A system to enhance latent fingerprint visualization using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications

Abstract

A system for enhancing latent fingerprint visualization using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications, comprising: a cleaning unit configured to clean the hand of a person with a fingerprint and ensure the removal of any contaminants; one or more fingerprint surfaces configured to receive fingerprints from the test subject, the surfaces comprising porous material, semi-porous material, and non-porous material, wherein the test subject gently presses on the surface to form the fingerprint; a container for storing fine homogeneous cobalt chromate powder (CoCr2O4); a dusting device configured to gently dust the powder onto the fingerprinted surface; a surface-mounted illumination unit that makes fingerprints clearly visible and reveals clear ridge patterns; and a recording unit with a high-resolution digital camera configured to record the image of the developed fingerprints visible in the light provided by the illumination unit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to a system for enhancing the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-surface fingerprint sensing system using cobalt chromate nanoparticles to sense fingerprint patterns.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFingerprints, due to their unique, permanent and distinguishable features, serve as important biological identification features in crimilar verifications. These identification features consist of three feature planes: plane 1 (general fingerprint patterns), plane 2 (specific fingerprint details) and plane 3 (microscopic details). Latent fingerprints (LFPs), invisible prints of natural oils and sweat on surfaces, represent valuable forensic evidence at tatites.Conventional LFP visualization techniques utilize metal and magnetic powders that adhere to the moisture and oils in fingerprint debris. However, these traditional techniques have significant limitations including low contrast, insufficient sensitivity, potential toxicity, and significant background disturbances that affect the accurate recognition and analysis of fingerprints.The present invention overcomes these deficiencies by using cobalt chromate nanoparticles (CoCr 2 O 4) as an advanced medium for fingerprint development. This novel approach improves LFP visualization on different surfaces while providing better contrast, improved edge sharpness, and higher sensitivity compared to conventional methods. The system allows for clear visualization of all three levels of fingerprint features on different substrates, including porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials, thereby significantly improving forensic identification capabilities.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to a system for enhancing the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications. The present invention provides a comprehensive system for improved visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles (CoCr 2 O 4) for forensic applications. The system integrates multiple functional units to optimize fingerprint capture, development, visualization, and analysis. This novel approach utilizes fine, homogeneous cobalt chromate powder to effectively visualize latent fingerprints on different surfaces and to produce high resolution images that visualize all three levels of fingerprint edge details.The present disclosure aims to provide a system for improving the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications. The system comprises: a cleaning unit for cleaning a person's hand to remove any contaminants; one or more surfaces for receiving the person's fingerprints, the surfaces being made of porous, semi-porous and non-porous material and the person gently pressing on the surface during printing; a container for storing fine, homogeneous cobalt chromate powder (CoCr 2 O 4); a dusting device for gently dusting the powder onto the surface; a lighting unit mounted on the surface for clearly visualizing fingerprints, whereby clear groove patterns become visible; and a recording unit with a high resolution digital camera for recording images of the developed fingerprints visible in the light of the lighting unit.An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for improving the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications.Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved latent fingerprint visualization system using cobalt chromate nanoparticles that overcomes the limitations of conventional fingerprint development techniques.Another object of the present disclosure is to develop a versatile fingerprint visualization system capable of effectively developing and detecting clear fingerprint groove patterns on multiple surface types, including porous, semi-porous, and non-porous materials.Another object of the present disclosure is to develop a comprehensive forensic tool that maintains the integrity and feature retention of the fingerprint throughout the visualization process, thus enabling reliable identification of fingerprint features of levels 1, 2, and 3.In order to further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This drawing shows only typical embodiments of the invention and is therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGUREThese and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout. The following applies here: FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for enhancing latent fingerprint visualization using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the elements in the drawing are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the method using the key steps to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Also, as for the construction of the apparatus, individual or plural components of the apparatus may be represented by conventional symbols in the drawing. The drawing may only show the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawing with details readily apparent to those skilled in the art after the present description.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and will be described in an comprehensible manner. However, the scope of the invention is not limited thereby. Changes and further modifications of the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the principles of the invention, are possible, as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.References throughout this specification to "one aspect," "another aspect," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in another embodiment," and similar phrases in this specification may or may not refer to the same embodiment.The terms "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method comprising a list of steps may include not only those steps, but also other steps not expressly listed or inherent in that process or method. Likewise, the phrase "comprises... for" one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not exclude, without further limitations, the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be considered limiting.Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system ( 100) for improving the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Referring to Figure 1, the system (100) comprises: a cleaning unit (102) for cleaning the hand of a person whose fingerprints are to be scanned to remove any contaminants; one or more fingerprint surfaces (104) for receiving the fingerprints of the person, the surfaces being made of porous, semi-porous and non-porous material and gently pressing the person on which the fingerprint is to be scanned onto the surface; a container (106) for storing fine, homogeneous cobalt chromate powder (CoCr 2 O 4); a sputtering device (108) for gently sputtering the powder onto the fingerprinted surface; a surface mounted lighting unit (110) that makes fingerprints clearly visible and exposes clear groove patterns; and a recording unit (112) having a high-resolution digital camera for recording images of the developed fingerprints visible in the light provided by the illumination unit.In one embodiment, the porous material comprises a sheet surface.In one embodiment, the semi-porous material comprises an OHP sheet.In one embodiment, the nonporous material comprises a glass surface.In one embodiment, the sputtering device (108) includes an outer spring brush configured to provide uniform and smooth application of the cobalt chromate powder.In one embodiment, the illumination unit (110) is configured to illuminate the fingerprinted surface under visible light conditions.In one embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a computerized analysis unit (114) configured to analyze the captured fingerprint images to identify level 1, level 2, and level 3 ridge features.In one embodiment, the system (100) further comprises a storage unit (116) configured to store and organize the captured fingerprint images for later forensic investigation, wherein a computing processing unit (118) is configured to process the captured fingerprint images to improve them.In one embodiment, the system is configured to maintain the integrity of the fingerprint and the preservation of features during the visualization process.In one embodiment, the system is configured to generate clear and reliable fingerprints on various substrates, including smooth and rough surfaces.The present invention relates to a system for enhancing the visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles. The system consists of several integrated units which cooperate to effectively develop, visualize and capture latent fingerprints for forensic applications. The cleaning unit thoroughly cleans the hand of the fingerprint carrier and removes any contaminants that could affect the quality of the fingerprint. After cleaning, the fingerprint carrier gently presses its fingers onto one or more surfaces comprising porous material (e.g., a sheet), semi-porous material (e.g., an overhead foil), or non-porous material (e.g., glass). These varied surfaces demonstrate the versatility of the system for various types of substrates that are frequently occurring in forensic scenarios. The system includes a container for storing fine, homogeneous cobalt chromate powder (CoCr 2 O 4), which serves as the primary developing medium. The cleaning device, typically with a cantilever brush, permits careful and precise application of the cobalt chromate powder to the surface of the fingerprint carrier and assures uniform distribution without compromising latent prints. After application of the powder, the illumination unit attached to the surface illuminates the resulting fingerprints under visible light and thus makes clear, high-contrast burr patterns visible. The recording unit, a high-resolution digital camera, then records detailed images of the resulting fingerprints. These images may be processed by an optional analysis unit that identifies and analyzes the three levels of the ridge features of the fingerprint. In addition, the system may include a storage unit for organizing and storing the recorded fingerprint images for later forensic investigations and comparisons. The integration of this system ensures the integrity and preservation of the fingerprints throughout the visualization process. This results in clear and reliable fingerprints on different substrate surfaces, both smooth and rough. This allows forensians to effectively identify persons through comprehensive fingerprint analysis.The present invention relates to a system for improved visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications. The fingerprint is captured by the donor (hereinafter "subject"). The system is configured to clean and decontiguous the subject's hand. The subject can then print his fingerprint on three different surfaces: a porous material (sheet), a semi-porous material (overhead foil) and a non-porous material (glass). The finger is pressed gently with minimal pressure to avoid distortions. Cobalt chromate nanoparticles (CoCr2O4) were prepared by grinding in a mortar to a fine, homogeneous powder. This powder was then gently spread on the depressed surfaces with a stringing pen to ensure uniform and smooth distribution. After scattering, the resulting fingerprints were visualized under visible light, whereby distinct groove patterns became visible. Finally, high resolution images of the resulting fingerprints were taken with a Canon digital camera to analyze the fingerprint features on each surface in detail.The system showed exceptional effectiveness in improving the visualization of latent fingerprints (LFP) on various types of substrates using cobalt chromate powder (CoCr 2 O 4). After printing the fingerprint on certain surfaces, such as porous sheet surfaces, semi-porous overhead foils and non-porous glass, the dispenser equipped with a struccumbent brush allowed the uniform application of the CoCr 2 O 4- powder stored in the container. This led to the development of highly clear fingerprints under visible illumination by the illumination unit.The developed fingerprints consistently exhibited all three levels of burr details. Plane 1 features such as burring flow and core pattern were clearly visible. Plane 2 features, including branches, ridges, bridges and lakes, were sharply defined. Plane 3 features such as pore shapes, ridge edges, hooks, and weld pore details were also recognizable as confirmed by the detection and analysis unit. This multi-level feature visibility confirms the high resolution capability of the system.The computer-based analysis unit also enabled the profiling of the pixel intensity of fingerprint images developed on different substrates. On smooth surfaces such as glass and overhead films, the ridge and groove patterns had uniform spacings and consistent peak and valley intensities, indicating high clarity. Slight variations in pixel intensity were observed on rough leaf surfaces due to the inherent texture, with all important features retained. This confirms the adaptability of the system to surface irregularities.In addition, three-dimensional ridge profiles were prepared which exhibited topographical elevations (ridges) and depressions (ridges). Smooth substrates gave uniform heights and spacings, while structured sheet surfaces exhibited slight waves without loss of burr details. These spatial profiles enhanced the depth and structural fidelity of the developed prints.Performance evaluation under various environmental loads confirmed the robustness of the system. The fingerprints were stable from the first to eighty days and remained intact despite aging. Also, intense UV irradiation and thermal stresses up to 120° C. did not impair the groove and groove sharpness and thus confirmed the excellent photostability and thermal load-bearing capacity. The pixel intensity profiles of aged, UV-treated and heat-exposed prints remained constant and showed no appreciable deterioration.Overall, the proposed system reliably produced high resolution, analyzable fingerprints on various substrates. The memory unit connected to the computing unit made it possible to store the fingerprint data securely for forensic investigations. The ability of the system to preserve the details of the fingerprints even under environmental loads emphasizes its suitability for long-term forensic and investigative applications under different real conditions.The drawings and the foregoing description show examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be divided into multiple functional elements. Elements of one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of the processes described herein may be changed and is not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of a flow chart need not be performed in the order shown; nor do all actions necessarily need to be performed. Also, actions that are not dependent on other actions may be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether or not explicitly stated in the specification, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and material use, are possible. The scope of the embodiments is at least as broad as recited in the following claims.Advantages, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, merits, solutions to problems and any components that may result in an advantage, merit or solution being introduced or enhanced are not to be understood as critical, required or essential features or components of individual or all claims.REFERENCES100 System for Improving Visualization of Latent Fingerprints with Cobalt Chromate Nanoparticles for Forensic Applications. 102 Cleaning unit 104 One or more fingerprint areas 106 Containers 108 Dust extraction devices 110 Lighting unit 112 Detection unit 114 Computer analysis unit 116 Storage unit 118 Computing unit

Claims

A system for enhancing visualization of latent fingerprints using cobalt chromate nanoparticles for forensic applications, comprising: a cleaning unit configured to clean a person's hand with fingerprint and ensure removal of any contaminants; one or more fingerprint surfaces configured to receive fingerprints from the test subject, the surfaces comprising porous material, semi-porous material, and non-porous material, wherein the test subject gently presses on the surface to imprint the fingerprint; a container for storing fine homogeneous cobalt chromate powder (CoCr 2 O 4); a powder dispenser configured to gently dust the powder onto the fingerprinted surface; a surface-mounted lighting unit that makes fingerprints clearly visible and makes clear burr patterns visible; and a capture unit including a high-resolution digital camera configured to capture the image of the developed fingerprints visible in the light provided by the lighting unit.The system of claim 1, wherein the porous material comprises a sheet surface.The system of claim 1, wherein the semi-porous material comprises an OHP sheet.The system of claim 1, wherein the nonporous material comprises a glass surface.The system of claim 1, wherein the dusting apparatus comprises an outer spring brush configured to provide uniform and smooth application of the cobalt chromate powder.The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination unit is configured to illuminate the fingerprinted surface under visible light conditions.The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer-based analysis unit configured to analyze the captured fingerprint images to identify level 1, level 2, and level 3 ridge features.The system of claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store and organize the captured fingerprint images for later forensic investigation, wherein a computing unit is configured to process the captured fingerprint images to improve them.The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to maintain the integrity of the fingerprint and the preservation of the features during the visualization process.The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to generate clear and reliable fingerprints on various substrates including smooth and rough surfaces.

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