Allen W Topping

US Patent:

57518351, May 12, 1998

Filed:

Oct 4, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/538918

Inventors:

Allen Topping - San Francisco CA
Vladimir Kuperschmidt - Pleasanton CA
Austin Gormley - North Myrtle Beach SC

International Classification:

G06K 900

US Classification:

382115

Abstract:

A system for encoding and recognizing individuals by the unique characteristics of their fingernails or other body part employs a master oscillator (430) which controls a plurality of monochromatic light sources (400) and (410). The light beams are coupled to an acousto-optic, 2-D beam deflector (500) which selectively illuminates individual input port fibers (530). The light beams then pass through sensing ports (520) and enter the individual's skin or a fingernail. Light reflected from the individual's body part then enters sensing ports (520) and exits through output ports (540). Output ports (540) are optically coupled to a CCD sensor (450) which detects the amplitudes of light reflected from the subject's fingernail, for example. The output of sensor (450) is connected to an analog-to-digital converter (460), which in turn presents a digital representation of the intensity of the reflected light to a computer (470). This system measures the spacing of capillary loops (355) which are separated by valleys (362) in the nail bed (500) of fingernail (300).