Mantra Softech Gains US Patent for Advanced Fingerprint Liveness Detection

Published Date : 7/22/2025 

India-based Mantra Softech has been granted a US patent for a new fingerprint biometric liveness detection method using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The technology enhances security by detecting and preventing biometric spoof attacks. 

India-based Mantra Softech has secured a significant patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for an advanced fingerprint biometric liveness detection method. The invention, titled “Optical Fingerprint Scanner and Method for Detecting Optical Coherent Gating Liveness,” leverages optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the optical properties of the subsurface of the finger.

Mantra’s innovative method captures both the conventional external image of the fingerprint and the internal microstructure of the finger. This is achieved by shining a broadband light source at the finger, which then passes through a beam splitter, a collimating lens, and a Michelson interferometer for coherent gating. The resulting image reflects the spatial micro profile depth or reflectance properties of the preselected internal surface plane.

This integration of optical coherent gating based on OCT significantly enhances liveness detection, making it highly effective in preventing a wide array of biometric spoof attacks. Mantra has long been a leader in fingerprint biometric scanners with built-in presentation attack detection (PAD), such as the MELO31 FAP30 device launched in 2023. The PAD system in this device is based on measuring how light is reflected or refracted by the skin.

The new liveness detection method is not only cost-effective and compact but also highly 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 R&D efforts and the growing prominence of Indian technology on the global stage.

This patent not only adds to Mantra’s global credibility but also 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 critical, such as banking and finance, border security and immigration, defense and law enforcement, government welfare programs, healthcare, workforce management, and consumer electronics.

Mantra’s commitment to innovation and security is evident in this groundbreaking technology, which promises to enhance the reliability and trustworthiness of biometric systems worldwide. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new liveness detection method patented by Mantra Softech?

A: The new liveness detection method patented by Mantra Softech uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the optical properties of the subsurface of the finger, enhancing the detection of biometric spoof attacks.

Q: How does Mantra Softech's OCT-based method work?

A: Mantra Softech's OCT-based method captures both the conventional external image of the fingerprint and the internal microstructure of the finger by shining a broadband light source and using a Michelson interferometer for coherent gating.

Q: What are the benefits of Mantra Softech's new liveness detection method?

A: The new method is cost-effective, compact, and highly secure, with lower complexity and computational overhead compared to multispectral or 3D optical systems, making it ideal for various industries.

Q: Which industries can benefit from Mantra Softech's liveness detection method?

A: Industries that can benefit 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 credibility?

A: The patent adds to Mantra Softech's global credibility, opening doors to international licensing, commercial partnerships, and product integrations, and highlights the strength of Indian technology on the global stage. 

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