Fingerprint sensor and token reader and associated methods
US5920640A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/1306
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fingerprint and token sensor system includes an array of fingerprint sensing elements for generating signals related to a fingerprint based upon a finger being positioned adjacent the sensing elements, and a token for also causing the sensing elements to generate signals related to a token message based upon the token being positioned adjacent the sensing elements. Accordingly, the single sensor may be used for both fingerprints and for reading data from a token for range of useful purposes. Each fingerprint sensing element may preferably include an electric field sensing electrode, and a shield associated with a respective electric field sensing electrode. A drive circuit may be connected to the array of electric field sensing electrodes for driving same. The sensor is preferably in the form of an integrated circuit and includes a substrate adjacent the array of fingerprint sensing elements. The token may include an array of electrically conductive elements, a pattern defined by different dielectric values, or electric field generating elements cooperating with the array of electric field sensing electrodes. The elements may be carried on a card, for example. The data message of…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.