MXPA97003856A - Printer of the footprint of the palm of the m - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical system operable to eliminate parallax distortion in a captured image. Specifically, the apparatus eliminates parallax distortion in an image of the palm footprint. The apparatus includes a prism having a receiving surface and a receiving surface and a light illuminating the receiving surface so that an image representative of the palm is propagated from the surface of the object. The propagated image includes a plurality of segments. A lens selectively amplifies each of the segments in a different amount, to create a plurality of amplified segments of equal length. A means of recording the image then captures the amplified segments. The invention also provides a cylindrical device operable to capture the image of the palm, wherein the palm can be rotated through a transparent cylinder and the reflected light is captured by a recording means representative of the print or footprint of the palm.

Description

PRINTER OF THE HAND PALM PRINT Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for optically eliminating the parallax distortion in an image, which includes a method and apparatus for processing the skin configuration images representative of a palm footprint.

Background of the Invention The parallax in optics describes the situation when the apparent relative orientation of the objects changes when the position from which the objects are observed changes. Parallax causes a condition generally known as trapezoidal distortion, which describes the situation in which different portions of an image appear disproportionate. The parallax distortion must be resolved when an image is captured with a prism. The device which captures images with a bonus includes the device to capture fingerprints. In recent years, many law enforcement agencies have switched to Raf.24749 devices that optically process and digitize fingerprint images as opposed to using ink and fingerprinting with a roller. Two apparatuses and methods which are commonly used by law enforcement agencies are described in U.S. Pat. commonly assigned numbers 4,933,976 and 5,230,025. U.S. Patent No. 4,933,976 describes a method for generating characteristic data of a fingerprint inked with a roller in real time. The method includes the steps of storing matrices or digital data networks characteristic of a fingerprint and generating a network or digital data matrix characteristic of a fingerprint image inked with a roller. The device of U.S. Patent No. 4,933,976 includes a prism, which uses the principle of total internal reflection to capture the image of a fingerprint, a video camera, a digitizer of the configuration or image and a processor . U.S. Patent No. 5,230,025 also describes a method for generating the characteristic data of a fingerprint inked with a roller. The device of U.S. Patent No. 5,230,025 also includes a prism, which uses the principle of total internal reflection to capture the image of a fingerprint, a video camera, a digitizer of the configuration or image and a processor. However, the method of U.S. Patent No. 5,230,025 includes the steps of continuously recording the images when a finger rotates or rotates through the prism and converts these images into digital signals. Both Patents of the "United States of America Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,028 use the CCD arrays or networks to capture a configuration of light reflected through the prism when the finger is placed on a surface of the prism. The CCD network or matrix of both United States of America Patents Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,025 are two networks or two-dimensional CCD arrays, for example, a network or matrix of 768 x 960. Through the use of a lens and mirrors , the fingerprint image is focused on the CCD matrix or network so that the image of the fingerprint can be captured. Many foreign countries, including Japan, as well as many private organizations (such as corporations that want high security), want devices that optically capture the image of a palm print, in addition to the image of a fingerprint fingerprint An impression of the palm footprint is desirable because, for example, it includes approximately 17 times the data contained on a fingerprint. Also, the impressions of the palm footprint are frequently left in crime scenes. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, regularly take an impression of the palm footprint when an individual who has been arrested is prosecuted. The methods commonly used in Saudi Arabia and other foreign countries include the use of ink and are difficult to administer. The largest volume of data associated with the palm is beneficial in the categorization of individuals and in the comparison of different images of the print of the palm footprint to determine if there is an equality or similarity. Indeed, it is estimated that up to a third of all criminal identifications are made in part based on the printing of the palm footprint. The CCD arrays or matrices and the lenses of both of US Patents Nos. 4,933,976 'and 5,230,025 have a sufficient associated resolution to provide detailed images of the fingerprint configurations. The CCD networks or matrices associated with the prior art devices are only capable of providing the desired resolution for a fixed surface area of the prism. This fixed surface area is about four times the size of an ordinary fingerprint. Significant problems are present only in increasing the size of the prisms and the other equipment described in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,933,976 or 5,230,025 to capture the image of a palm footprint. These problems are related to parallax distortion, resolution, and lighting. A problem associated with any optical system which, for example, captures an image, such as a fingerprint or palm footprint by means of the use of a prism, is the parallax distortion, and in particular the trapezoidal distortion. Specifically, trapezoidal distortion describes the condition when the upper part of an image is disproportionately narrower or wider than the lower portion of an image. The trapezoidal distortion is directly related to the parallax. The parallax distortion is created because the object, in this case a surface of the prism, is tilted or slid relative to the other surfaces. Because of the tilt or skew, the image focused through the lens will also be tilted or skewed. The skewed or skewed image can be focused on a vertical CCD network or matrix (ie, one that is not tilted or skewed) if the depth of the field associated with the lens image through which it is focused is sufficiently big. Depth of field describes the distance to a away from the focal point of the lens at which a clear focal distance is available. It is well known that the depth of the field is a function of the aperture f, or the size of the lens aperture. When the opening f increases, that is to say that the opening becomes smaller, the depth of the field becomes larger. Similarly, when the aperture f decreases, the depth of the field becomes smaller. Additionally, when the aperture f is increased, so does the amount of light needed to properly expose the CCD. The elimination of the parallax distortion and the provision of an adequate resolution are critical for the optical systems which capture the fingerprints. For example, if the image of the fingerprint is trapezoidal, it is oblique with respect to the fingerprints that are being compared against it. The obliquity or skewness makes it almost impossible to compare the two images. Additionally, if the resolution is too low, the image will be blurred, which will also make it virtually useless in the comparison of fingerprints. The distortion by parallax can be solved either optically, or by a computer made improvement. It is understood that most law enforcement agencies around the world require that parallax distortion be optically corrected. In some finger printing devices of the prior art, the parallax distortion is minimized by the use of a network or inclined CCD matrix in combination with a lens having a large aperture f and an anamorphic prism. Specifically, the network or CCD matrix is inclined with respect to the distribution plane of the target of the prism. The plane of distribution of the objective is placed at an angle of equal magnitude but of opposite phase from the plane in which the focus or clearest focal distance is possible. The image achieved in the target's distribution plane does not include a significant parallax distortion. However, a disadvantage in the placement of the network or CCD matrix in the distribution plane of the target is that a larger depth of the field is necessary to achieve an acceptable resolution. Therefore, an aperture of f greater is required to achieve a greater depth of the field which in turn requires more illumination. The anamorphic prism is used to properly orient the image for reception by the network or CCD matrix. The devices described in US Patents Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,025 could be used to capture the image of a palm print or footprint at a higher financial cost. Because the palm is of a surface area much larger than a finger, a network or CCD array that includes a much larger configuration may be necessary to capture the image of the palm footprint. These larger CCD arrays or arrays are substantially more expensive than those used by U.S. Patent Nos. 5,230,025 and 4,933,976. For example, the network or matrix MEGAPLUS manufactured by KODAK, which has a network or matrix of 2,000 x 2,000, could have an adequate capacity to produce the required resolution required for a palm footprint. However, such networks or CCD arrays cost almost as much as most complete commercial systems to capture fingerprints. "In addition, to eliminate the parallax distortion and gain or obtain the resolution required in a prior art system, if it was too large to capture the image of a palm, aperture f would need to be increased substantially with a corresponding increase in illumination, however, if aperture f is increased too much, the entire image will fall out of focus. acceptable focal length was possible, the level of illumination required to capture the image of a palm with a very large aperture f would require considerable energy and could probably cause thermal problems.In spite of the increased costs associated with capturing a footprint of the palm through the use of the methods and apparatus described in the Patents of the United States of America Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,025, there is a need to provide a method and apparatus for digitizing the image of a palm. The prior art has provided limited devices and methods to explore the palm prints.

One such device is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,032,889 to Nassimbene and assigned to the International Bussines Machines Corporation. The Patent of the United States of America No. 4, 032; 889 uses photocells to capture the image of a palm. The photocells used in U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,889, as well as the method taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,889, are the basic methods which can be useful to compare two different palm footprints, but lack other desirable characteristics. For example, the device described in United States of America Patent No. 4,032,889 does not provide the resolution necessary to print an image of a palm footprint, a task frequently required by law enforcement agencies. Therefore, a need has arisen to provide a device and method for digitizing the image of a palm, which solves these and other problems of the prior art.

Brief Description of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for eliminating trapezoidal distortion in an image. The image is divisible into a plurality of linear segments where each of the segments has an associated length. The apparatus includes an operational lens of selective amplification of each of the segments of the image in a different amount to create a plurality of amplified lines of equal length. An operating medium that is selectively exposed by one of the amplified segments is also included. In a first preferred embodiment, the medium is at a fixed horizontal distance from the lens.

The first preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for generating the digital data characteristic of a palm. The apparatus includes a prism that includes a receiving surface and an object surface. The receiving surface receives the palm. The palm is divisible into a plurality of linear segments. A light source illuminates the receiving surface so that a representative image of the palm is propagated from the object surface. The propagated image includes a plurality of linear segments corresponding to the linear segments of the palm. Each of the segments of the propagated image includes an associated length. A means for capturing the image of the palm is movable between a plurality of locations relative to the target surface of the prism to capture each of the segments of the images propagated in a different location. The first preferred embodiment may also include an operable lens for amplifying the segments of the propagated image so that they are all of equal length.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of a system which can be used to generate palm finger images inked with a roller according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the palm finger printing device of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of an image recorder of the first preferred embodiment. Figure 4 is a side view of a hollow prism. Figure 5 is a diagram of a palm that includes a plurality of segments. Figure 6 is a side view of a fingerprint device with the palm finger printing device of Figure 2. Figure 7 is a side view of the palm finger printing device of the second embodiment 'preferred. Figure 8 is a section of Figure 7 taken along line 8-8.

Figure 9 is a side view of the device of Figure 7 with a palm that is rotated or inked with a roller. Figure 10 is a section through a cylinder in the second preferred embodiment showing a light and an image recorder inside the cylinder. - Figure 11 is a side view of a palm that is rotated or inked with a roller through of the device of Figure 7.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and which are shown by way of illustration, the specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that the other embodiments of the invention can be used and that structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. To understand the concept behind the invention, the palm image can be divided into a plurality of linear segments so that the parallax distortion can be characterized by segments having different lengths and widths. The segments are spaced between a segment at one end and a segment near at the other end. The far segment is the furthest from the lens while the near segment is closest to the lens. The parallax distortion is created because the different segments of the image are subjected to different amplifications within the prism, whereby segments having different dimensions, ie length and width, are created. The different dimensions are eliminated by selectively adjusting the magnification of the lens relative to each segment of the image so that each segment includes the same dimensions. The prism of the present invention includes a receiving surface of the palm and a surface of the object. The palm is placed on the receiving surface of the palm. The object surface is the surface of the prism from which the image of the palm is projected. The object surface is inclined with respect to the surface for receiving the palm. Because the target surface is inclined with respect to the receiving surface of the palm, light reflected from different portions of the palm, ie the segment remote from the near segment, must travel different distances within the prism before that is projected. The different distances that light must travel create parallax. Although not limited by any particular theory, the present invention focuses on the length of the linear segments rather than on their width. It can be assumed that the different lengths associated with different segments of the palm create distortion by parallax. The parallax distortion can be eliminated by amplifying each linear segment of the palm in a different amount and making them of the same length. For example, the near segment can be amplified so that its length is the same as the far segment. All of the segments can then be added to create an image of a palm print or imprint. The aggregated segments can then be processed, according to the methods of any of the U.S. Patents. Nos. 4,933,976 or 5,230,025, both of which are incorporated for reference. In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a linear CCD network or matrix travels along a predetermined angulated vector relative to a prism. The vector includes vertical and horizontal components. Specifically, a lens moves horizontally relative to the prism while maintaining a constant horizontal distance from a CCD. A CCD moves vertically in relation to the lens. The linear CCD network or matrix is capable of capturing only one segment of the palm image at a time. For each segment of the palm image that is captured, the lens and the network or linear CCD array are relocated relative to the prism. By repositioning the lens and the network or CCD matrix, different segments of the palm image can be amplified in different quantities. By amplifying the segments of the palm image, in different amounts, the segments of a different length otherwise, they can be made the same. The invention also provides a movable light source which illuminates only that portion of the prism that corresponds to the portion of the palm, the image of which is being captured. The movable light source preferably includes a light bar and a mirror placed on a movable arm. The mirror reflects the light towards the prism in different locations depending on the position of the arm. In the preferred embodiment, the palm finger printer also includes, in combination, a fingerprint capture device. According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the lens and the network or linear CCD array will be closer to the prism when the near segment is captured, whereby an increased amplification is provided for this segment, and the lens or CCD matrix will be farther apart when the far segment is captured, so less amplification is provided. A standard length for a segment of the image to be chosen, and each of the segments of the image can then be individually scanned and amplified in a different amount so that each segment has the same length when projected onto the CCD. The second preferred embodiment of the present invention optically eliminates the parallax distortion by providing a clear cylinder on which a palm can be rolled. The second preferred embodiment uses a network or linear CCD array in a fixed position relative to the cylinder. The parallax distortion is not of interest in the second preferred embodiment because the portion of the palm in contact with the clear cylinder, when it is wound through the cylinder, is at a constant distance away from the lens and from the lens. the network or matrix of CCD. Uh palm fingerprint printing system 10 which can be used to optically produce print images of the palm footprint according to the present invention, is generally illustrated in Figure 1. The footprint printing system of the palm 10 is a microprocessor-based system which includes the processor 12 and a random access memory (RAL, 14 and a memory only for reading (ROM) 16. The image recorder 22, the digitizer 24, the video monitor 26, alarm 30, printer 28, and terminal 18 are interconnected in processor 12. Palm finger images are captured using a prism 250. Prism 250 includes a reception surface 256 and a surface object 258. A palm is placed in contact with the receiving surface 256 which is illuminated, and an image is propagated from the target surface 258 which is converted into images by the recorder 22 and digi. the digitizer 24. Specifically, a light source 200 is directed through the prism 250 and is reflected off the receiving surface 256. By means of the principle of total internal reflection, those portions of a palm in contact with the Reception surface absorb light and those portions of the palm that are not in contact with the receiving surface reflect light. For example, a valley or crease in the palm will reflect the light, while a rim of the palm will absorb the light. The reflected light is propagated from the target surface 258 and is characteristic of the image of a palm. The image of the palm is projected onto the image recorder 22. A digital data matrix representative of the image of the palm print is provided to the processor 12. The image recorder 22 generally includes a lens, a shutter mechanism, and a recording medium for the controlled recording of the palm footprint images. The terminal 18 includes a keyboard (not shown separately) which is used by an operator to interconnect with the palm footprint printing system 10. The images of the palm footprints generated by the system 10 can be displayed on the video monitor 26 or printed on a card for the print of the palm print, standard, by the printer 28. The alarm 30 is activated when a print or palm print is not captured properly, providing the operator with an indication that the capture procedure must be repeated. Operating systems in the optical digitalization of a fingerprint are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,976 to Fishbein et al, commonly assigned, and No. 5,230,025 to Fleshbein et al., The specification and drawings of which are incorporated herein by reference. The first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown diagrammatically in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 includes a prism 250 positioned to receive a palm. Prism 250 is long enough to receive the surface of the entire palm. In the first preferred embodiment, the receiving surface is at least 144 square centimeters although the larger receiving surfaces are also contemplated. With reference to Figure 4, and in an alternative embodiment, the prism 250 may be hollow with side walls constructed of plexiglass. The prism can be filled with a clear fluid having a refractive index ranging from about 1.1 to 4.0, although an index above 1.5 is preferred. Referring to Figure 5, there is generally shown a palm which has been divided into a plurality of segments, 1 to N. Segment 1 represents the segment closest to the lens, while segment N represents the segment farthest from the lens . In the absence of the present invention, when the image is formed through the segment N of the prism, it will be disproportionately longer than the segment 1. The mechanism of the present invention places the image recorder 22 such that each segment, 1 to N, be the same length when it is registered. Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the image recorder 22 includes a lens 110 and a linear, highly latent CCD array 120 network device adapted to receive the images for the desired period of time. The lens 110 is preferably a 60 mm lens, available from a variety of manufacturers, for example Thompson Composants Militaires et Spatiaux of France or Dalsa de aterloo, Ontario. In the preferred embodiment, the device of the network or matrix of CCD 120 is purchased from Dalsa as a network or matrix of CCD Dalsa model CL-C73456. Referring specifically to Figure 3, the lens 110 is held rigidly in place by a carriage or frame 121 for recording the image. The carriage 121 is slidably mounted on a gear bar 102 which is positioned proximate the prism 20. The gear bar 102 is coupled to a linear, stepper motor 140 operable to move the carriage 121 horizontally toward and away from the prism 250 , along the gear bar 102, as best illustrated in Figure 2. The segments of the image are amplified by moving the lens towards and away from the prism. The stepper motor 140 is configured to receive digital input from a processor (not shown separately) so that it can be controlled accurately. Such engines are commercially available from THK, such as the 306K model. The lens 110 is rigidly fixed to the carriage 121 and operates to amplify each segment of the palm in a different amount as it moves toward and away from the prism 250. The speed at which the carriage 121 moves depends on the sensitivity of the carriage 121. linear CCD 120. Typical scanning rates in the present invention may be 220 μ per line. As best shown in Figure 3, the linear CCD 120 is positioned at a fixed horizontal distance from the lens 110. In the first preferred embodiment, the CCD 120 is slidably positioned on a vertical rail 122 of the carriage 121. Specifically, the matrix or CCD network 120 is connected to a rotary guide 124 on the vertical rail 122 so that the CCD 120 can move up and down on the vertical rail 122. The upper part of the guide 124 is hinged to an inclined rail 126 The inclined rail 126 is in a fixed position relative to the gear bar 102. When the carriage 121 moves toward and away from the prism 120 along the gear bar 102., the rotary guide 124 and the network or matrix of CCD 120 move up and down the vertical rail 122. In this way, the network or CCD array 120 is in a different vertical position for each different horizontal position of the carriage 121. By moving the network or CCD array 120 up and down when the carriage 121 moves horizontally towards and away from the prism 20, a vector angled to an angle? Is defined. The angle ? is determined by the prism 250 configuration. Specifically, the angle? is determined by the refractive index of the prism material and in the first preferred embodiment is 47 °. The present invention provides significant advantages. The use of a linear CCD 120 matrix is significantly cheaper than the two-dimensional CCD arrays of the prior art. This is especially true because of the size limitations placed on two two-dimensional CCD arrays large enough to capture the image of a palm. In addition, by moving the network or CCD matrix up and down, the CCD can be placed at the focal point of the lens for any given segment of the palm which is being captured. By continuously placing the CCD matrix at the focal point of the lens, the aperture f of the lens need not be too large to obtain the appropriate resolution. Additionally, the lighting requirements are minimized which in turn decreases the device's power requirements. It is to be understood that the segments of the image can be amplified using a variety of other techniques. For example, instead of moving the lens toward and away from the prism as described above, the lens may be of the telephoto variety that amplifies the segments of the image by rotating the telephoto mechanism. Also, the medium, or the CCD could be moved towards or away from a lens where the lens is at a fixed distance from the prism. In the first preferred embodiment, a movable light source 200 is provided. With reference to Figure 2, the movable luminous source 200 illuminates approximately a single segment of the palm on the receiving surface. Specifically, the light source 200 illuminates a different portion of the receiving surface for each different position of the carriage 121. In the first preferred embodiment, the light source 200 is a quartz rod or bar 202. As best shown in Figure 2 , the quartz bar 202 projects light towards a mirror 206 placed on an arm 204. The arm 204 is mounted to a guide 208 which is received in turn on a rail 210 so that the arm 204 and the guide 208 are movable about it. When the arm 204 moves on the rail 210, the arm 204 rotates approximately 7o. The arm 204 rotates so that the light is reflected towards the receiving surface 256. Specifically, the arm 204 is driven along the rail 210 by a second stepper motor 214.

The mirror 206 has a length sufficient to project light across the width (corresponding to the length of the segment of the palm) of the prism 250. As shown by the interrupted line 275 in Figure 2, the light is reflected off from the mirror 206 and towards the prism 250. In an alternative embodiment, the arm 204 can be replaced with a cam (not shown) rotating at 7 degrees and movable along the rail 210. The light 202 of the quartz can be replaced with a light source of fiber optics. In the first preferred embodiment, the data captured by the CCD array 120 is provided to the digitizer 24 and the processor 12 each time the lens is moved. The speed at which the carriage 121 moves reciprocating horizontally towards and away from the prism 250 is a function of the sensitivity of the CCD array 120 and the intensity of the light source 200. The preferred embodiment includes scanning speeds of approximately 220 μ per line. An exploration is defined by the time it takes the network or CCD matrix 110 to gather the information from a segment of the image of the palm footprint propagated from the object surface 258. When the information is gathered by the network or matrix of CCD 120, it is integrated together to process an image of the palm footprint. The integration can occur "piece by piece" when the information is gathered and then the integrated pieces can be integrated together, or, the integration can be about the complete time required to gather the representative information of the palm footprint. However, the operation under both methods requires that the network or matrix of CCD 110 be cleaned or erased prior to each segment of the palm being captured. Methods for capturing a palm footprint by means of the methods described above are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,025 commonly assigned, respectively, which have been previously incorporated for reference. In operation, a palm is placed on the receiving surface 34 of the prism 20, and the quartz light source 202 projects the light which is reflected out of the mirror 206. The mirror 206 reflects light on a limited portion of the surface of reception 256 in such a way that a single portion of the palm is illuminated. By means of the principle of total internal reflection, the luminous images representative of this portion of the palm footprint will pass through the lens 110 and will be focused on the network or CCD matrix 120. Selectively positioning the carriage 121, including the lens 110, each segment of the palm will be amplified in a different quantity in such a way that its lengths will be at a constant value. The network or CCD array 120 is oriented such that it is at the focal point of the lens 110 relative to any given segment of the palm which is being captured. The arm 204 resets the mirror 206 so that each time the carriage 121 is relocated, the mirror 206 is repositioned to illuminate a different portion of the receiving surface. For example, if the segment 1 of the palm, as shown in Figure 5, was initially captured, the carriage 121 and therefore the lens 110 would move forward towards the prism 250 and the network or matrix of CCD 120 could move up relative to the lens 110. Correspondingly, the arm 204 and the mirror 206 could also be relocated. By relocating the lens 110 closest to the prism 250 when the segment 2 is captured, the segment 2 is amplified an amount greater than the segment 1. The difference in the amplification is such that the segments are of the same length. The network or CCD array 120 is moved vertically upwards because the focal point of the lens moves upward when the second segment is captured. This process continues until the footprint of the entire palm is captured. The digital information gathered by the CCD network or matrix 120 will then be integrated according to the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4Jx. , 933,976 or 5,230,025, both of which have been previously incorporated herein for reference. Once the image of the palm print has been processed, it can be transmitted to the monitor 26 for visual inspection or to the printer 28. If the image is not satisfactory, the alarm 30 will sound and the palm print can be taken again. With reference to Figure 6, the preferred embodiment of the present invention may also include, in combination, a device for optically capturing the image of a fingerprint. The fingerprint printing device includes two lenses 100 and 101 positioned adjacent to each other, operating to focus the image of a finger on two separate two-dimensional CCD arrays, 110 and 111. The networks or matrices of CCD 110 and 111 gather the light and convert it into digital data representative of the fingerprint. The data collected by the CCD networks 110 and 111 are then integrated separately or integrated in their entirety according to the methods described above, which is in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,933,976 and 5,230,025, commonly assigned, which have been previously incorporated for reference. Each lens 100 and 101 needs to be adjusted so that there is a luminous overlay of the data gathered by each network or CCD matrix 110 and 111. The overlay is then compensated by the techniques known in the art, and the images are integrated together. The second preferred embodiment of the invention is described in Figures 7-10. With the initial reference to Figures 7 and 8, the second preferred embodiment uses a clear cylindrical tube 400. As shown in Figure 9, a palm can be rolled through the clear cylinder 400 to capture the image of the palm. The cylinder 400 includes a cylindrical surface 402. As best shown in Figures 7 and 8, the device that captures the palm footprint of the second preferred embodiment also includes an encoder 410, an image recorder 422 and a light source 440. The image recorder includes a lens and a CCD. The palm imprint printer of the second preferred embodiment also uses the principle of total internal reflection. As best shown in Figure 8, the light is reflected through the cylindrical surface 202 at an angle a. The places where the palm is in contact with the surface 402 of the cylinder, of the cylinder 400 absorb the light, while those portions of the palm which are not in contact with the skin reflect the light. In operation, the palm is bent or rolled over the cylinder 400 either in a configuration of routes or routes to the front or of routes or routes to the sides, as best shown in Figures 9 and 11. The clear cylinder 400 it is rotatable about an axis 404. The clear cylinder 400 may include two open ends having a lumen or space therebetween, or they may be of solid construction. The clear cylinder 400 can be rotated by a motor 406. If the cylinder 400 is rotated by the motor 406, the cylinder 400 will pull the palm therethrough. If no motor is used, the clear cylinder 400 will rotate in response to the palm being extracted or removed therethrough. When the hand is bent or rotated through the cylinder 400, the light propagated from the light source 440 will be reflected or absorbed relative to that portion of the palm in contact with the cylinder surface 202 of the clear cylinder 200. The reflected light it is captured by the recorder 422 which is fixed at a position relative to the cylinder 400. The CCD network or matrix 430 then communicates the data to a digitizer and a processor in a similar manner or described above. The processor then correlates the amount of rotation determined by the encoder 410 against the data collected from the CCD network or matrix 230 and integrates this data according to the method of any of the U.S. Patents. Nos. 4, 933,976 or 5,230,025. The image can then be used in the same way as the one described above. The recording image 422 may be positioned within the clear cylinder, as shown in Figure 10, or external to cylinder 400, as shown in Figure 8. If the recording image 422 is positioned within the cylinder, is required that the mirrors 450 increase the distance at which the reflected light travels so that the appropriate resolution is achieved. In the second embodiment, the curved surface which the palm receives provides an easier operation because the palm can be folded or rolled through the cylinder. The edge of a palm can also be captured by taking a second ripple from the edge of the palm and integrating it with the first. Each system also includes the advantages of both of the 4,933,976 and 5,230,025 patents since these patents describe the general nature of the method used for the fingerprint process. Although the above detailed description of the present invention describes the invention of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the intent of the invention is to include all equivalent modifications and designs. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is proposed to be limited only by the claims which are appended thereto.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (37)

1. An apparatus for capturing an image, the image divisible into a plurality of segments, each of the segments has an associated length, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: an operative lens for the selective amplification of each of the segments of the image in a different amount, to create a plurality of amplified segments that have a substantially equal length; an operable medium that is selectively exposed by one of the amplified segments.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium is at a fixed horizontal distance from the lens.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the medium is a CCD network or matrix.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the CCD is a single dimension CCD operable to move through a plurality of positions to capture each of the amplified segments.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image is that of a palm.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises: a prism having a surface for receiving the palm and an object surface, the receiving surface constructed and arranged to receive the palm; a light source operative to illuminate the receiving surface of the prism palm, so that a representative image of the palm is propagated from the surface of the object.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the light source is constructed and arranged to selectively illuminate the surface for reception of the prism palm, so that only a portion of the palm image is projected from the surface to the formation of the image, the portion of the image includes at least one segment of the image and the lens placed to amplify the segment and the medium that is exposed by the amplified segment.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the light source further comprises linear illumination means, which direct the light to a selectively selectable mirror for illuminating discrete portions of the surface for receiving the palm.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens comprises a telephoto lens selectively allocatable between a plurality of different levels of amplification.

10. An apparatus for generating digital data characteristic of a palm according to claim 1, characterized in that the lens amplifies each of the plurality of segments by the movement towards and away from the prism and the lens maintaining a constant distance from the medium.

11. A method for capturing an image of an object, the image is divisible into a plurality of segments, each of the segments has an associated length, the method is characterized in that it comprises: - selectively amplifying each of the segments of the object in an amount different with a lens, to create a plurality of amplified segments that have a substantially equal length; selectively expose a medium with the amplified segments, one segment at a time.

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that in addition the image is amplified by moving the lens towards and away from the object.

13. A method according to claim 11, wherein the image is propagated from a prism, the method is characterized in that it further comprises the step of: illuminating the prism with a light source.

14. An apparatus for generating digital data characteristic of a palm, characterized in that it comprises: a prism including a receiving surface and an object surface, the receiving surface constructed to receive the palm, the palm includes a plurality of segments; an operable light source for illuminating the receiving surface so that a representative image of the palm is propagated from the surface of the object, the propagated image includes a plurality of segments corresponding to the segments of the palm, the segments of the image propagated include an associated length; and a recorder of the movable image between a plurality of positions relative to the surface of the prism object to capture each of the segments of the image propagated in a different location.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the image recorder comprises a lens and a medium, the lens and the medium spaced away from the surface of the object in such a way that the lens is placed between the surface of the object and the means, the lens is operative to selectively amplify the segments of the propagated image in different quantities such that the segments are of equal length.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the lens is placed on a carriage; the carriage is movable on a base, and the carriage is movable towards and away from the surface of the object to amplify the segment of the propagated image.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the base is a bar or rod of gears.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the medium is one placed at a fixed horizontal distance from the lens and the medium reciprocates vertically to the lens.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the means is placed on a roller guide slidably coupled against a vertical rail, the vertical rail fixed to the carriage; the guide for the roller slidably coupled to an inclined rail, the inclined rail fixed relative to the rod or gear rod.

20. An apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the lens is a telephoto lens operable to selectively amplify the segments of the image.

21. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the prism includes a lumen or space filled with a liquid having a refractive index above 1.1.

22. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it also comprises a second operating prism for receiving the surface of a finger, and a second digitizer operable to digitize an image of a fingerprint.

23. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the light source also comprises a mirror placed on an arm, the arm slidably received on a rail, the light source constructed and arranged to illuminate the mirror so that the mirror reflects light on a discrete portion of the receiving surface of the prism.

24. An apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the light is a high intensity light.

25. An apparatus for generating digital data characteristic of a palm, characterized in that it comprises: a) a transparent cylindrical element rotatable about an axis, the cylindrical element includes an upper outer surface operable to receive the palm; b) a light source operable for illuminating the upper outer surface of the transparent cylinder, the light source positioned so that light is reflected from the upper outer surface; and c) a digitizer positioned to receive the reflected light; the digitizer operable to generate a network or matrix of digital data characteristic of the palm.

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that it further comprises an encoder for measuring the amount that the transparent cylinder has rotated, the encoder operatively connected to the digitizer.

27. An apparatus in accordance with. claim 26, characterized in that the cylindrical element further includes a shaft placed on the cylindrical element shaft, the shaft is driven by a motor.-

28. An apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the cylinder is hollow.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that the light source is placed inside the cylindrical element.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of mirrors placed inside the cylindrical element operable to reflect the light towards the digitizer.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the digitizer is placed inside the cylindrical element.

32. An apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the light source is placed below the transparent cylindrical element.

33. An apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the digitizer is placed below the transparent cylindrical element.

34. A method for generating characteristic data of an image of the palm footprint, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: providing a surface for receiving the palm, cylindrical, which reflects the light as a function of a mound configuration and valleys of a palm carried in contact with the surface for receiving the palm; providing a means of recording the image placed to receive the propagated light; rotating a palm through the receiving surface of the palm where the image of the palm is propagated to the middle of recording the image; convert the image of the palm into digital signals; and generating a network or matrix of digital data characteristic of an image of the fingerprint of the folded or rolled up palm, complete, from the digital signals.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that the step of generating the network or matrix includes generating the network or matrix in real time when the finger is being rotated or bent.

36. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that the step of converting the image of the fingerprint includes determining a threshold value for the digital data, to determine the presence or absence of contact of the palm with the surface for the reception of the Palm.

37. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that the step of converting the fingerprint image comprises: storing networks or digital data arrays characteristic of the adjacent and overlapping digital fingerprint images of the portions of the palm, when the palm is rotated or bent across the surface for palm reception; and generating a network or matrix composed of the digital data characteristic of an image of the palm footprint, rotated or bent, as a mathematical function of the superimposed image data, from a plurality of networks or matrices, and characteristics of the superimposed portions of the fingerprint images.