Importance

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for the accurate determination of the identity of human beings by comparing a fingerprint image with previously recorder templates utilize an oil impregnated material to condition a finger by releasing a controlled amount of a lubricant on the finger prior to recording the finger with an electronic scanner. The conditioned finger in then scanned and a fingerprint image is acquired. Different orthogonal sets of features, including but not limited to, minutiae and meniscus or global ridge frequency information are extracted from the fingerprint image. To enhance the matching accuracy, these features are then fused using a rank score combining method. The fused score is compared to a threshold to identify the human being. During the scanning process, the scanned finger is monitored electronically to determine the consistency in position, the quality of the image, and the stationary of the finger. Audible and visual feedback is provided electronically to assist the human being to better position, lubricate, or dry the finger and repeat the process. An apparatus that includes the oil impregnated material in various forms achieves the desired level of lubrication by releasing a controlled amount of lubricant mixture either under mechanical pressure from the finger of a human being, or through an electromechanical device that exerts pressure on the oil impregnated material that releases the controlled amount of lubricant. An apparatus for the accurate determination of the identity of a human being includes an interface that can multiplex a fingerprint scanner with a keypad and a card reader is any desired combination, and network multiple such apparatuses in a daisy chain using the same host computer. The information is provided in the form of any or in combination with any alphanumeric personal identification number, identification number stored in a card, and fingerprints, and is used to create multiple security levels by configuring the same hardware in different ways. A network interface makes possible to interconnect multiple apparatuses in a daisy-chain using an inexpensive RS485-to-RS232 converter or through a local area network.

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First Claim