Waveguide hologram fingerprint entry device

The recording and entry of fingerprints into the local and national databases is increasingly relying on optics to simplify and speed up this process. A prototype device for the entry of fingerprints that uses a waveguide hologram as part of the scheme for illuminating the finger is described. The use of the waveguide hologram enables reduction in the size, weight, and energy consumption of a fingerprint entry device (or live scan device). The entry device then becomes highly portable and thus useful in many office and field applications. Coupled with electronic or optical processing and storage along with telephone or radio transmission of the captured fingerprints, rapid identification of individuals becomes a realizable goal. The components required for the prototype holographic fingerprint entry device (HoloFED) including the light source, the illumination waveguide hologram, the imaging system and the storage, and processing system are discussed. Examples of fingerprints captured are shown. The trade-offs necessary for the implementation of the prototype are object-to-image distance, optical efficiency, weight, and cost. (C) 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.