Protective element for fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective element (12) for a portable fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device (10). This protective element (12) comprises a main panel (22) that is movable relative to an acquisition surface (14) of the portable device (10) and is configured to pivot between a closed position in which it covers the acquisition surface (14) and at least one uncovered position in which it exposes the acquisition surface (14). The main panel (22) includes an opening (46) that extends over a predefined area (16) of the acquisition surface (14) when it is in the closed position. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Protective element for a fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a protective element for a portable electronic device for acquiring fingerprints and / or palm prints. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A portable impression taking device generally consists of an electronic box comprising an acquisition surface equipped with a sensor on which the hand or part of a hand is placed for taking fingerprints and / or palm prints.

[0003] The size of the acquisition surface is adapted to allow for taking impressions of the palm of the hand or several fingers simultaneously. The acquisition surface may also include a specific, smaller area dedicated to taking rolled fingerprints.

[0004] To facilitate the location of this area, and therefore to promote taking the impression in a rolled position, it is common to delimit this area using a marking on the casing.

[0005] The portable impression taking device has a small geometric footprint and is ergonomically designed to be easily transported to any location, whether indoors or outdoors.

[0006] US 2012 014569 Al and US 2017 046554 Al describe a portable device comprising an acquisition surface adapted for the acquisition of fingerprints.

[0007] An example of the use of a portable fingerprinting device outdoors could be the collection, by law enforcement, of fingerprints and / or palm prints of individuals, particularly suspects and defendants, near the scene of an offense, misdemeanor, or felony, or during a routine identity check. The portable device must therefore be designed to function optimally in all weather conditions. For outdoor use, it is common practice to equip the devices with a protective screen to shield the acquisition surface from external damage.

[0008] CN107590417A describes a portable fingerprinting device equipped with a movable upper main panel allowing protection of the acquisition surface from external moisture.

[0009] US20060115134A1 describes a retractable protective housing for a device taking fingerprints. TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] When a portable fingerprinting and / or palm print device is used outdoors, it may be subjected to highly variable lighting conditions. In particular, under very bright light conditions, and depending on the angle of the light source relative to the acquisition surface and the position of the fingers on said surface, the sensor may be dazzled, and additional reflection phenomena may occur in the optical elements of the device. This results in the acquisition of partial and / or poor-quality fingerprint images. Image quality may be further degraded if the person whose fingerprints are being acquired is uncooperative.

[0011] This drawback is particularly pronounced for devices with a dedicated area for taking impressions wrapped around their acquisition surface. Not only is the acquisition surface outside the dedicated area always exposed to varying lighting conditions, but also, when the person whose impressions are being taken is uncooperative, the fingers may be incorrectly positioned relative to this dedicated area. The acquired images of the impressions are then unusable. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] The invention proposes a protective element for a portable fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device, said protective element comprising a main panel which is movable relative to an acquisition surface of the portable device, and which is configured to pivot between a so-called closed position in which it covers said acquisition surface and at least one deployment position in which it uncovers said acquisition surface; wherein the main panel comprises an opening which extends over a predefined area of ​​the acquisition surface when it is in the closed position.

[0013] The opening in the main panel is designed to correspond to the area of ​​the sensor's upper surface intended for taking a rolled-up impression. Thus, when the main panel is in the closed position, only the predefined area of ​​the sensor is accessible, which facilitates taking a rolled-up impression.

[0014] Preferably, the opening is a through opening formed in a peripheral edge of the main panel.

[0015] Preferably, the protective element further comprises a flap which is movable relative to the main panel, said flap is configured to pivot between a so-called closing position in which the flap extends to cover the opening of the main panel and a so-called clearance position in which the flap does not cover the opening.

[0016] Preferably, the flap is configured to pivot relative to the main panel using a hinge.

[0017] Preferably, the flap includes means for holding it in one and / or the other of the closing and disengaging positions, said fastening means preferably being of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

[0018] Preferably, the main panel includes side wings, each side wing being hinged with respect to a side edge of the main panel and being configured to, in a first position called folded, hold the main panel in its closed position and to, in a second position, hold the main panel in its deployment position, in which the main panel is inclined with respect to the acquisition surface of the portable device and form an additional side panel to the main panel.

[0019] Preferably, the main panel includes means for holding it in either of the closed and deployed positions, said holding means preferably being of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

[0020] Preferably, the protective element comprises a secondary panel on which the main panel is pivotally mounted, said secondary panel comprising means suitable for fixing said secondary panel with the portable device, said fixing means preferably being of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

[0021] Preferably, the secondary panel includes means for its positioning relative to the portable device.

[0022] The invention also relates to a fingerprint acquisition system comprising a portable device for acquiring fingerprints and palm prints and a protective element according to the invention.

[0023] Preferably, the portable device includes an upper acquisition surface with a predefined area for taking rolled-up impressions and in which the opening of the main panel of the protective element extends over said predefined area of ​​the upper acquisition surface when the main panel is in the closed position. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a portable acquisition device of fingerprints and / or palm prints.

[0025] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a portable device and a protective element in which the main panel is in a closed position.

[0026] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a protective element in which the main panel is in a deployment position according to a first embodiment.

[0027] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a portable device equipped with the element protection of the [Fig.3].

[0028] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of a protective element in which the main panel is in a deployment position according to a second embodiment.

[0029] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a portable device equipped with the element protection of the [Fig.5].

[0030] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a protective element similar to that of [Fig.2], showing the shutter in its position of closing the opening of the main panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Figure 1 shows a portable device 10 for capturing fingerprints and palm prints. It comprises an upper acquisition surface 14 equipped with a sensor on which the hand or part of a hand is placed for taking fingerprints and / or palm prints.

[0032] This upper surface 14 of the portable device 10 itself includes a predefined area 16 intended for taking either a rolled fingerprint or a static fingerprint of one or more fingers held together without being rolled. A rolled fingerprint consists of rolling a finger while rotating it around its principal direction to acquire a larger surface area of ​​the finger compared to a static fingerprint.

[0033] This predefined area 16, the boundaries of which have been represented by dashed lines, is not marked on the upper surface 14, so as not to impair the quality of the impressions taken at this demarcation. It can, however, be marked by a specific marking on the periphery of the housing 18 of the portable device 10, i.e., here by the presence or absence of notches 20 on it.

[0034] Figures 2 and following show a protective element 12 intended to protect the upper acquisition surface 14, which consists of an element attached to the portable device 10.

[0035] The protective element 12 includes a main panel 22 which is movable relative to the acquisition surface 14 of the portable device 10.

[0036] The main panel 22 is configured to pivot relative to the upper surface 14 between a closed position shown in [Fig.2] and several deployment positions.

[0037] With reference to [Fig.2], the main panel 22 is configured to occupy a first closed position relative to the upper surface 14, in which the main panel 22 is pressed against the upper surface 14 and covers it.

[0038] The main panel is capable of occupying several deployment positions.

[0039] According to a first aspect, when the main panel 22 is in a first deployment position shown in [Fig. 3] and 4, it frees up all the space above the acquisition surface of the device. This configuration allows the main panel 22 not to interfere with the acquisition of the palm print or several fingers of the hand, in particular.

[0040] According to a second aspect, when the main panel 22 is in a second deployment position shown in [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 6], it is inclined relative to the upper surface 14 at a predefined angle. This second deployment position allows the main panel 22 to form a screen against the sun so that the sensor is not dazzled by the sun.

[0041] Preferably, the main panel 22 is pivotally mounted relative to the portable device 10 at one of its peripheral edges. Here, around a transverse hinge edge 24 located at a longitudinal end of the main panel 22.

[0042] The main panel 22 includes an opening 46 which extends over a predefined area 16 of the acquisition surface 14.

[0043] Preferably, the dimensions and arrangement of the opening 46 in the main panel 22 correspond to those of the predefined area 16 of the device on which the protective element is likely to be used.

[0044] The presence of this opening 46 allows, when the main panel 22 is in the closed position, that only the predefined area 16 of the upper surface 14 is accessible, the rest of the upper surface 14 being hidden by the main panel 22.

[0045] When the main panel 22 is in its closed position, the protective element according to the invention, when used on a fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device as described above, eliminates, or at least significantly reduces, the exposure of the surface outside the predefined area to varying lighting conditions, and thus the risk of glare. When this predefined area corresponds to a region of the device's acquisition surface suitable for taking curled prints, this elimination of light exposure allows for the acquisition of higher-quality curled fingerprint images, in particular with better contrast and a larger print area.

[0046] In addition, the opening 46 provides a guide for better finger positioning when acquiring impressions in a curled position. This makes it easier to position the finger of the person whose fingerprint is to be taken in a rolled position on this predefined area 16.

[0047] With reference to [Fig. 2], according to one embodiment, the opening 46 is open in the front edge 44 of the main panel 22, it has a transverse bottom 54 located recessed from the front edge 44 and two lateral edges 56. The bottom 54 and the two lateral edges 56 of the opening 46 are preferably located at the limits of the predefined area 16. As an alternative, the bottom 54 and the two lateral edges 56 of the opening 46 are located outside the limits of the predefined area 16.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, the main panel 22 further comprises a flap 48 movable relative to the main panel 22 between a closing position, shown in particular in [Fig.6] and [Fig.7], in which the flap 48 extends to cover the opening 46, and a clearance position, shown in [Fig.2], in which the flap 48 does not cover the opening 46.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 7], when the flap 48 is in the closed position and the main panel 22 is in the closed position, the flap 48, together with the rest of the main panel 22, helps to protect the upper surface 14 of the portable device 10 from external damage. With reference to [Fig. 2], when the flap 48 is in the open position and the main panel 22 is in the closed position, only the predefined area 16 of the upper surface 14 of the portable device 10 is not covered by the main panel, thus allowing for rolled impressions.

[0050] The flap 48 is here primarily rectangular in shape. Preferably, the width of the flap 48 is equal to the width of the main panel 22, and the length of the flap 48 is substantially equal to half the length of the main panel 22. With reference to [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 7], the flap 48 has a first movable edge 50 which is located at the front edge 44 of the main panel 22 when the flap 48 is in the closed position and at the hinge edge 24 of the main panel 22 when the flap is in the open position. The flap 48 has a second fixed edge 52, forming a hinge, through which the flap 48 is hinged relative to the main panel 22. The flap 48 is connected to the main panel 22 at this fixed edge 52 by means of the hinge.

[0051] The flap 48 may also include means for holding it in either the closed position or the open position.

[0052] According to one embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 3] to [Fig. 7], these means for holding the flap 48 in position comprise a fin 42 which is associated with the front edge 44 of the main panel 22. Preferably, this fin 42 is supported by the flap 48 and more particularly by the movable edge 50 of the flap 48. The fin 42 makes it possible to achieve simultaneously maintaining the shutter 48 in the closed position and maintaining the main panel 22 in the closed position.

[0053] This fin 42 also allows the flap 48 to be held in the disengagement position by its cooperation with an associated component of the protection element 12, for example with a partition 36.

[0054] As previously stated, the main panel 22 is capable of occupying several deployment positions, in particular a first deployment position shown in [Fig.3] and 4, in which the main panel 22 frees up all the space above the acquisition surface 14 of the device 10 and a second deployment position shown in [Fig.5] and 6, in which the main panel 22 is inclined relative to the upper surface 14 at a predefined angle.

[0055] According to an advantageous example of implementation of this second deployment position, the protective element 12 comprises side wings 26, each of which is connected to a side edge 28 of the main panel 22. The side wings 26 cooperate with the housing 18 of the portable device 10 to achieve the retention of the main panel 22 in the deployment position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the side wings 26 and the main panel 22 are made of opaque material to provide better light blocking. It will therefore be understood that the main panel 22 and / or the side wings 26 can be made of a less opaque material.

[0057] Preferably, each side wing 26 is pivotally mounted around the side edge 28 of the main panel 22; in particular, they can occupy a folded position against the main panel 22 and an unfolded position intended to maintain the main panel in its second deployment position for which the main panel 22 is inclined relative to the acquisition surface 14 of the device 10.

[0058] In the unfolded position, each side wing 26 extends substantially perpendicularly to the main panel 22 and to the upper surface 14 of the portable device 10. In the folded position, each side wing 26 is pressed against an inner face of the main panel 22.

[0059] With reference to [Fig. 1] and 7, when the main panel 22 is in the closed position, with the flap 48 in either the closed or open position, the side wings 26 of the protective element 12 are folded against the main panel 22. They are then concealed by the main panel 22. Similarly, when the main panel 22 is in its first deployed position, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the side wings 26 of the protective element 12 are pressed against the inner face of the main panel 22, which limits the size of the protective element.

[0060] The shape and dimensions of the lateral wings 26 are determined so that they do not cover the predefined area 16 of the upper surface 14 and therefore so that they are not located opposite the opening 46 when they are in their folded position.

[0061] With reference to [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 6], when the main panel 22 is in its second deployment position, the main panel 22 and the side wings 26 define a triangular prism-shaped recess 30, one face of which is open. This open face allows the insertion into this recess 30 of the fingers whose impressions are to be acquired.

[0062] According to certain advantageous embodiments, the protective element 12 also includes means for retaining the main panel 22 in either the closed position or the second deployment position. In one embodiment, the main panel 22 may include fins 42 that have retaining elements adapted to cooperate with additional retaining elements carried by the housing 18 of the portable device 10. The retaining elements are preferably of the magnetic type or of the hook-and-loop fastener type.

[0063] The main panel 22 has a fin 42 on each of its lateral edges 28 as well as on a front transverse edge 44. These three fins cooperate with the housing 18 to keep the main panel 22 in the closed position.

[0064] The main panel 22 also carries a fin 42 on each end edge of each side wing 26. These last two fins 42 cooperate with the housing 18 to maintain the main panel 22 in its second deployment position.

[0065] According to another aspect, the protective element 12 comprises a secondary panel 32 on which the main panel 22 is pivotally mounted. The secondary panel 32, shown in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 5], is mounted under the housing 18 of the portable device 10.

[0066] The main panel 22 is hinged, at its hinge edge 24, relative to a rear end 34 of the secondary panel 32 which carries a partition 36 for supporting the hinge of the main panel 22.

[0067] The secondary panel 32 includes means for its attachment to the housing 18 of the portable device 10.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the secondary panel 32 is mounted under the housing 18 of the portable device 10. It includes means for its attachment to the housing 18, which are, for example, magnetic connection means 38 which cooperate with associated magnetic elements carried by the housing 18 or of the hook and loop type.

[0069] The secondary panel 32 also includes means for its positioning relative to the housing 18. These positioning means may, for example, be made by the magnets 38 and the magnetic elements associated with them and which are carried by the housing 18. According to an alternative embodiment, which can be combined with the previous embodiment, the positioning means include holes 40 formed in the secondary panel 32 and in which feet (not shown) of the housing 18 are received without play.

[0070] The protective element 12 can be made in the form of a single assembly having parts that move relative to each other. It is preferably designed so as not to hinder the handling of the portable device 10, particularly by its mass and size. It is preferably made from materials that will not damage the upper surface 14 of the sensor.

[0071] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, the protective element 12 is made of rigid plastic covered with a microfiber material or a leather-like plastic material, such as polyurethane, or PU.

[0072] The invention which has just been described relates to the protective element 12 itself, which has an opening 46 as described previously.

[0073] The invention also relates to a fingerprint acquisition system comprising the protective element 12 and the portable device 10 for acquiring fingerprints and palm prints.

[0074] In this acquisition system, the protective element 12 is attached to the portable device 10 via the secondary panel 32 which is attached under the housing 18 of the acquisition device 10 by means of connecting such as magnets 38.

[0075] The main panel 22 of the protective element 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the upper surface 14 of the sensor. It is capable of occupying a closed position in which it completely covers this upper surface 14 of the sensor, protecting it from various external aggressions.

[0076] The fins 42 mounted on its edges 28, 44 cooperate with the housing 18 to maintain the main panel 22 in this closed position.

[0077] Also, in this closed position of the main panel 22, the side wings 26 are folded against the main panel 22.

[0078] When the main panel 22 is in this closed position, the predefined area 16 of the sensor intended for the acquisition of a rolled-up fingerprint can be uncovered by rotating the flap 48 relative to the main panel 22 around its fixed edge 52.

[0079] The main panel 22 is also able to occupy the first deployment position shown in [Fig.4], in which the upper surface 14 of the sensor is completely uncovered, to allow the acquisition of palm prints and a second deployment position shown in [Fig.6], in which the main panel 22 is inclined relative to the upper surface 14.

[0080] In this second deployment position, the main panel 22 is held in position by the side wings 26 whose fins 42 cooperate with the housing 18.

Claims

Demands

1. Protective element (12) for a handheld fingerprint and / or palm print acquisition device (10), said protective element (12) includes a main panel (22) which is movable relative to an acquisition surface (14) of the handheld device (10), and which is configured to pivot between a so-called closed position in which it covers said acquisition surface (14) and at least one deployment position in which it uncovers said acquisition surface (14); in which the main panel (22) includes an opening (46) which extends over a predefined area (16) of the acquisition surface (14) when it is in the closed position; and in which the opening (46) is a through opening formed in a peripheral edge (44) of the main panel (22).

2. Protective element (12) according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises a flap (48) which is movable relative to the main panel (22), said flap (48) is configured to pivot between a so-called closing position in which the flap (48) extends to cover the opening (46) of the main panel (22) and a so-called clearance position in which the flap (48) does not cover the opening (46).

3. Protective element (12) according to the preceding claim, such that the flap (48) is configured to pivot relative to the main panel by means of a hinge.

4. Protective element (12) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the flap (48) comprises means for holding it in one and / or the other of the closing and clearing positions, said fastening means being preferably of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

5. Protective element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main panel (22) comprises side wings (26), each side wing (26) being hinged with respect to a lateral edge (28) of the main panel (22) and being configured to, in a first position referred to as the folded position, hold the main panel (22) in its closed position and to, in a second position, hold the main panel in its deployed position, wherein the main panel (22) is inclined relative to the acquisition surface (14) of the portable device (10) and form an additional side panel to the main panel (22).

6. Protective element (12) according to claim 4, wherein the main panel includes means (42) for holding it in either of the closed and deployed positions, said holding means preferably being of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

7. Protective element (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a secondary panel (32) on which the main panel (22) is pivotally mounted, said secondary panel (32) comprising means (38) adapted for fixing said secondary panel (32) with the portable device (10), said fixing means (38) preferably being of the magnetic type or of the hook and loop self-gripping type.

8. Protective element (12) according to claim 7, wherein the secondary panel (32) includes means for its positioning relative to the portable device (10).

9. Fingerprint acquisition system comprising a portable device (10) for acquiring fingerprints and palm prints and a protective element (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the handheld device (14) has an upper acquisition surface (14) having a predefined area (16) for taking rolled impressions and wherein the opening (46) of the main panel (22) of the protective element (12) extends over said predefined area (16) of the upper acquisition surface (14) when the main panel (22) is in the closed position.

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