February 25, 2003
Alliance Agreement on Development
and Mass Production of Fingerprint Scanner for Mobile
Devices
Newly Developed "Rolling-Tube Head"
Scanner with All Component Parts Built-In |
ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD. CASIO Computer Co., Ltd.
ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters, Ota Ward, Tokyo; President, Masataka
Kataoka)and CASIO Computer Co., Ltd. (Headquarters, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo;
President, Kazuo Kashio) have formed a business alliance to develop,
manufacture, and market a high-precision, rolling-tube head scanner for
incorporation into mobile telephones and other mobile
devices.
The market for fingerprint verification devices is
forecasted to grow rapidly, reaching JPY6 billion in 2003 and JPY12
billion by 2007 (Fuji Chimera Research Institute study, excluding
mobile-telephone use). However, there have still been some unresolved
technological issues. For instance, existing line scanners give a
distorted fingerprint image when they follow the contour of a finger. In
addition, while an area scanner can give a distortion-free fingerprint
image, the problems involved with both its miniaturization and the cost of
the units make existing scanners a less-than-optimal solution for
incorporation into mobile phones, PDAs, and other small
devices.
The newly developed rolling-tube head optical
scanner overcomes the drawbacks of previously existing devices, and when
installed in mobile devices offers a wide range of functions, including
fingerprint and text scanning.
- Use of the rolling-tube head scanner allows distortion-free
scanning.
Because the interface between the device and the
fingertip, or other object to be scanned, is the surface of the roller,
it is possible to maintain steady pressure while scanning. This results
in precise, distortion-free scanning.
- It is a subminiature device that can easily be incorporated
into mobile telephones.
Miniaturization of the device is
achieved by mounting the scanner sensor , the optical lens, and the
light source inside the roller using high-density mounting technology.
Integration also contributes to lower costs.
- The use of optical technology produces both high reliability
and high-resolution scanning.
- CASIO's proprietary high-reliability fingerprint
authentication algorithm, VeriPat(R), is also
available.
Under the terms of this business
alliance, CASIO is developing both the basic configuration of the device
(20 related patents have been applied for) and the software. ALPS is
developing the mechanism using its expertise in microfabrication
technology, accumulated in the production of optical lenses, as well as
high-density mounting and precision-design technologies. ALPS will also
mass-produce the device. Having cooperated in the development and
production of this device, the two companies will jointly market it for
use in mobile telephones and other mobile devices, as well as in PCs,
digital cameras and other IT devices, and in components for home
electronic appliances.
The rolling-tube head scanner is
scheduled to commence shipping in October 2003. With both companies
marketing the device, sales goals are JPY2 billion for fiscal 2004 and
JPY4 billion in fiscal 2005.
Configuration of the hollow
rolling-tube head scanner
Size |
6mmų x 15mmL |
Resolution |
24ppmm (600ppi)* |
Color depth |
256 (8-bit) monochrome |
Scanning speed |
200mm/s |
Image size |
288W x 310H (89,280pixels)** |
* |
ppmm |
pixels per millimeter (international standard notation) |
|
ppi |
ppi pixels per inch |
** |
|
Reference value for fingerprint scanning |
|