This proposal is for the development of a technology apparatus which can dynamically synthesize a mechanical fingerprint pattern, from an electronic image or from a computer-generated artificial pattern, onto a 2-dimensional pliable surface whose surface height is modulated by protrusions in the z-axis direction. When mechanically applied to a fingerprint sensor-under-test, the synthesized modulated surface appears to be a human fingerprint. Thus, the instrument can be utilized to apply all sorts of pre-programmed, standardized, controlled and/or experimental fingerprint patterns to a variety of sensors-under-test. Some of the key parametric attributes of this technology are: greater-than-500dpi resolution, large contiguous active area (3.2"x2.0"), up to 80 um of z-axis displacement, 8-bit resolution for height displacement, fast response time, fully computer-controlled, and compatible with all known fingerprint sensing technologies. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: This research will lead to the development, manufacturing and marketing of test equipment for use in the testing, characterization and calibration of fingerprint sensors, sensor systems, and of matching algorithms. Such equipment does not currently exist in the marketplace. The significant advance of this tester is in its ability to generate high resolution (over 500dpi) mechanical fingerprint patterns over a large area (compatible with the 4-finger slap requirement) in a computer-controlled programmable and dynamic manner. Potential customers include manufacturers of fingerprint sensors, test/calibration/certification service providers, biometric researchers, and governmental agencies internationally
