize the pressure. The feedback means may convey to the subject the need to relieve touch pressure or slightly raise the finger. The use of click feedback means may require the user to apply the minimum allowable pressure required for the scanner or sensor to “read” the relevant portion of the finger. Another practical approach is to move the sensor slightly up or down within the finger guide sensor window to adjust the difference in finger pressure on the scanner or sensor.

A preferred method of practicing the invention is the assembly of sensors and finger guides designed to work together as a unit, namely a system. This requires configuring the sensor to operate on a circuit board that may include additional support circuitry for the application. The combination with the finger guide, sensor, sealing gasket, and connector of the printed wiring board may or may not be located in its own housing. As such, these subassemblies can be located in various devices for application. The unit is a security platform with multiple uses. Examples include vehicle doors or dashboards, tables, doors or door frames, keyboards, personal digital assistants, telephone devices, secure fax machines, counting devices, displays, household appliances, appliances, machine controls, medical devices, cash registers, etc. But not limited to that.

Fingerprint sensors or scanners use a variety of solutions to detect and capture image data depicting a person's fingerprint feature or the unique individual features of the biometric feature tissue directly below the fingerprint. In this description and throughout this specification, the use of the term finger and fingerprint refers to any hand node and its unique feature point from the left or right exterior and is the same as the use of the term thumb or thumb fingerprint. It is intended to be equivalent. The use of the term he or his is not intended to be gender specific and is intended to be equivalent to her or her.

The finger guidance device of the present invention can be used as a device for providing input from a user to a system. This embodiment of the invention includes the mechanical communication of the finger guidance device to one or more pressure sensors or capacitive sensors to sense when the finger guidance device is touched or pressed. When the device is touched, it can serve as an input or switch control device, and when the device is pressed with variable pressure or surface contact movement in one or more directions, it can be used for a variety of input applications, including but not limited to control machines or equipment. It can serve as a proportional input device for facilitating or as a pointing device for a computer. Placement of the finger within the finger guide device and application of pressure in the axial or lateral or combined direction will allow a second use of the finger guide as a pointing device when the finger guide device communicates with a pressure sensor or switch. . Changing or moving the point of touch contact with the side of the recess and also if the surface comprises a sensor for detecting a change will facilitate the use of a finger guide device as a pointer or control device, said touch sensor means Are known to those skilled in the art of manufacturing touch sensitive pointing and control devices and are referred to in their entirety rather than in detail herein.

The user subject may be threatened while using the finger guidance device of the present invention. For example, a crime can be made that can be threatened with a gun or forced to authenticate against its will. In such a situation, it may be desirable for the user to have another hand joint registered as an emergency signal that the device user is at risk and the emergency hand joint must not be known to others. If the user is experiencing other types of emergency situations or is forced to use the device illegally, he can use his "911" hand joint to request rescue. In such a case, the system will not be able to match the enrolled fingerprint, but will recognize the need to match the emergency finger of the user's subject and thus recognize the need to react differently.

For a more complete understanding of the finger guidance device of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example. As the invention may be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit of its essential features, it is clearly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views.

1 is mounted in alignment with a fingerprint sensor and mounted in a commonly used biometric touch pad similar to a fingerprint touch pad commonly used with a computer for the purpose of recognizing and authenticating a system user. Preferred embodiments are disclosed.

FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device of the present invention of FIG. 1 including a finger guide device, a gasket, a fingerprint sensor aligned with a drive ring, and a printed circuit board.

FIG. 3A discloses a top view of the preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device of FIG. 1 with a finger mounted, wherein the finger is positioned onto the finger guidance device, the associated portion of the finger being aligned with the fingerprint sensor to match the associated partial fingerprints. Allowing registration with the template, Figure 3B discloses a side view of the steep front slope of the finger guide device that aligns the finger in axial alignment to position the relevant portion of the finger to align with the fingerprint sensor.

4A and 4B illustrate a finger guidance device of the present invention mounted within a grip of a portable computer that allows for continuous touch and alignment of a fingerprint sensor and a continuous or frequently repeated authentication or recognition process while maintaining the portable computer. Another preferred embodiment is disclosed.

FIG. 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a finger guide device, wherein the finger guide device has a flat side surface mounted within a computer display by forming a recess for receiving a finger for alignment arranged on a fingerprint sensor, FIG. When used by the user to touch the finger guidance device to gain access to the data displayed on the computer display to align the relevant part of the finger with the sensor for recognition and authentication, and to control the computer pointer, if necessary, continuous or Within the finger guidance device to apply pressure or touch movement in the axial or lateral or combined direction for use as the pointing control device, while scanning or sensing the relevant portion of the fingerprint for frequently repeated authentication or recognition. Makes it possible to position the finger.

Fingerprint scanners or sensors are used for various purposes to capture relevant image data of a fingerprint for comparison with one or more stored fingerprint images or fingerprint templates. A device comprising a fingerprint sensor may be designed for the sole purpose of capturing the relevant portion of the fingerprint, or the fingerprint sensor device may be included as part of the device for other additional purposes such as a keyboard or door lock or other device. The finger guidance device of the present invention is intended to be used in all such devices and applications where a fingerprint scanner or sensor is required.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device 12 of the present invention is shown aligned with a fingerprint sensor 16, where the finger guidance device and fingerprint sensor are located on a desk, table or other surface. A simple touch pad 26 is placed in the housing. Such a simple fingerprint pad configuration of the preferred embodiment is usually a computer or a computer to recognize a subject for approving access to data, files, or network communications, or for example for other purposes of completing a payment transaction. Used with terminals or cash registers. Touch pads in combination with computer and fingerprint matching software algorithms are fingerprint recognition systems. The finger guidance device reduces the number of error rejections encountered during repeated use of the fingerprint recognition system.

2 is a reverse of the preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device 12 of the present invention, which includes a finger guidance device 12, a gasket 14, a sensor 16 and a drive ring 17, and a printed circuit board 18. FIG. The assembly diagram is shown. The left and right sides of the finger guidance device adjacent the sensor area are steeper and concave than the front (bottom of FIG. 2) and rear (top of FIG. 2) features in this embodiment. The front portion of the finger guidance device is concave from the sensor alignment portion to the upper ridge and has a shape derived from a set of short radii to create its generally concave appearance. The fingertip will contact this front portion of the finger guidance device (see Figure 3B below). For some portable devices or remote controls, including but not limited to portable computers (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), this feature also assists in maintaining reliable grip. The posterior section radii create the least steep concave appearance and mean guiding the hand joint portion between the relevant portion of the finger and the remainder of the finger adjacent to the body. The end of the finger guidance device furthest from the nail includes a continuous, relatively sharp feedback ridge, but is not intended to use the finger joint or the skin folded beneath the joint as a means for positioning the fingerprint adjacent to the sensor. Instead, this relatively sharp ridge provides tactile feedback to the user to convey the misplacement of the finger and the need to reposition the finger within the recess of the finger guide device.

Sides of the finger guidance device form a recess for guiding the finger laterally to receive the user's finger and to center the relevant portion of the fingerprint over the fingerprint sensor 16 and drive ring 17. Thus, the sides of the finger guide device have the same overall shape as the finger. In this first preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device 12 of the invention, the sides are concave and have a varying radius of curvature. This is because of the relatively short concave radius (or relatively steep incline) at the front of the finger guidance device where the fingertip just below the nail is in contact with or near the front of the finger guide device, and the sensor where the guide extends the finger upwards towards the body. A long radius concave shape (or less steep slope) adjacent the opposite side. Sides opposite the sensor portion are very steep to keep the finger centered laterally. Overall, the finger guide device is sized for the average finger, but accommodates a wide range of fingertip sizes because it only connects to a small curved portion of the finger. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention (see FIG. 5), the finger guide device has a plurality of flat side surfaces, the opposite sides of which are still inclined when implementing the invention in this second preferred embodiment. .

The first preferred embodiment of the present invention of the finger guidance device 12 (FIG. 2) comprises a window for the sensor 16 and the drive ring 17, which are directed to the target finger or the associated fingerprint portion of the finger. Align and expose. The AES3400 sensor or AES3500 sensor manufactured by AuthenTec, Melbourne, FL, aligns with the finger guide device, such as other similar devices made by a variety of different manufacturers known to those skilled in the art of fingerprint recognition and authentication systems. Equally suitable as a fingerprint sensor to be placed. This window may be sufficient to include the drive ring 17 needed for the particular type of sensor (shown), or it may cover the drive ring and replace its own electrical conductivity with that provided by the drive ring. In a preferred embodiment, this can also be applied and its performance is equivalent and only aesthetic features are substantial differences. In Fig. 1, the drive ring is equally exposed and the finger guide device 12 is used as a supplement to the drive ring and conducts and reflects electromagnetic energy. This feature is desirable but is not required for the finger guidance device to function. Thus, in another preferred embodiment, the finger guide device is non-conductive, but the electrical signal provided by the drive ring itself is sufficient to illuminate the associated feature point portion of the fingerprint, and the assembly functions sufficiently but not necessarily optimally. I do not.

The surface of the fingerprint sensor 16 lies on one plane with the top of the window at the bottom of the finger guide device 12, but within an appropriate limit, compliance with this plane is such that the target finger can be finger guided and an exemplary fingerprint sensor. It is not important for performance as long as it can come in contact with. The flexible and flexible nature of the biological finger facilitates this, and the present invention operates over a range of vertical positions when there is availability obtained from optimal registration of the vertical position (plane). Another preferred embodiment, not shown, is that the relative mounting planes of the finger guidance device or fingerprint sensor are the distance between the sensor and the relevant part of the finger feature tissue or the relevant part of the finger to obtain the best possible image or fingerprint data. Allow to be changed by adjustment during authentication touch process to optimize contact pressure. This adjustment can be made manually or automatically using an electronic control system.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2, a gasket 14 is provided to keep oil, fluid, dust, or other unwanted material away from the sensor leads and the circuit board. Such gaskets are made of a flexible material that is impermeable to solvents and other unwanted contaminants. In another preferred embodiment, not shown, the gasket and its function are applied in a liquid form that is either solidified or partially solidified to provide a protective barrier, or electronic device design, without diminishing the function and object of the present invention. And equivalent sealing materials known and referenced to those skilled in the art of assembly. The invention will also function without including a sealing gasket or an equivalent seal or means for forming a protective barrier.

The finger guidance device 12 of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 comprises one or more mounting bosses shown oppositely adjacent in this preferred embodiment. They align the finger guide device with the sensor and its printed wiring board or other mounting means and eventually mount the subassembly of the fingerprint sensor, gasket, and finger guide device into the housing, table, product case, or other device or system housing. do. The present invention works with any mounting means known to those skilled in the art of mechanical assembly and alignment of mounting parts, all such means being referred to throughout the invention. Examples include, but are not limited to, adhesive mounting, welding, soldering, pinning, fastening, clamping, hooking, or locking.

The front portion of the finger guidance device 12 serves as a stop and position reference designed to meet a fingertip or thumb under the fingernail and avoid a difference in position that may result from a difference in the length of the finger or thumb of the subject user. . This is a clear advantage for the device that is coupled over or traversed above the top (nail) side of the finger.

Figure 3A discloses a top view of a preferred embodiment of a finger guide device 12 in which a finger is mounted, the finger having the finger so that the relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the fingerprint sensor 16 to allow accurate registration of the relevant portion of the fingerprint. 3B shows the steep front of the finger guide device 12, which allows the finger to be aligned in an axial position such that the relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the fingerprint sensor, thereby enabling accurate registration of the associated partial fingerprint portion. The side view of the inclination part 27 is disclosed. The upper edge of the finger guide device is lower than the extension of the long fingernail so that the fingernail will not contact the finger guide device. This feature avoids the possibility of misalignment due to differences in nail length that may occur between normal nail growth or nail finishing during the time between registration and use of the finger guide device, between registration and subsequent use of the finger guide device. .

4A and 4B illustrate another preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device 12A of the present invention disposed within the grip of the portable computer 22 to enable continuous touch of the fingerprint sensor and continuous authentication or recognition. It starts. Certain devices can be made more secure by requiring continuous or frequent repeated authentication of the user. This circumvents the security risk of an authorized security release process known as "tailgateing" in which an authorized person touches the finger guidance device and fingerprint sensor to access the system or turn on the device and then hand or release the device to an unauthorized user. do. Tail gating can be avoided by mounting a finger guide device 12A, which finger guide device 12A has a flat side surface with each pair of opposing sides having generally the same inclination, the combination of the side devices being a portable device. 4A and 4B in a manner compatible with the normal gripping and holding of a recess to form a recess for non-intrusive storage of the finger for alignment placement on the fingerprint sensor in the portable computer 22, thereby providing continuous or frequent One authentication can be accomplished simply without changing the grip on the device or deviating from other data entry activities during repeated authentication of the user.

Figure 5 shows and discloses another preferred embodiment of the finger guide device 12A, wherein the finger guide device 12A has a flat side surface with each pair of opposing sides having generally the same inclination, the combination of said sides In this application (FIG. 5), a recess is formed for the non-forced reception of the finger for alignment arrangement on the fingerprint sensor 16 mounted in the housing of the computer display, and the user is exposed to the data displayed on the computer display. Touching the finger guide device 12 in an appropriately repeatable position for recognition and authentication, to be used to gain access to and also to control the computer pointer through the application of additional pressure on the finger guide device 12A. It is possible to align the relevant part of the finger with the sensor, the pressure being in mechanical communication with the finger guidance device. It is transmitted to one or more pressure sensing means. Another similar preferred embodiment is to contact and position the sensing material, which is known to those skilled in the design of the computer pointing control device and referred to in its entirety with respect to the inner surface of the finger guidance device, to facilitate its use as a pointing control device. It includes.

As an alternative to the computer mouse point device, the finger guidance device of this preferred embodiment of FIG. 5 can be used by the target user to use the finger guide as a pointing control device and, if necessary, to authenticate or recognize itself to the system, It permits to place its fingers in the finger guidance device to apply pressure in the axial or lateral or combined directions. Another similar preferred embodiment allows the finger guidance device 12 to serve as a component of a pressure activated single-acting switch, a three-way rocker switch, or a nine-way bilateral rocker switch, where the target user is authenticated immediately before or during the switching process. Mounting a finger guidance device for mechanically communicating with at least one mechanical switch or equivalent switching means.

In any of the various preferred embodiments described herein, the finger guide device 12 or 12A, so that additional bumps may further orient the subject finger or enable the subject to “fine adjust” their finger position. ) Can be added. This may be unnecessary for normal or average sized fingers, but may be useful in applications where the subject has very small fingers in contact with a relatively small finger guide device surface area. Braille may be added to the finger guide device to assist the blind or low vision person.

The finger guidance device of the present invention may use physical elements and specific material properties to prevent improper use in any of the various embodiments described herein. For example, the preferred method of practicing the present invention shown in FIG. 1 surrounds the finger guide device 12 with a relatively hard and distinct ridge. While not dangerously "sharp", this ridge is intended to feel uncomfortable. When a finger is placed across this ridge, it is not harmful, but it is not comfortable because the ridge applies a high pressure per square inch (PSI) against the skin across a very narrow area. This high pressure per square inch signals through the feeling of touch that the finger is not positioned correctly in the recessed area. The misaligned finger feels unnatural, and the user will instinctively reposition his finger to find a more natural and comfortable feeling. The natural tendency avoids locating the finger relative to the outer ridge of the finger guide device and instead slides the finger or thumb comfortably and non-forcefully easily into the finger guide device and down onto the sensor (desired position).

The high thermal conductivity material properties can be used to make any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein feel cooler to the touch than the surrounding surface and the sensor surface. Although all surfaces are normally at the same temperature, the ability to draw heat from the skin (thermal conductivity) creates a feeling that something is cold. For example, by defining a finger guide device (or surface coating) made of metal (or other thermally conductive material, such as ceramic or nanoparticle ceramic paint), certain preferred embodiments provide that the surrounding surfaces may be made of plastic or cloth. Materials with low thermal conductivity will have this property of feeling colder than the surrounding surface. The result is tactile feedback of the target user based on the ability to distinguish the finger guide device surface from other surfaces and guide the finger onto the finger guide device.

Smooth inner surfaces are also important for any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein. The low sliding friction coefficient allows the target finger to slide downward into the recess in a non-forced manner until the fingerprint sensor reaches a stable overall bottom corresponding to the finger position where the fingerprint sensor is properly repeatably aligned with the relevant portion of the finger. Allow. The low static friction coefficient allows the subject finger to start sliding into position in a non-forced manner, and the subject finger also corresponds to the final finger position by which the fingerprint sensor is by design appropriately repeatable with the relevant portion of the finger. Prevents stopping a bit far into the recess of the local lowest other than the most stable overall lowest desired. The lower the coefficient of friction, the better the better embodiment will work, and such acceptable coefficients of friction are the same as polished metals, polished plastics, plated metals such as chromium, surface waxes, lubricants, or special paints or coatings. It is available through the surface properties of the material, without being limited thereto. Examples of materials that may be applied after the cleaning of the finger guidance device or mixed in the cleaning wipes for application during the cleaning are wet and dry lubricants (eg, lubricants such as those used as bottle lubricants by bottling plants) and Fatty acid based antistatic agents such as jojoba oil.

Any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein may be accepted by the user (ie, by an active feedback mechanism) or by an active feedback mechanism, including designed to alert the subject or train the subject on the correct positioning of his finger. Can be designed to operate by other feedback means designed to notify the fact that his fingerprint has been scanned, compared and correctly matched. Acoustic or voice commands may be used to instruct the user on how to "guide" a finger to properly align the finger with the sensor. Active or passive visual indicators may also be used with any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, light indicators, icons, fingerprint pictures or marks, display marks, text indications, or color marks, such indicators are known to those skilled in the art of ergonomics and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Finally, physical movements, such as vibration or mechanical movement feedback mechanisms such as "clicks," can be applied very similarly to stick vibrators that notify the pilot of engine stop warnings when flying an aircraft, such mechanical movement feedback means being ergonomic. It is known to those skilled in the art.

This feedback mechanism can also be used to correct misuse of the system in any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein. For example, excessive or lack of touch pressure on the sensor can cause scanning problems. The overpressure may flatten the feature point and saturate the sensor, making it impossible to accurately analyze the feature point. Conversely, the lack of pressure in the form of a touch that is too light can cause feature points to remain unanalyzed by the sensor, so that a good image cannot be generated. In each case, a voice command or sound or other feedback means as described above can be used to convey the need to relax or slightly press (or press) the pressure (or grip). Indicator light, vibration, or other feedback means, as described above or known to those skilled in the art of ergonomics and incorporated herein by reference, may convey to the subject the need to relieve touch pressure or to slightly raise a finger.

Another practical approach is to move the sensor slightly up or down within the finger guidance device sensor area. Although the preferred embodiment of the finger guidance devices 12, 12A does not disclose the ability to adjust the depth of the sensor with respect to the plane of the bottom of the recess, a further preferred embodiment allows this, and this element is the finger disclosed herein. It can be integrated into any preferred embodiment of the guide device. One such preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device allows manual adjustment of the level of the sensor to be modified for finger contact pressure to optimize the image or image data characteristics. Another preferred embodiment of a finger guidance device is a real-time determination of the need to move a sensor closer or closer to the plane at the bottom of the recess and thereby closer or closer to the relevant portion of the finger or biometric feature tissue. Communication with a system computer to achieve this, thereby optimizing in real time the image of the relevant part of the fingerprint, regardless of whether pressure is a decisive factor in image optimization. For example, if an optical sensor is used, the disclosed real-time adjustment may relate to focal length rather than contact pressure, or if a sensor is used to detect lower surface tissue characteristics, the pressure on the finger causing reduced blood circulation may be adjusted. May require.

The user subject may be threatened or at risk while using the finger guidance device of the present invention. For example, a crime can be made that can be threatened with a gun or forced to authenticate against its will. In such a situation, it may be desirable for the user to have another hand joint registered as an emergency signal that the device user is at risk and the emergency hand selection should not be known to others. If the user is experiencing another type of emergency or is forced to use the device illegally as described above, he can use the "911" hand bar to request an emergency rescue. In such a case, the system will not be able to match the enrolled fingerprint but will recognize the match with the emergency finger of the user's subject and thus recognize the need for a user indication to respond differently. In one possible embodiment of the finger guidance apparatus of the present invention, such emergency hand joint registration is taken as an instruction to initiate a so-called "silent alert" to provide immediate assistance (eg, police rescue). In addition, the system may be programmed to appear to be malfunctioning, rather than rejecting the user's subject, or may be unable to complete the desired security control situation due to exposure reasons other than the subject's authentication failure, or otherwise spare the structure for reaching the structure. The situation can be delayed to allow time, and such an approach is intended to minimize the risk to the subject under threat.

For any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein, a preferred method of practicing the invention is with a sensor and finger guidance device designed and aligned to work together as one unit, ie within a complete system. Assembly. This requires configuring the sensor to operate on a circuit board that may include additional support circuitry for the application, the sensor in communication with the support circuitry. The combination of finger guidance device, sensor, sealing gasket (or equivalent or other unprotected barrier means), and printed wiring board may or may not be located within its own separate housing. Such subassemblies may be located in various devices or products for use. The disclosed system unit is a security system platform device having multiple uses in a product or other more complex system. Examples include vehicle doors or dashboards, door frames or doors, keyboards, personal digital assistants, telephone devices, secure fax machines, computing devices, displays, household appliances, appliances, machine controls, medical devices, cash registers, and the like.

Throughout this specification, there are various patents / applications referenced by application number and inventor. This patent / application disclosure is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to more fully describe the present technology. In order to maintain an appropriate length of the specification, additional elements using general means known to those skilled in the art are also referred to in the present invention, and such means are not included in the present invention. Any preferred embodiment of the finger guidance device disclosed herein may use future means to facilitate the disclosed elements, which means are not fully anticipated by the present inventors at present, but are incorporated herein in their entirety. .

It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the finger guidance devices 12, 12A and any of the others disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. It is intended that the limits and scope of the invention be determined by the claims appended hereto rather than by the language of the above specification, and all such alternatives, modifications, and variations forming equivalents cooperating with each other are within the spirit and scope of these claims. It is intended to be included.

Claims (38)

A finger guide device having side surfaces that form a recess for receiving a finger and mounted in alignment with a fingerprint sensor, A fingerprint sensor is disposed at the smallest spherical position with respect to the finger guide device, and the side surfaces have a coefficient of friction low enough to allow the finger to slide down until the smallest stable position of the sphere is reached above the fingerprint sensor. The side surfaces of the finger guide device have upper and lower portions, the side surfaces of the finger guide device have side edges, The finger guide device aligns the finger with the fingerprint sensor at the same position in the axial direction to capture the relevant portion of the finger, the axial alignment occurring along the upper and lower positions of the finger guide device and the side surface of the finger guide device. The upper and lower portions of the guiding guide the fingers toward the same position in the axial direction on the fingerprint sensor in an iterative manner for purposes of authentication and verification, The recess is formed by axially inclined end walls, and in use, the end wall in the axial direction adjacent to the tip of the user's finger is remote from the tip of the user's finger, The finger guidance device enables the relevant part of the finger to be placed on the fingerprint sensor in a stable position whenever authentication or confirmation is required, and the finger guidance device provides a "error rejection" for the purpose of recognition or authentication of the person touching the finger guidance device. And the fingerprint sensor in place and aligned with the finger guide device to provide an associated portion of the fingerprint. 2. The sensor of claim 1 having concave sides with a variable radius of curvature, the curvature radii on the front side of the sensor within an area on the finger in the range of 0.51 cm (0.20 inch) to 2.29 cm (0.90 inch) from the lower side of the nail. Finger guidance device designed to position the relevant portion of the finger above the center. 2. The finger guide device of claim 1, having an outer ridge that produces clear tactile feedback to indicate to the subject that the palm is not correctly positioned over the sensor. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the finger guide device has surface frictional characteristics that allow the finger to slide and stabilize therein easily toward the correct position on the sensor and also relative to the local lowest position. 2. The device of claim 1 having a higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding parts such that heat is conducted from the skin more quickly by the finger guide device than by the surrounding part, and the finger guide device feels cooler to touch than the surrounding parts. Finger guiding device to convey to the user that the finger is located in the correct area by having a tactile characteristic of. The finger guide device of claim 1 having one or more mounting bosses attached for alignment and attachment. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the finger guide device or finger guide device surface is conductive or partially conductive to deliver the necessary electrical signal, frequency, or potential to human finger tissue to facilitate operation of the fingerprint sensor. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the finger guide device is used for frequently repeated authentication while a target user keeps a finger positioned on the device. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the finger guide device is used for continuous authentication while the target user keeps the finger positioned on the device. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the sensor can be raised or lowered relative to the plane of the bottom of the finger guide device recess for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the image of the relevant portion of the finger. The finger guide device of claim 1, wherein the finger guide device communicates with the electromechanical sensor to allow the finger guide device to act as an element in the pointing control device. Finger guide device that is mounted aligned with the fingerprint sensor, The finger guide device enables the relevant portion of the fingerprint to be captured during the registration process, the finger guide device has side surfaces forming a recess, the side surfaces of the finger guide device include upper and lower portions, and the finger guide device The lateral surfaces of the lateral surfaces comprise side edges, and the recess has the same overall shape as the finger, and the finger guide device places the finger on the sensor at the same position in the axial and lateral directions of the finger guide device during subsequent recognition or authentication request. Guides, the upper and lower portions of the side surfaces of the finger guidance device guide the finger towards the same position in the axial direction on the fingerprint sensor in a repeatable manner for purposes of recognition and authentication, and the side surfaces of the side surfaces of the finger guidance device. Corners are repeatable rooms for recognition and authentication purposes To guide the finger toward the same position in the lateral direction on the fingerprint sensor, whereby the finger guidance device repeatedly places the relevant portion of the finger onto the fingerprint sensor at a stable position each time the finger guidance device is used for subsequent recognition or authentication. And the finger guide device reduces the incidence of "error rejection" for the purpose of recognition or authentication of the person touching the finger guide device, and the fingerprint sensor is in place and with the finger guide device to provide a relevant portion of the fingerprint. Aligned, The front portion of the finger guidance device provides sufficient inclination of its sides and ends of the radius of curvature to serve as a stop for positioning the tip of the finger from 0.50 cm (0.20 inch) to 2.29 cm (0.90 inch) front of the center of the fingerprint sensor. And a stop portion serving as a reference for positioning a finger with respect to the fingerprint sensor. 13. A finger guidance device according to claim 12, comprising feedback means for assisting the subject in positioning his hand nodes in the correct position within the finger guide device. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, further comprising feedback means for assisting the subject in positioning the palm of his hand in the correct position with the correct pressure in the finger guide device. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, wherein the subject has a bump to assist in positioning his hand node in the correct position within the finger guide device. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, comprising braille for delivering the hand knuckle to an object positioned in the correct position in the finger guide device. 13. The finger guidance device of claim 12, wherein the finger guide device or finger guide device surface is conductive or partially conductive to deliver the necessary electrical signals, frequencies, or potentials to human tissue to facilitate operation of the fingerprint sensor. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, wherein the finger guide device or the surrounding area comprises at least one mark for indicating a finger position on the finger guide device. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, wherein the finger guide device is cooler to touch than the peripheral part, such that heat is conducted from the skin more quickly by the finger guide device than by the surrounding part, Finger guiding device, having a tactile characteristic of feeling, to convey to the user that his finger is located in the correct area. 13. The finger guidance device of claim 12, wherein the finger guidance device is mechanically coupled to means for providing mechanical movement feedback to a subject user, wherein the mechanical movement feedback assists the user in using the finger guidance device. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, wherein the finger guide device communicates with the switching means to allow the finger guide device to act as an element in the switch. 13. The finger guide device of claim 12, wherein the subject enrolls a second palmprint fingerprint for use in an apparatus for transmitting an emergency disaster signal, the fingerprint matching being a signal to a system indicating the subject's disaster. Finger guidance device for identity verification and verification, a. A finger guide having side surfaces forming a recess having the same overall shape as the finger; b. A fingerprint scanner aligned with the finger guide, The recess is formed by axially inclined end walls, the end wall in the axial direction adjacent to the end of the user's finger slopes more sharply than the end wall in the axial direction remote from the end of the user's finger, The end wall in the axial direction, with a steeper incline adjacent to the tip of the user's finger, serves as a stop that meets the tip of the finger under the user's fingernail, and the stop serves as a reference for positioning the finger with respect to the fingerprint sensor. And the end wall in the axial direction having a steeper inclination adjacent to the tip of the user's finger serves as a positional reference to meet the tip of the finger under the user's fingernail, The recess is funnel shaped with a mouse such that in use the finger is guided to a position at the base of the recess in which the finger is funnel shaped, The finger guidance device includes feedback means for causing a person to use the finger guidance to place the relevant portion of the finger on the fingerprint sensor whenever identity authentication or verification is required. 24. The finger guide device of claim 23, wherein the guide portion comprises a pair of side portions for the purpose of centering the finger onto the scanner and a rear portion for receiving a portion of the finger extending rearward beyond the sensor. The finger guide apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the concave portion of the guide portion has an overall shape of a finger. A finger guide device having side surfaces that form a recess for receiving a finger and mounted in alignment with a fingerprint sensor, The lateral surfaces have a coefficient of friction low enough to allow the finger to slide down until reaching the spherical minimum stable position, and the recess has the same overall shape as an inverted pyramid, The finger guide device aligns the finger with the fingerprint sensor at the same position laterally for placement of the relevant portion of the finger on the fingerprint sensor, the lateral alignment occurring between the side surfaces of the finger guide device, The finger guidance device enables the relevant part of the finger to be placed on the fingerprint sensor in a stable position whenever authentication or confirmation is required, and the finger guidance device provides a "error rejection" for the purpose of recognition or authentication of the person touching the finger guidance device. Reduce the incidence of " The finger guidance device provides a tactile feedback means for a person to facilitate repositioning of the finger to the correct position despite substantial time elapsed between registration and subsequent authentication results. 27. The sensor of claim 26, having concave sides with variable radius of curvature, the curvature radii on the front side of the sensor within an area on the finger in the range of 0.51 cm (0.20 inch) to 2.29 cm (0.90 inch) from the lower side of the nail. Finger guidance device designed to position the relevant portion of the finger above the center. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device has a surface friction characteristic that allows the finger to slide and stabilize therein easily toward the correct position on the sensor and also relative to the local lowest position. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device feels cooler to touch than the surrounding parts such that heat is conducted from the skin more quickly by the finger guide device than by the surrounding parts, and the finger guide device feels cooler to touch than the surrounding parts. Finger guiding device to convey to the user that the finger is located in the correct area by having a tactile characteristic of. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, having one or more mounting bosses attached for alignment and attachment. 27. The finger guidance device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device or finger guide device surface is conductive or partially conductive to deliver the electrical signal, frequency, or potential required to human finger tissue to facilitate operation of the fingerprint sensor. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device is used for frequently repeated authentication while a target user keeps a finger positioned on the device. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device is used for continuous authentication while the target user keeps the finger positioned on the device. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, wherein the sensor can be raised or lowered relative to the plane of the bottom of the finger guide device recess for the purpose of changing the characteristics of the image of the relevant portion of the finger. 27. The finger guide device of claim 26, wherein the finger guide device communicates with the electromechanical sensor to allow the finger guide device to act as an element in the pointing control device. A finger guide device for aligning and mounting with a fingerprint sensor, the finger guide device comprising a recess for receiving a user's finger and for aligning the user's finger axially and laterally over the fingerprint sensor, The recess is formed by axially inclined end walls, the end wall in the axial direction adjacent to the end of the user's finger slopes more sharply than the end wall in the axial direction remote from the end of the user's finger, The more inclined the inclined end wall that meets the tip of the user's finger beneath the user's fingernails, the steeper the end wall that aligns the user's finger in place and axially relative to the fingerprint sensor to capture partial fingerprint data. Inclined, the tip of the finger serving as a reference for positioning the finger on the fingerprint sensor. A finger guide device for placing a finger on the fingerprint sensor, The finger guide device has an overall recessed shape dimensioned to receive a finger, the finger guide device has concave sidewalls, and the concave sidewalls have a front portion having at least one inclined portion, the inclined portion below the fingernail of the finger. In contact with the tip of the finger, the front of the concave sidewalls acts as a stop and position reference, the front meets the tip of the finger under the finger nail, and the stop is physical but non-forced to the finger in the correct position relative to the fingerprint sensor. The finger guide device guides the finger on the fingerprint sensor at the same position axially and laterally of the finger guide device, and the finger guide device prints the fingerprint at a stable position whenever the relevant portion of the finger needs authentication or confirmation. Enable to be placed on the sensor, inside the finger The device reduces the incidence of "error rejection" for the purpose of recognition or authentication of the person touching the finger guidance device, the short radius of curvature at the front where the tip of the finger contacts the finger guidance device and the guide portion towards the body. A finger guide device having a long radius of curvature at the opposite end that extends a finger, the fingerprint sensor is in contact with the finger guide device, and the finger guide device is used with several fingers of various sizes. Finger guide device to align with the fingerprint sensor, The fingerprint sensor is selected from the group consisting of an electronic device, an optical device, an electromagnetic device, a capacitive device, and an electroluminescent device, the finger guide device has side surfaces forming a recess for receiving a finger, the recess being It has the same overall shape as the finger, and the recess is formed by axially inclined end walls, and in use the end wall in the axial direction adjacent to the tip of the user's finger is remote from the tip of the user's finger in use. The end wall in the axial direction, which is inclined more steeply than the end wall in the axial direction and has a steeper slope in close proximity to the end of the user's finger in use, serves as a positional reference that meets the tip of the finger under the user's fingernail, The finger guide device is used with several fingers of various sizes, The finger guide device aligns the sensor and the finger at the same position laterally for placement of the relevant portion of the finger on the fingerprint sensor, the lateral alignment taking place between the side edges of the finger guide device, The finger guidance device enables the relevant part of the finger to be placed on the fingerprint sensor in a stable position whenever authentication or confirmation is required, and the finger guidance device provides a "error rejection" for the purpose of recognition or authentication of the person touching the finger guidance device. Finger guidance device to reduce the incidence of ".

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