Published Date : 7/21/2025Â
India-based Mantra Softech has secured a significant US patent for its advanced method of fingerprint biometric liveness detection based on optical coherence tomography (OCT). The patent, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, is titled “Optical Fingerprint Scanner and Method for Detecting Optical Coherent Gating Liveness.”
The patented invention involves a novel approach to measuring the optical properties of the subsurface, or internal surface plane, of the finger. Mantra’s method captures both the conventional, external image of the fingerprint and the internal microstructure by using a broadband light source. The light from the second source is directed through a beam splitter, a collimating lens, and a Michelson interferometer for coherent gating. This process generates an image that reflects the spatial micro profile depth or reflectance properties of the preselected internal surface plane.
By integrating optical coherent gating based on OCT, Mantra’s technology ensures robust liveness detection, effectively preventing a wide array of biometric spoof attacks. This is a significant enhancement over traditional methods, which often rely on simpler techniques like measuring how light is reflected or refracted by the skin.
Mantra Softech has a history of offering fingerprint biometric scanners with built-in presentation attack detection (PAD). For instance, the MELO31 FAP30 device, launched in 2023, uses a PAD system based on light reflection and refraction. The new OCT-based method, however, is more cost-effective, compact, and secure, with lower complexity and computational overhead compared to multispectral or 3D optical systems.
Mantra Softech Founder Hiren Bhandari emphasizes that the patent is a testament to the strength of the company’s research and development (R&D) efforts and highlights the growing global recognition of Indian technology. The patent also enhances Mantra’s global credibility and opens doors to international licensing, commercial partnerships, and product integrations.
The liveness detection method is particularly suitable for industries where identity verification and fraud prevention are critically important. These include banking and finance, border security and immigration, defense and law enforcement, government welfare programs, healthcare, workforce management, and consumer electronics.
Mantra Softech’s innovative approach to biometric security is poised to make a significant impact in the global market, offering enhanced security and reliability in a wide range of applications.Â
Q: What is optical coherence tomography (OCT)?
A: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses light to capture high-resolution images of biological tissues. In the context of biometric liveness detection, it measures the optical properties of the subsurface of the finger to ensure the authenticity of the fingerprint.
Q: How does Mantra Softech’s new liveness detection method work?
A: Mantra Softech’s new method uses OCT to capture both the external fingerprint image and the internal microstructure of the finger. By measuring the optical properties of the subsurface, it can detect and prevent biometric spoof attacks more effectively than traditional methods.
Q: What are the advantages of using OCT for liveness detection?
A: The advantages of using OCT for liveness detection include cost-effectiveness, compactness, high security, and lower computational overhead compared to multispectral or 3D optical systems.
Q: Which industries can benefit from this technology?
A: Industries that can benefit from Mantra Softech’s OCT-based liveness detection technology include banking and finance, border security and immigration, defense and law enforcement, government welfare programs, healthcare, workforce management, and consumer electronics.
Q: What does the patent mean for Mantra Softech’s global presence?
A: The patent enhances Mantra Softech’s global credibility and opens doors to international licensing, commercial partnerships, and product integrations, highlighting the company’s R&D strength and the growing recognition of Indian technology on the global stage.Â