DEVICE FOR SIMULTANEOUS ACQUISITION OF ALL FINGERPRINTS OF EITHER HAND

摘要

A fingerprint acquisition device (14) is disclosed for simultaneously or in near simultaneous relation acquiring fingerprints of all fingers and a thumb. A plurality of fingerprint surfaces (34, 36, 38, 40) for receiving fingerprints are oriented in a hemispherical housing (16). The particular mounting of these fingerprint surfaces is to receive fingerprints as if the hand of the person being fingerprinted were grasping a ball (10), and pressing the fingertips against a surface (12). As such, the fingerprint surfaces are mounted generally normal to plane or surface (12). In one embodiment, 5 fingerprint surfaces are used, with a thumbprint surface used for both thumbs. In another embodiment, 6 fingerprint surfaces are used, with a separate surface for each of the thumbs, allowing for automatic discrimination of handedness. Device (14) may be a standalone access fingerprinting device incorporating a microcontroller, or connected to a computer for enrollment purposes.