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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. Device for the identification of a person by means of an identity,
credit, bank or the like card which, in addition to a name, address,
photograph, numbers or other information symbols, carries a master
fingerprint from a specific finger of a person, said master fingerprint
being taken with a fingerprinting device and being then placed onto the
card, said card optionally being provided with a code indicating to which
basic main fingerprint group the said fingerprint pertains; and a copying
device by means of which the identity, bank, credit or similar card can be
copied with an invoice, cheque or similar form, characterized in that said
card is transparent and said master fingerprint is formed on said card in
a first color, said device comprises a fingerprint card made of a
transparent material and possessing a surface enabling a finger print of
said finger to appear thereon in a second color, said surface being
arranged in such a manner that, with the finger inserted in a
fingerprinting device, the fingerprint can be taken in accordance with one
coordinate close to the longitudinal axis of the finger and a second,
running at the fingertip, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the
finger, said fingerprinting device comprising a finger guide for said
finger, which is formed and proportioned in such a way that the
fingerprint can be carried out in direct relationship to two coordinates,
namely the approximate longitudinal axis of the finger and to a right
angle at the tip of the finger, so that by superimposing the card over the
fingerprint card a new color will develop if the two fingerprints
correspond, establishing as to whether or not the person presenting the
identity, bank, credit or the like card is the same person as shown on it.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it is
provided with a symbol for the basic design of the fingerprint, consisting
of:
the letter W representing the WHORL
the letter L representing the LOOP, and
the letter A representing the ARCH.
3. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the finger
guide comprises three separate walls, two of which run parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the finger and are adjustable.
4. Device according to claim 3, which comprises a mechanism to move the two
walls which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the finger in such a
way, that these may be moved symmetrically with relation to the
longitudinal axis of the finger guide, an equal distance inwardly or
outwardly.
5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said finger guide
has a recess for the fingertip, and a camera is connected to the said
guide in such a manner that a photo of the fingertip can be taken on a
fingerprint card always in relation to two coordinates, namely, close to
the longitudinal axis of the finger and, at the fingertip, at right angles
to the longitudinal axis of the finger.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the finger guide
consists of three separate walls, two walls running parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the finger being adjustable.
7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that a mechanism moves
the two walls running parallel with the longitudinal axis of the finger,
in such a manner that the said walls may be adjusted inwardly or outwardly
and symmetrically with the longitudinal axis of the finger guide.
8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said fingerprint card contains an
additional surface for a signature and for an arrow indicating the
direction in which the fingerprint should be produced.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein said fingerprint card has a
chemically prepared surface enabling a colored fingerprint, contrasting
with the fingerprint on the card to be produced.
10. A device according to claim 8, wherein the fingerprint card has a
light-sensitive surface enabling a direct, positive fingerprint, in color,
to be produced.
11. A device according to claim 1, comprising a viewer characterized in
that it comprises an adjustable lens, light sources adapted to be switched
on selectively, a double cassette for the accommodation of an identity,
bank, credit or similar card and a fingerprint card, so arranged that a
comparison can be made by placing one of the fingerprints on these cards
over the other fingerprint.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the viewer is characterized in
that it is equipped with a light source in so arranged that when the light
source is switched on, the said comparison may be carried out with
transparent surfaces.
13. A device according to claim 11, wherein the double cassette is
characterized in that it comprises two guides, one for the accommodation
of the identity, bank, credit or similar card and the other for the
accommodation of the fingerprint card, the dimensions of the said cassette
being such that the surfaces carrying the fingerprints lie one upon the
other, one of the said cards being held stationary, the other card being
adjustable.
14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the double cassette is
characterized in that it is provided with a mechanism such that the
individual cassettes, one for the identity, bank, credit or similar card
and one for the fingerprint or fingerprint photo card, may be adjusted
linearly or by rotation, by means of adjusting screws, turntables, or the
like.
15. A device according to claim 1, comprising an episcope unit,
characterized in that it comprises an adjustable lens, a mirror, light
sources, a screen, and a double cassette for the accommodation of an
identity, bank, credit or similar card and a fingerprint card, so arranged
that the projected image of the superimposed fingerprints or fingerprint
photos may be adjusted and compared.
16. A device according to claim 1, comprising a projection apparatus
characterized in that it comprises an adjustable lens, a concave mirror,
an arc lamp, and a double cassette for the accommodation of an identity,
bank, credit or similar card and a fingerprint or fingerprint photo card,
in such a manner that the image, projected onto a screen, or the two
superimposed fingerprints, or fingerprint photos may be adjusted and
compared.
17. A device according to claim 1, which comprises two projection units of
the same design which are adjustable upon a stand, and wherein a
fingerprint, or a fingerprint photo, may be projected from each unit onto
a screen for purposes of comparison, the one fingerprint being of a dark
color and the other of a light color.
18. A device according to claim 1, including a computer having stored
therein the fingerprint appearing on the identity, bank, credit or similar
card, which comprises a cassette for the accommodation of a fingerprint
card, a photoelectric cell or electron beam radiator working together with
a mechanism in such a manner that the fingerprint on the fingerprint card
introduced thereinto, is scanned line-by-line, is compared by the computer
with the already-preprogrammed fingerprint on the identity, bank, credit
or similar card, and the result of the comparison is immediately made
known.
19. A device according to claim 18, which comprises a projector which
projects the fingertip onto a screen, a photoelectric cell associated with
said computer, in such a manner that the information relating to the image
of the fingertip projected onto the screen, which is obtained by scanning
with the photoelectric cell or electron beam radiator, is passed to the
computer, is compared thereby with the preprogrammed fingerprint or
fingerprint photo on the identity, bank, credit or similar card, and the
result of the comparison is immediately returned to the device in the form
of signals.
20. A device according to claim 19, which comprises a microswitch
associated with said fingerprinting device arranged in such a manner that,
when the finger is inserted into the finger channel, the projector light
sources are switched on and the device is set in operation.
21. A device according to claim 1, which comprises computer means capable
of detecting different colours and after having detected such colours, it
can advise whether the fingerprint carried by the fingerprint card is the
same as the master fingerprint.
22. A process for the identification of a person which comprises providing
an identity, credit, bank or the like card which, in addition to a name,
address, photograph, numbers or other information symbols, carries a
master fingerprint from a specific finger of a person, said master
fingerprint being taken with a fingerprinting device and being then placed
onto the card, said card optionally being provided with a code indicating
to which basic main fingerprint group the said fingerprint pertains; and
providing a copying device by means of which the identity, bank, credit or
similar card can be copied with an invoice, cheque or similar forms,
characterized by providing a transparent card and forming said master
fingerprint on said card in a first color, said fingerprint card being
made of a transparent material and possessing a surface enabling a finger
print of said finger to appear thereon in a second color, arranging said
surface in such a manner that, with the finger inserted in a
fingerprinting device, the fingerprint can be taken in accordance with one
coordinate close to the longitudinal axis of the finger and a second,
running at the fingertip, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the
finger, providing a finger guide for said finger, which is formed and
proportioned in such a way that the fingerprint can be carried out in
direct relationship to two coordinates, namely the approximate
longitudinal axis of the finger and to a right angle at the tip of the
finger, superimposing the card over the fingerprint card and if a new
color develops it will indicate that the two fingerprints correspond,
establishing as to whether or not the person presenting the identity,
bank, credit or the like card is the same person as shown on it. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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The invention concerns a process and devices for rapid, simple, inexpensive
and infallible identification of persons in general, but more particularly
of persons who wish to make credit purchases of merchandize, services,
accomodation or money, by the means of various identity cards, credit
cards, bank cards or similar cards.
By means of this invention, immediate identification is achieved by
comparing the person's fingerprints as registered on an identity card, a
credit card, a bank card or any other similar card, with his fingerprints
taken during the transaction, on a corresponding chemically prepared or
photo-sensitive fingerprint card.
The function of the invention is to eliminate persons who wish to come into
illegal possession of merchandize, services, money or accomodation by
using found, stolen or falsified identity, credit, bank or similar cards.
This process and devices are comprised of the following elements: (a) an
identity, credit, bank or similar card which, in addition to a name,
address, photograph, numbers or other information symbols, carries a
fingerprint from a specific finger of a person, the said fingerprint being
taken in a novel manner with an additionally novel fingerprinting device
and being then inserted into or placed onto the card, the said card being
also provided with a code letter or other code symbol indicating to which
group the said fingerprint pertains; (b) a fingerprinting device by means
of which a fingerprint may be taken mechanically or photographically; (c)
a fingerprint card having a chemically-prepared surface upon which a
fingerprint may be produced mechanically by pressing the tip of the finger
thereon, or a light-sensitive surface upon which a fingerprint may be
produced photographically; (d) a copying device by means of which the
identity, bank, credit or similar card can be copied mechanically,
optically or electronically onto or together with an invoice, cheque or
similar form; (e) an optical apparatus with which the fingerprint or
fingerprint photo on the identity, credit, bank or similar card may be
observed together with the fingerprint or fingerprint photo, freshly made
during the transaction upon the fresh fingerprint card; (f) a computer by
means of which the fresh fingerprint or fingerprint photo made during the
transaction upon the fresh fingerprint card, may be examined and compared
with the preprogrammed fingerprint or fingerprint photo on the identity,
bank, credit, or similar card; (g) an electronic device which is connected
by leads to a computer by means of which the fresh fingerprint or
fingerprint photo made during the transaction upon the fresh fingerprint
card, may be examined and compared with the fingerprint or fingerprint
photo, preprogrammed into the computer from the identity, bank, credit or
similar card, so that all of the foregoing results in the comparison of
the fingerprint or fingerprint photo on or in the identity, bank, credit
or similar card with the fingerprint or fingerprint photo on the fresh
fingerprint card, so that the immediate recognition is established as to
whether or not the person presenting the identity, bank, credit or similar
card is the same person as shown on it.
Up until the present, sales of goods and services through the use of credit
cards or similar charge cards, have disadvantages. At the time of a sale
or other credit transaction there is no control which can immediately
determine that the person presenting a credit card is its legitimate
owner. The signature on the invoice form, which the customer executes,
cannot identify him with certainty. This signature can just as easily be
falsified by a person not entitled to make the purchase.
As is well known, various companies issue credit cards for varying amounts
of credit to their clients. These credit cards are usually supplied with a
number and the name of the client. The suggestion has also been advanced
that credit cards should incorporate a photo or a fingerprint of their
legitimate owners. Control of the use of these cards, with positive
identification of their owner, is however, unsatisfactory. A thief or a
forger can easily alter his appearance through a wig, glasses or similar
means. The fingerprint on the credit card, made in the conventional way,
cannot be compared by the salesman or employee, with another one of the
purchaser during the transaction, because so far no apparatus exists for
this purpose.
In order to show the inadequacy of the presently-used sales method through
credit cards or similar cards, such method is described as follows.
The owner of a credit card from a recognized organization can charge the
amount for the merchandize purchased in certain stores through the use of
his credit card. After the purchase, the salesman makes out the invoice,
puts it into a suitably constructed copying device, with the purchaser's
credit card and prints the number and the name of the client onto the
invoice. He then submits it to the purchaser for signature and the client
signs it. The client then receives one of the copies of the invoice, one
remains with the salesman and one is sent to the bank.
For purchases up to $50.00, no control whatsoever is carried out. For
higher amounts, the credit company is called by telephone. But the
function of the call is limited to verifying that the client's line of
credit has not been exceeded; the true identity of the client cannot be
verified by this procedure. The thieves and forgers are aware of this.
Thus they concentrate on making purchases below $50.00 in a number of
stores. In this fashion they succeed in defrauding the credit company of
amounts as large as several thousands of dollars. Prosecution of these
thieves and fraud artists is difficult if not impossible, since they leave
no trace. It is particularly easy for forgers who travel abroad; because
of the fact that they come from a rich country, the overseas control is
perfunctory only. Up until the present no effective control exists. A
forger couple has been known to have gone on a world-wide trip within the
use of credit cards, inflicting losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars
on companies allowing credit.
Because of the absence of precise control, the credit companies suffer the
loss of several millions of dollars per year.
However, not only material damage results from this lack of a precise means
of control; other damage also takes place. Hijackers, terrorists,
narcotics smugglers and other criminals can slip through the best guarded
security barriers by changing their appearance and with falsified identity
papers, and may thereafter destroy human lives.
As a remedy for this peril we suggest a new process and related devices
which enable precise control at the time a purchase is accomplished or a
service is obtained and prior to embarcation on a flight or other
enterprise. The principle of this control is founded on a sound scientific
basis, to wit, the process of fingerprinting (Dactyloscopy). It is based
upon the fact that the so-called papillary lines are different for every
person. They do not change from birth to death. These lines are
particularly clearly recognizable at the tip of each finger. The police
use this process to solve crimes. On the evidence of fingerprints, found
or developed on the site of the crime or elsewhere, the perpetrators are
identified and later tried and held responsible for their crimes.
However, the object of the invention is not to solve crimes, but rather to
prevent them. Through the use of the fingerprint process involving the
comparison of the fingerprint on the credit card, bank card, identity card
or similar cards with the freshly made fingerprint on a fresh-fingerprint
card, before going on a flight or such, a precise authentication of the
person's identity will be made. This will deter criminal elements from the
illegal appropriation of merchandize and services or from the perpetration
of other criminal misdemeanour. A criminal would hardly dare make an
illegal purchase when he must leave his fingerprint which may already be
on file with the police department fingerprint-identification records. Nor
would a would-be criminal want to leave his fingerprint to be placed on
file.
By means of the invention, a credit card, bank card, identity card or other
similar card--besides being provided with name, address, numbers or other
information--will carry a fingerprint and a letter showing the
characteristic group fingerprint pattern of the individual's fingerprints.
Since this fingerprint will serve as a master for comparison with
fingerprints which will be produced later, it has to be executed with
particular care. Two methods are being suggested for the execution of the
master fingerprints.
The first method is the usual mechanical reproduction of the fingertip. The
fingertip has been considered as a sort of stamp. The fingerprint of a
certain finger--for instance the index finger--is produced in the
following manner, using a fingerprinting device. For the imprint, the
fingertip must be in contact with the far wall of the fingerprinting
device and the length axis of the finger should more or less coincide with
the length axis of the fingerprinting device. The inside of the fingertip
of the index finger will be pressed onto a blue stamp pad for example; the
finger is then introduced into the fingerprinting device. The fingerprint
is made by applying light pressure at the fingertip against a fingerprint
card provided for this purpose. The fingerprint will then be enlarged
several times by photographic means. The papillary lines are then retraced
to form a sharp, clearly visible pattern on the enlarged fingerprint. This
sharp image of the fingerprint will then be photographically reduced to
its original size. This clear imprint will then be transferred onto a
special place provided for on the credit card, preferably in reverse
(mirror image) and aligned in a predetermined fashion. Preferably, this
portion of the card should be transparent.
The second suggested method for the execution of the master fingerprint is
being carried out entirely through photographic means. The photographic
method is superior to the mechanical one. In the mechanical method the
fingerprint may be somewhat altered depending on the pressure applied at
the fingertip and by local turning or twisting of the finger. With the
photographic method, no pressure is applied to the fingertip. Thus the
image of the fingertip remains unaltered. The photographic reproduction of
the fingerprint is done in the following fashion. In order to obtain a
clear picture of the papillary lines, the fingertip will be tinted, for
example, with an easily removable blue color. The linked fingertip will be
dusted with powder, preferably white. The powder penetrates into the
recesses of the skin, thus giving a clear picture of the papillary lines.
The finger is then introduced into a fingerprinting device made for this
purpose. When photographing the fingertip, it is also important that the
fingertip touch the far wall of the device and that the length axis of the
finger correspond as much as possible with the length axis of the device.
The fingertip is now photographed with a suitably adequate camera,
preferably at a scale of 1:1. The image will then be photographically
enlarged to several times its size. The papillary lines are then retraced
to form a sharp, clearly visible pattern on the enlarged fingerprint. This
sharp image of the fingerprint will then be photographically reduced to
its original size. This sharp image of the fingertip is now affixed to the
special place provided for on the credit card as in the previous method.
It is encapsulated in plastic in such a manner that if any attempt is made
to alter the print, the whole credit card is immediately and obviously
damaged. This last measure prevents falsification of the credit card. The
image of the fingertip is best applied on transparent material, in reverse
(mirror image).
The purpose of the fingerprinting device by which the mechanical or
photographical fingerprint is obtained, is to retain the finger in a
fixed, predetermined orientation. It is important for the later comparison
of two fingerprints that the master fingerprint of the master fingerprint
photo on the credit card have the same coordinates as the fingerprint or
fingerprint photo on the fresh fingerprint card. The fingerprinting device
provides two reference coordinates; one of the coordinates is the
longitudinal axis and the second is the inside-face of the far wall of the
device, which together form the letter T.
A further element of the process is the card bearing the fingerprint or
photographic reproduction of the fingerprint, freshly taken at the time of
the transaction. This card, which is very slightly narrower than the
credit card, has a chemically prepared or photosensitive surface so
designed that when placed above or below the master fingerprint card, the
fresh fingerprint card's photosensitive surface fits exactly over or under
the same spot as on the master fingerprint card. An arrow marks the
direction in which the fingerprint or fingerprint photo is to be placed.
The fingerprint or fingerprint photo will be made using a fingerprinting
device similar to that used for making the master fingerprint or the
master fingerprint photo on the credit card. In this way the fresh
fingerprint or fresh fingerprint photo will have the same coordinates as
the master fingerprint or the master fingerprint photo for the credit
card.
Optical or electronic apparatus has been proposed, whose function it is to
carry out the comparison between the master credit card fingerprint or
fingerprint photo and the fresh fingerprint or fingerprint photo obtained
during the transaction. This apparatus may take the form of viewer,
episcope, projector, or computer. The optical apparatus is characterized
by a housing fitted with adjustable optical equipment, adjustable frames
to receive the credit card and the fresh print card, and a light source to
light up or project these cards.
A new method of comparison is being suggested, so that the comparison of
two fingerprints can be carried out by untrained persons. With the air of
the following example this method is explained.
Upon a transparent slide is applied, for example, a figure in blue. Then,
upon another transparent slide is applied, for example, a figure in red.
Then, for example, the slide with the red figure is placed upon the slide
with the blue figure. Then the red figure slide is manipulated so that the
red figure covers, as much as possible, the blue figure underneath. Those
portions of the lines which are in perfect congruence become purple in
color. The parts which do not superimpose correctly retain their original
colors, blue and red. When perfect congruence of the two figures is
achieved, the whole pattern of lines appears in the color purple. Of
course, two other colors may be selected which, in superimposition, result
in the production of a third characteristic color. One of the colors must
be dark and one must be light so that when one is over the other the
mixing of the two produce a third color.
Because the comparison of two normal-size fingerprints, present
difficulties, it is suggested that the colored fingerprints be greatly
enlarged. It is well known that fingerprints have three main
characteristics, to wit:
The whorl-print, which one signifies with a letter --W
The loop-print, which one signifies with a letter --L
The arch-print, which one signifies with a letter --A
The comparison of two different main characteristic fingerprints is easy to
do because the lines of the two fingerprints will be predominantly
intersected and the image which results will show three colors. It is much
more difficult to compare two fingerprints which have the same main
characteristic. Separately, they can be very much alike even though they
have been taken from two different people. But, with the superimposition
of the two colors using the proposed method, the difference in color will
immediately be evident. The image will have three colors because lines
which intersect will form a third color. This would mean that the two
fingerprints come from two different persons. If the two fingerprints come
from the same person and they have been made by the same finger, the
fingerprints will cover each other in perfect congruence. Comparison will
show an image of the single, mixed third color.
The same effect is obtained with projection apparatus. If one projects the
color blue upon a screen and a second apparatus projects yellow light onto
the same screen, the color resulting from the superimposition of the two
projections would produce a third color, green.
According to the description of the mixing of colors by projection, a
double adjustable projector is proposed, with which two transparent
fingerprints or fingerprint photos, in different colors, may be compared
by superimposition of the projected images.
A further characteristic of the invention is the comparison of the
fingerprint or fingerprint photo on the identity, bank, credit, or similar
card, with the fingerprint or fingerprint photo on the fingerprint card,
by means of a computer.
A suitable computer is provided with a device consisting of a mechanism
having a photoelectric cell or electron-beam radiator, and a cassette for
the introduction of the fingerprint card. The computer memory is
preprogrammed with the master fingerprint or fingerprint photo on the
identity, bank, credit or similar card. When the comparison is carried
out, the fingerprint card is introduced into the device. With the aid of
the photoelectric cell of electron beam radiator, the mechanical of the
said device scans the image of the fingerprint, line by line. If the two
fingerprints coincide, a green light comes on or a buzzer is actuated. If
the fingerprints are different, a red light comes on or a bell begins to
ring.
Since the cost of a computer for comparing only two fingerprints or
fingerprint photos, is expensive, it is proposed to provide separate
devices connected by leads to the computer in such a manner that
comparisons of two fingerprints or fingerprint photos may be carried out
at many distant locations by connections between the individual devices
and the computer.
In this connection it would be highly advantageous to connect up to
existing computers which are at present performing other functions. This
applies to credit companies, banks, and other organizations which have
entire networks of small and large computers.
It is also proposed to connect the individual devices to the computer by
telephone, either through a private or through a public telephone system.
This would make it possible to establish a person's identity by
fingerprint comparison from remote locations, even abroad.
The method of establishing identity by comparison of fingerprints or
fingerprint photos, could also be extended, in that the said comparison
could be carried out without the fingerprint card, namely, by using the
fingertip itself. The tip of a specific finger could be compared with the
master fingerprint, or fingerprint photo on an identity, bank, credit or
similar card.
This possibility could open up further fields, namely where there is no
operating staff, such as automatic banking machines located outside
buildings, where a customer himself can withdraw money from his account,
or service stations where a driver can fill up his tank and charge it, and
similar situations.
It would be extremely useful to set up, in a given country, a computer
centre and a network of electronic devices connected thereto in accordance
with the method proposed, into which the fingerprints of citizens would be
programmed. This would make it very easy to check a citizen's identity in
many different circumstances and could thus reduce the crime rate in the
country.
In the drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
FIG. 1 shows a credit card in plan view;
FIG. 2 shows the section AA of FIG. 1;
FIG. 1A shows the first page of a passport;
FIG. 2A is a section along the line A1--A1 in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3 shows a fingerprint card in plan view;
FIG. 4 shows the section BB of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 illustrates clearly the method of obtaining a fingerprint, using the
fingerprinting device;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the fingerprinting device;
FIG. 7 is a front view of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a section along the line CC in FIG. 6;
FIG. 6A is a plan view of an adjustable fingerprinting device;
FIG. 7A is a front view of FIG. 6A;
FIG. 9 is a device for producing a fingerprint photograph by photographic
means;
FIG. 10 shows diagrammatically how a finger is introduced into the
fingerprinting device;
FIG. 11 shows another way of introducing a finger into the fingerprinting
device;
FIG. 12 shows a photographic enlargement of a portion of a "whorl"
fingerprint ("The WHORL--W");
FIG. 13 is a section along the line DD in FIG. 12;
FIGS. 14 to 21 inclusive show phases in the comparison of two-tone figures
by superimposing them;
FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a whorl fingerprint (the whorl--W);
FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a loop fingerprint (the loop--L);
FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of an arch fingerprint (the arch--A);
FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the superimposition of a loop and an arch
fingerprint;
FIGS. 26 and 27 are enlarged views of two different whorl fingerprints;
FIG. 28 shows the superimposition of the two whorl fingerprints shown in
FIGS. 26 and 27;
FIG. 29 shows a viewer for the comparison of two fingerprints or
fingerprint photos;
FIG. 30 is a section along the line EE in FIG. 29;
FIG. 31 shows the cassette frame for the credit card and fingerprint card;
FIG. 32 is a section along the line FF in FIG. 31;
FIG. 33 shows an adjustable, double cassette frame for the credit card and
fingerprint card;
FIG. 34 is a section along the line GG in FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a plan view of an episcope for the comparison of two
fingerprints or fingerprint photos;
FIG. 36 is a section along the line HH in FIG. 35;
FIG. 37 shows, a projector, for comparing two fingerprints or fingerprint
photos;
FIG. 38 shows two coupled projectors;
FIG. 39 shows diagrammatically a computer adapted to compare two
fingerprints;
FIG. 40 shows an electronic device whereby two fingerprints may be compared
at a distance in conjunction with a computer;
FIG. 41 shows many electronic devices connected by leads to a computer; and
FIG. 42 shows an electronic device whereby, for the purpose of establishing
a person's identity, a comparison may be made by direct scanning of the
fingertip.
FIG. 1 illustrates a credit card giving the name of the credit company, the
customer's name, an account number, a space for a signature 1 and a
location where a fingerprint is placed 2, the said fingerprint being
produced by means of a device described hereinafter. It is important that
the fingerprint be arranged according to the same coordinates K1 and K2,
as when it was in the fingerprinting device. Arrow 3 shows the direction
in which the finger must be placed in the device. A letter 4, or some
other symbol, indicates the group to which the fingerprint belongs. In
this case, the letter "W" shows that the fingerprint belongs to the
"WHORL" group. Thus, when the fingerprint is examined, two-thirds of the
possible fingerprints are eliminated, since the examination may be limited
to fingerprints in this group. If the comparison fingerprint belongs to
another group, it is immediately obvious that there has been a forgery.
As shown in FIG. 2, which is a section along the line AA in FIG. 1, the
credit card consists of a plurality of layers glued or welded together in
such a manner that any attempt at delamination destroys the card.
The window for the fingerprint is preferably transparent and the
fingerprint itself is produced in a color which contrasts with that on the
fingerprint card, which is made as described hereinafter. In order that
the fingerprint on the credit card may lie as close as possible to the
fingerprint on the fingerprint card when the two are superimposed for
comparison, it is preferably reproduced in mirror image and placed in the
upper layer.
The fingerprint may be produced mechanically, i.e. by finger pressure, or
photographically, i.e. with a camera. As previously mentioned, it is first
of all enlarged, the papillary lines are sharply traced, and it is then
reduced to its original size.
FIG. 1A shows the first page of a passport. In contrast to the credit card
shown in FIG. 1, the passport also has a photograph. Otherwise, the lower
part is provided, like the said credit card, with a fingerprint or
fingerprint photo inserted in accordance with co-ordinates K.sub.1 and
K.sub.2.
FIG. 2A is a section along the line A.sub.1 --A.sub.1 in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 3 shows a fingerprint card F upon which the customer's fingerprint is
produced during the transaction and which is then compared with the master
fingerprint on the credit card.
Fingerprint card F is made of a transparent material. It has an area 5 for
a fingerprint and an area 6 for a signature. If the fingerprint is made
mechanically, area 5 is subjected to a chemical treatment; if the
fingerprint is made photographically, it is coated with a light-sensitive
substance. This area is in exactly the same place as location 2 in the
credit card. It also has the same coordinates K.sub.1 and K.sub.2 for a
mechanical or photographic fingerprint. The fingerprint is produced in a
color which contrasts with that of the fingerprint on the credit card.
Arrow 7 shows the direction in which the finger must be inserted into the
device while the fingerprint, or fingerprint photo is being produced.
FIG. 4 is a section along the line BB in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how a fingerprint is made on a fingerprint
card F in a fingerprinting device 8.
A fingerprint card F is placed in the fingerprinting device below finger
guide 9. The finger is placed in guide 9, with the longitudinal axis of
the finger approximately parallel with coordinate K.sub.1 and the tip of
the finger in contact with coordinate K.sub.2. The fingerprint is produced
by light pressure upon chemically treated area 5.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show the fingerprinting device in plan view, front
elevation and cross-section along the line CC in FIG. 6. The dimensions of
finger guide 9 are such that the tip of the finger lies in square 5 on the
fingerprint card F.
FIGS. 6A and 7A illustrate another design of an adjustable fingerprinting
device. In this case, finger guide 9 consists of three separate walls,
walls 10 and 11, which run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the
finger, being adjustable by means of a mechanism which moves them inwardly
or outwardly and symmetrically with the longitudinal axis of finger guide
9. The said mechanisms consist of a shaft 12, two lugs a and b, a shaft
bearing c, slide bolts d, a control knob e and slots f. Lug a is connected
to the angle of wall 11, the bore in the said lug having a right-handed
thread. Lug b is connected to the angle of wall 10 and the bore therein
has a left-handed thread. When control knob e is turned to the right, or
to the left, lateral walls 10, and 11 move, guided by slots f
symmetrically with coordinate K.sub.1.
This adjustable fingerprinting device has the advantage that the walls of
the finger guide may be adjusted to the width of the customer's finger.
All that is required by the proposed method is to produce one fingerprint
or fingerprint photo which is accurately coordinated. The more accurately
the fingerprint is located in relation to coordinates K.sub.1 and K.sub.2,
the faster and more accurate the comparison.
FIG. 9 shows a fingerprinting device by means of which the fingerprint is
produced photographically. A plate 13 is arranged upon a frame having four
legs. Arranged under plate 13 is a finger guide 9 into which a finger 14
may be introduced. A camera 16 is mounted on two angle-brackets 15, and
the fingerprint is produced on fingerprint card 17 which is coated with a
light-sensitive layer. It is preferable to take the fingerprint photo on
reverse film (direct positive).
FIG. 10 illustrates diagrammatically how a finger is placed in finger guide
9 under plate 13 while a fingerprint photo is being taken. Aperture 18 is
of the same size as area 5 on fingerprint card F. Here again, the
longitudinal axis of the finger runs approximately parallel with
coordinate K.sub.1 and the fingertip touches coordinate K.sub.2.
FIG. 11 illustrates, diagrammatically, another way of introducing a finger
in a fingerprinting device. In this case, the entire hand rests upon plate
13, and this prevents the finger from twisting or turning. Here again,
opening 18 is of the same size as area 5 on fingerprint card F.
FIG. 12 shows an enlargement of a part of a whorl fingerprint, while FIG.
13 is a section along the line DD in FIG. 12, in which papillary lines 19
appear in the form of trapezoidal bars.
By coloring the fingertip with a dye easily removed by washing, and by
sprinkling a powder of a contrasting color into depressions 20 in the
papillary lines, a very sharp image of the fingertip may be obtained
photographically.
FIGS. 14 to 21 inclusive illustrate a method of comparing two colored
patterns by placing one upon the other. In FIG. 14, three rectangles 21,
colored blue for example, are applied to a transparent plate 22, while in
FIG. 15, three rectangles 23, colored red for example, are applied to a
transparent plate 24. FIG. 16 shows plate 24 placed upon plate 22; this
produces a new pattern containing three colors, the blue 21 and red 23 and
now a mixed color VIOLET 25.
FIG. 17 shows plate 24 completely covering plate 22, in which case the only
color visible is the mixed color violet.
FIG. 18 again shows three rectangles 26, colored blue for example, on a
transparent plate 27, while FIG. 19 shows three rectangles 28, colored
yellow for example, on a transparent plate 29. FIG. 20 shows plate 29
placed upon plate | | |
