JP4391735B2 - Fingerprint input device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fingerprint input device. According to the fingerprint input device of the present invention, fingerprint information can be accurately read even from a dry finger or a keratinous finger, and accurate fingerprint collation is possible.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the fingerprint input device, a collator's fingertip is brought into contact with a flat fingerprint reading surface, and a contact portion (fingerprint convex portion or ridge) and a non-contact portion (fingerprint concave portion or valley line) on the fingerprint reading surface. In general, a method of performing fingerprint collation using fingerprint information generated based on a difference from the above is employed. In order to perform accurate fingerprint collation by this method, it is important to ensure the contact and non-contact, particularly accurate contact with the ridges of the fingerprint.
On the other hand, moisturizing components are secreted on the surface of normal skin, and appropriate humidity is maintained. However, when the stratum corneum (stratum corneum) is excessively formed or dropped off on the skin surface, the stratum corneum becomes thicker and the surface dries, resulting in rustling. When this happens at the fingertip, it becomes a dry finger. When the degree of progress is remarkable, it hardens and keratinizes, and in the case of a fingertip, it becomes a keratinous finger. For example, some people who play the piano and guitar, and those who abuse the fingertips, have dry fingers and horny fingers.
If the user of the fingerprint input device has these dry or keratinous fingers, some of the ridges of the user's fingerprint may not be in close contact with the fingerprint reading surface. Even if the information is compared with the user's registered fingerprint information stored in advance, the same fingerprint may not be authenticated. In particular, such non-adhesion problems are likely to occur in dry environments and times.
As a means for eliminating such non-adhesion, it is known to provide a transparent elastic film (for example, a silicone coating film) on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface. For example, JP-A-9-167224 (Patent Document) 1) discloses an apparatus in which the technology is further improved and a transparent elastic film is mounted so as to float above the fingerprint reading surface.
However, in the technique of providing the transparent elastic film, a sufficient effect cannot be obtained with respect to a dry finger having a relatively advanced degree of drying or a worsened keratinous finger, and further improvement is required. It was.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-167224 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-65676 (described later)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present inventor has been developing a technique that enables fingerprint collation even for a dry finger having a relatively high degree of dryness or a worsened keratinous finger. We found that the adhesion improves simply by applying a normal hand cream on the surface, and when applying a general hand cream containing an epidermis softener, it adheres to the extent that there is virtually no problem for the purpose of fingerprint verification. It was found that the performance is improved.
The present invention is based on such knowledge. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a fingerprint input device that can accurately read fingerprint information even from a dry finger or a keratinous finger and enables accurate fingerprint collation. There is to do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above problems are solved by the present invention.
A fingerprint input unit for reading fingerprint information from a finger surface in contact with the fingerprint reading surface;
A lid portion operably provided so that the fingerprint reading surface is in a closed covering state or an open exposure state;
A fingerprint input device including a supply member that is provided on a contact surface side of the lid with the fingerprint reading surface and contains a moisturizing composition containing an epidermis softener and capable of releasing the moisturizing composition; ,
In the closed covering state of the lid part, the supply member surface and the fingerprint reading surface are brought into close contact with each other to such an extent that a film of a moisturizing composition can be formed on the fingerprint reading surface. This can be solved by the fingerprint input device. That is, according to the fingerprint input device of the present invention, the stratum corneum of a dry finger or keratinous finger is softened and the adhesion to the fingerprint reading surface is improved, so that fingerprint information can be accurately read even from a dry finger or keratinous finger And accurate fingerprint verification becomes possible.
According to a preferred aspect of the fingerprint input device of the present invention, the fingerprint input device further includes a pressure member capable of pressing the lid against the fingerprint reading surface in the closed covering state of the lid. According to this aspect, the film of the moisturizing composition can be uniformly formed on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface, and the residual fingerprint trace can be effectively erased. It should be noted that, when a finger is placed on another person's residual fingerprint trace, disgust is generated, whereas the fingerprint trace does not remain, so that such disgust can be prevented. Furthermore, when fingerprint marks remain, another person can add a pigment or the like from another person's residual fingerprint marks to collect fingerprints, whereas fingerprint marks do not remain, leading to such crimes. Actions can also be prevented.
According to a further preferred aspect of the fingerprint input device of the present invention, the supply member is made of a porous resin and has a smooth processed surface. According to this aspect, the film of the moisturizing composition can be more uniformly formed on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface, and not only can the residual fingerprint marks be erased more reliably, but also the moisturizing composition is gradually removed. It is possible to improve the property (sustained release) to be released and maintain a stable supply for a long period of time.
According to a further preferred aspect of the fingerprint input device of the present invention, the moisturizing composition further contains an antibacterial agent or a bactericidal agent. According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent propagation of germs on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface and to keep the fingerprint reading surface clean.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of a fingerprint input device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 to 3 are perspective views of a state in which a fingerprint input device 10 according to the present invention is installed on a wall surface or a panel 11. FIG. 1 shows a standby state before the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention is used for fingerprint collation, that is, a closed covering state of the lid 3. FIG. 2 shows that the lid 3 is used for fingerprint collation. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the user (verifier) places the finger 12 on the fingerprint reading surface 22 and performs fingerprint verification in the open exposure state.
[0007]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a fingerprint input device 10 according to the present invention includes a fingerprint input unit 2 and a lid 3, and optionally has a guide panel unit 4 and is covered with a suitable cover unit 5. Yes. The guide panel unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal screen, and displays a numeric keypad and an operation guide for users and managers.
[0008]
In the standby state before the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention is used for fingerprint collation, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 3 is in a closed (covered) state and waits. When performing fingerprint collation using the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the lid 3 is opened (exposed), and the mounting table 21 and the fingerprint reading surface 22 are exposed. And The opening of the lid 3 can be automated in conjunction with a user detection sensor (not shown). Alternatively, a grip 31 is provided at the tip of the lid 3 and the user grips the grip 31. The lid 3 can be opened. A fingerprint reading surface 22 is disposed at the center of the mounting table 21, and finger guide portions 23 a and 23 b are preferably provided on both sides thereof, and a stopper portion 24 is preferably provided at the back of the fingerprint reading surface 22.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the user inserts his / her finger along the finger guide portions 23 a and 23 b and advances to the stopper portion 24, the fingerprint carrying portion of the finger 12 is placed on the fingerprint reading surface 22. . In this state, the fingerprint inquiry operation is started. To start the fingerprint inquiry operation, for example, a sensor (not shown) may be provided in the stopper unit 24 to transmit a start switch ON signal. Alternatively, in a state where the fingerprint carrying portion of the finger 12 is placed on the fingerprint reading surface 22, the user is caused to perform an operation of pushing the placing table 21 downward, and a signal from a pressure sensor (not shown) is sent to the fingerprint. It can also be an ON signal of the inquiry operation start switch. According to this method, the adhesion between the finger 12 and the fingerprint reading surface 22 can be easily obtained. After the fingerprint inquiry is completed, the user removes the finger 12 from the fingerprint reading surface 22, so that the operation can be sensed to automatically return the lid 3 to the closed covering state. Alternatively, the user can perform a closing operation of the lid 3. Thus, the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention returns to the standby state shown in FIG.
[0010]
In the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a supply member 33 is provided on the back side surface 32 of the lid 3. The back side surface 32 of the lid 3 is a surface that comes into contact with the mounting table 21 in the closed covering state of the lid 3, and the supply member 33 is disposed at a position in close contact with the fingerprint reading surface 22. The supply member 33 is preferably provided so as to completely cover the entire surface of the fingerprint reading surface 22. The supply member 33 contains a moisturizing composition. Further, in the closed covering state of the lid portion 3, the surface of the supply member 33 and the fingerprint reading surface 22 are made to such an extent that a film of a moisturizing composition can be formed on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface 22. And adhere closely.
[0011]
Therefore, in the fingerprint input device 10 of the present invention, the moisturizing composition is adhered from the supply member 33 on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface 22 in the closed covering state of the lid 3 to form a film of the moisturizing composition. Therefore, when the user places the finger 12 on the fingerprint reading surface 22 with the cover 3 open, the moisturizing composition adheres to the fingerprint carrying portion of the finger 12. Since the moisturizing composition used in the present invention contains an epidermis softener, the epidermis softener acts on the stratum corneum of a dry finger or keratinous finger, thereby improving the adhesion of the ridges of the fingerprint.
[0012]
According to the inventor's experimental results, in order to obtain the degree of adhesion necessary to ensure the accuracy of fingerprint matching, even a very small amount of stratum corneum of the stratum corneum that has advanced to a considerable degree The effect appears instantly only by the action of the skin softener. The reason for this is currently unknown, but since the pattern of the fingerprint is very fine, only a very small amount of epidermal softener acts on the stratum corneum of dry and keratinous fingers, and softened ridges are formed. It is considered that the effect appears when it is in close contact with the fingerprint reading surface.
[0013]
Next, each means used in the fingerprint input device of the present invention will be described in order.
As the fingerprint input unit, any means used in a conventionally known fingerprint input device can be used. For example, as a method for reading fingerprint information, an optical prism method, a semiconductor method, or a scattered light storage voltage method can be used, and a scattered light storage voltage method is preferably used.
The fingerprint reading surface is formed of transparent glass, hard plastic, or the like as in the conventional fingerprint input device, and is formed of glass in the case of the scattered light storage voltage method.
[0014]
The lid opening / closing method is not limited as long as the fingerprint reading surface can be operated to be in a closed covering state or an open exposure state. For example, as shown in FIGS. The fingerprint reading surface can be opened and closed by rotating the lid around the rotation axis provided, or the fingerprint reading surface can be opened and closed by sliding the lid along the guide groove etc. parallel to the surface of the fingerprint reading surface. And a method of opening and closing the fingerprint reading surface by lowering the lid provided above the fingerprint reading surface along the guide bar from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the fingerprint reading surface. The method may be used. The rotation method or the descending method is preferable in that the supply member is not easily damaged, and a uniform film of the moisturizing composition can be easily formed on the fingerprint reading surface.
[0015]
In the closed covering state, it is preferable to provide a pressure member capable of pressing the back surface side of the lid in the direction of the fingerprint reading surface. For example, in the case of the lid portion 3 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an urging means (for example, a coil spring) can be provided. When the lid itself is made of a heavy material, the lid itself becomes the pressurizing means by placing the lid on the fingerprint reading surface, so there is no need to provide a separate pressurizing means. .
By providing the pressurizing means, a film of the moisturizing composition can be uniformly formed on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface, and residual fingerprint marks can be effectively erased.
[0016]
The supply member contains the moisturizing composition and is not particularly limited as long as it is composed of a form and material capable of releasing the moisturizing composition, but is preferably composed of a porous resin, and is composed of an elastic porous resin. Is more preferable. The supply member may be a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a non-woven fabric made of a fiber material. Furthermore, it is preferable that the contact surface with the fingerprint reading surface is a smooth surface. Examples of the porous resin having elasticity include polystyrene foam, ABS resin foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, and polyvinyl chloride foam, and rubber or elastomer foam such as polyurethane rubber foam or ABS resin foam. Is preferred.
[0017]
A known method can also be used when the moisturizing composition is contained in a supply member made of a porous resin. For example, the porous resin supply member can be placed under vacuum or reduced pressure to suck the moisturizing composition, or the moisturizing composition can be pressed into the pores of the porous resin supply member. Sustained release of the moisturizing composition, that is, the amount and rate of release of the moisturizing composition from the supply member onto the fingerprint reading surface is determined by the degree of porosity of the supply member (for example, pore diameter), the moisturizing composition The viscosity of the product, the desired thickness of the moisturizing composition film, the degree of pressing by the pressure member, and the like can be appropriately adjusted and appropriately controlled. The pressure at which the supply member provided on the back side of the lid presses the fingerprint reading surface is not particularly limited because it varies depending on the various factors described above. For example, 0.01 to 0.5 kg / A range of cm ² is preferred.
[0018]
The supply member is preferably fixed to the lid portion in a replaceable manner. That is, since the amount of the moisturizing composition contained in the supply member gradually decreases with each fingerprint collation operation, for example, an appropriate replenishment port is provided in the lid, and the moisturizing composition is provided in the supply member. It is also possible to replenish materials, but the supply member with insufficient moisture-retaining composition content can be removed from the lid and replaced with a new supply member. Alternatively, it is preferable that the supply member can be replaced if it is damaged.
[0019]
The moisturizing composition used in the present invention contains an epidermis softener. As the skin softener, known compounds can be used. Specific examples include lactic acid, lactate, urea, salicylic acid or a salt thereof, triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or sulfate group-containing mucopoly. Examples thereof include saccharides (for example, heparin-like substances). These epidermis softeners can be used alone or in combination. The blending amount of these epidermal softeners is not particularly limited. For example, 0.1 to 3% by weight in the case of lactic acid or lactate and 1 in the case of urea with respect to the total weight of the moisturizing composition. -20% by weight, 0.1 to 2% by weight in the case of salicylic acid or a salt thereof, 0.005 to 3% by weight in the case of a sulfate group-containing mucopolysaccharide, and an alkaline agent such as triethanolamine or In the case of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, the blending amount is preferably such that the pH of the moisturizing composition exhibits a weak alkalinity of 8-9.
[0020]
The moisturizing composition used in the present invention can also contain other general components contained in a normal hand cream. Common components include, for example, an aqueous component (for example, water or alcohol water), a humectant (for example, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or glycerin), a surfactant (for example, glycerin isostearate, or polyoxy). Ethylene hardened castor oil), antioxidants (eg, butylhydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid, or tocopherol), skin penetration enhancers (eg, quaternary ammonium salts such as benzalkonium chloride or epoxidized nonylphenols), colorants (For example, inorganic pigments such as iron oxide or chromium oxide, dyes such as rhodamine B or carotene), other medicinal ingredients, or general compounding ingredients such as fragrances.
[0021]
The moisturizing composition used in the present invention contains a thickener (eg, sodium alginate, gum arabic, carboxyvinyl polymer, or carboxymethylcellulose) because it is gradually released by being included in a supply member made of a porous resin. A highly viscous liquid is preferred. The viscosity of the moisturizing composition can be controlled by appropriately adjusting the content and type of the thickener.
[0022]
The moisturizing composition used in the present invention contains an antibacterial agent or fungicide (for example, benzoic acid or a salt thereof, salicylic acid or a salt thereof, sorbic acid or a salt thereof, dehydroacetic acid or a salt thereof, paraoxybenzoic acid ester, parachlorometacresol. , Hexachlorophene, boric acid, resorcin, tribromosaran, isopropylmethylphenol, benzalkonium chloride, orthophenylphenol, chlorohexidine gluconate, alkylisoquinolinium bromide, trichlorocarbanilide, halocarban, or thiram), Alternatively, it is preferable to include a preservative (for example, paraben, methylparaben, benzethonium chloride, or chlorhexidine).
[0023]
Furthermore, the moisturizing composition used in the present invention preferably dissolves sebum that forms residual fingerprint marks on the fingerprint reading surface or contains a component having affinity for sebum. Examples of these components include a semi-solid oil (Vaseline, lanolin, hydrogenated lanolin, or triglyceride) and a liquid oil (liquid paraffin, squalane, or synthetic ester oil). When the moisturizing composition used in the present invention contains the above-described components, the residual fingerprint traces are formed while the supply member surface and the fingerprint reading surface are in close contact with each other to form the moisturizing composition film. It melts inside and the residual fingerprint marks disappear.
[0024]
Note that Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-65676 (Patent Document 2) describes a fingerprint input device provided with means for wiping off dirt such as sweat and oil on many fingerprints with a cleaning liquid. Yes. However, the purpose of wiping off dirt with this fingerprint input device is to prevent mixing of noise caused by the dirt, and the cleaning liquid used is a liquid that can be supplied from below to above via a sponge. Moreover, since the cloth containing the cleaning liquid is slid onto the fingerprint reading surface to wipe off dirt such as sweat and grease, the film formed on the fingerprint reading surface is completely different from the film formed in the present invention. is there.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
According to the fingerprint input device of the present invention, since the skin softener-containing moisturizing composition film is formed on the fingerprint reading surface, when the user places a finger on the fingerprint reading surface for fingerprint verification, The above-mentioned film is adhered to the user's finger surface, and even in the case of dry or keratinous fingers, the epidermis softens and improves adhesion to the fingerprint reading surface, and accurate fingerprint information can be obtained from dry and keratinous fingers. It can be read and accurate fingerprint verification is possible.
[0026]
According to the fingerprint input device of the present invention including the pressure member, a film of the moisturizing composition can be uniformly formed on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface, and the residual fingerprint trace can be effectively erased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent disgust that occurs when a finger is placed on another person's residual fingerprint trace, and to prevent the act of collecting a fingerprint from another person's residual fingerprint trace.
[0027]
According to the fingerprint input device of the present invention in which the supply member is made of a porous resin and has a smooth processed surface, a film of the moisturizing composition can be formed more uniformly on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface, and the residual fingerprint Not only can the traces be erased more reliably, but the sustained release of the moisturizing composition can be improved and a stable supply over a long period of time can be maintained.
According to the fingerprint input device of the present invention using a moisturizing composition further containing an antibacterial agent or a bactericidal agent, it is possible to prevent the proliferation of germs on the surface of the fingerprint reading surface and to keep the fingerprint reading surface clean. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a standby state before a fingerprint input device of the present invention is used for fingerprint collation.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid is opened and exposed in order to use the fingerprint input device of the present invention for fingerprint collation.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the fingerprint input device of the present invention is in an open exposure state and a user places his / her finger on the fingerprint reading surface to perform fingerprint collation.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 ... fingerprint input part; 3 ... lid part; 4 ... guide panel part;
5 ... cover part; 10 ... fingerprint input device; 11 ... panel;
12: Finger; 21 ... Mounting table; 22 ... Fingerprint reading surface;
23a, 23b ... finger guide part; 24 ... stopper part; 31 ... grip part;
32 ... back side surface; 33 ... supply member.

Claims (3)

A fingerprint input unit for reading fingerprint information from a finger surface in contact with the fingerprint reading surface;
A lid portion operably provided so that the fingerprint reading surface is in a closed covering state or an open exposure state;
A fingerprint input device including a supply member that is provided on a contact surface side of the lid with the fingerprint reading surface and contains a moisturizing composition containing an epidermis softener and capable of releasing the moisturizing composition; ,
The lid opening / closing method is a method of opening / closing the fingerprint reading surface by rotating the lid portion around a rotation axis provided on one side of the fingerprint reading surface, or the above-mentioned provided above the fingerprint reading surface. A method of opening and closing the fingerprint reading surface by lowering the lid portion from above to below the fingerprint reading surface;
In the closed cover state of the lid portion, the pressure sensor further includes a pressure member capable of pressing the lid portion against the fingerprint reading surface, and in the closed cover state of the lid portion , the lid portion is the pressure member. In the state where the supply member completely covers the entire surface of the fingerprint reading surface to the extent that it can be pressed onto the fingerprint reading surface by the above-mentioned and a film of the moisturizing composition can be formed on the fingerprint reading surface. The fingerprint input device, wherein a surface of a supply member and the fingerprint reading surface are brought into close contact with each other. The fingerprint input device according to claim 1, wherein the supply member is made of a porous resin and has a smooth processed surface. The moisturizing composition, a fingerprint input apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that further comprises an antimicrobial agent or disinfectant.

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