Portable biometric reader for children and newborns

Abstract

The present patent of invention describes a portable biometric reader for children and newborns that, in accordance with the features thereof, enables the formation of a biometric reader (1) having its own specific portable, ergonomic electronic fingerprinting structure based on a structural body (2), a high-resolution optical fingerprinting sensor (8) with integrated sensor, lenses, prism, illumination and USB interface, and a posterior internal female USB-C adaptor (9), with the aim of enabling complete optimization of the procedures of reading and capturing in real time images of the fingerprints of the fingers of children and newborns by collecting images of a sufficient quality to optimize differentiation of the dimensional characteristics of valleys, ridges and details that are very small, as well as having dimensions, a weight and a design that are suitable for easy handling in small spaces, such as in maternity wards.

Description

"PORTABLE BIOMETRIC READER FOR CHILDREN AND NEWBORN INFANTS"

[0001] The present invention patent relates to fingerprint readers in general, more specifically to a portable biometric reader for children and newborns which, according to its general characteristics, has as its basic principle to provide the formation of a biometric reader in a portable and ergonomic structure specific to the electronic type for fingerprints and based on a structuring body, a high-resolution optical fingerprint sensor with integrated sensor, lenses, prism, illumination and USB interface and a postero-internal female USB-C adapter, with a view to enabling in an extremely practical, safe and precise manner a complete optimization in the procedures for reading and capturing images of fingerprints in real time of the fingers of the hands of children and newborns by means of the collection of images with sufficient quality to optimize the differentiations of the dimensional characteristics of valleys, ridges and minutiae that are very small,in addition to dimensions, weight and design suitable for simple handling and in smaller spaces such as maternity wards.

[0002] The biometric reader features a specific and easily accessible design and format for better user adaptation and security, practical handling and functionality, very affordable cost and, due to its general characteristics and dimensions, easily adaptable to a wide range of children and newborns, locations and users in general, regardless of the characteristics they may present.

[0003] Biometrics consists of any methodology or technology that allows a person to be identified directly based on their physical characteristics. Since no two people are alike, analyzing unique and non-transferable physical characteristics has become an increasingly common solution in circumstances requiring individual recognition. Biometrics is one of the most secure approaches to personal identification and data protection.

[0004] Biometrics consists of the application of metrics to biological attributes, for the purpose of measuring and identifying an individual, and its operation is carried out by through the capture and analysis of biometric data, such as facial recognition, fingerprints or iris scanning, and this data is compared with a database to enable user identification.

[0005] Fingerprints are the oldest and least expensive biometric recognition method to implement. They are extremely reliable, given the extremely low data variability over time, having migrated smoothly from analog to digital media. Because fingerprints remain the same for life, the only potential problem is for a person to lose their fingerprints. Regardless of the reason, the method continues to be used alone or in combination with others.

[0006] A fingerprint corresponds to the small elevations (papillae) on the skin of the fingertips that form unique sets of lines, and these sets are not repeated on other fingers, nor on other people, so that fingerprints can and are used to identify individuals, that is, our fingerprints are unique, no one has the same fingerprint shape.

[0007] The biometric reader has a sensor that captures fingerprints from people's fingers and sends them to a control system where other information about them is already stored. It works by positioning a person's fingers on the optical biometric reader, allowing it to read or capture the fingerprint pattern and send it or compare it with the one registered in the database, enabling identification.

[0008] The possible use of papillary images is more attractive than other biometrics, since they are non-invasive and easy to apply and accept by a wide range of agencies, in addition to the great advantage of immutability that allows their use in future identifications, especially through registration systems.

[0009] However, the current systems for identifying children and newborns are very outdated, lacking devices capable of identifying them properly and practically making their safe and practical identification impossible, mainly due to the fact that collecting fingerprints from children and newborns can be a difficult process because the papillary ridges are, on average, 2.5 to 3 times smaller than in adults and are more susceptible to deformation.

[0010] More specifically, the fingerprints of newborns and children up to five years of age cannot be recorded with the necessary precision by conventional 500 dpi devices, as the dimensions of the valleys, ridges and minutiae are much smaller compared to those of young people and adults.

[0011] Currently, commercially available biometric systems are used entirely for adult identification. Even with all the advancements in biometric technologies, few approaches have been developed for identifying children and newborns. This means ignoring the millions of births that occur worldwide each year. The problem is even greater when we consider the immense global population of children between the ages of zero and five.

[0012] Thus, the efficiency of fingerprint registration and identification systems depends directly on the quality of the captured images. In other words, the captured images must meet certain resolution and sharpness standards. Certified biometric readers for identification require a minimum resolution for fingerprint registration. While these resolution values ​​are sufficient to capture good images and resolve the fine details of adult fingerprints, the same is not true for children and newborns, whose fingerprints and fine details are significantly smaller than those of adults.

[0013] It's worth noting that, in the context of digital biometric readers, there are many devices available, but most are based on an image generation method (FTIR or scattering) and optical architecture with special components to reduce distortion and improve image quality. In other words, no device allows for application in reading and capturing images suitable for the fingerprints of children and newborns—that is, with high resolution and a minimal area for acquiring finger prints, as well as high portability and handling.

[0014] In this line of action, the invention of devices capable of generating High quality and precision fingerprint images of children and newborns, primarily at the time of birth, have become essential for families and government agencies, representing a major step in the identification of children and newborns, allowing for effective medical registration and their safety.

[0015] In a broad analysis of the literature with the aim of establishing the current state of the art in relation to biometric readers, more specifically portable biometric readers for children and newborns, which are the object of the present patent, only one document relevant to the state of the art was described that relates to the specific object claimed in the present patent, that is, a portable biometric reader held with one hand and that has the minimum resolution necessary for use in acquiring the image of fingerprints of children and newborns, more specifically the invention patent application BR 10 2019 016898 6 - "High Resolution Portable Biometric Reader for Neonates", filed on August 14, 2019 and owned by Akiyama - Industry and Commerce of Electronic Equipment and Systems, and SENAI - National Service for Industrial Learning.

[0016] This high-resolution portable biometric reader for newborns has proven capable of performing the function of collecting images with sufficient quality to differentiate essential characteristics. However, as it is also used to capture plantar and palmar biometrics, its dimensions, weight and ergonomics are not suitable for handling in small spaces such as maternity wards, especially for collecting newborns in incubators.

[0017] Another problem is related to the robustness of the equipment, which has constant needs for periodic and manual maintenance for internal cleaning of the prism, adjustment of lens focus and calibration or recalibration of the sensor camera, mainly because the capture set is formed by components such as sensor, lenses, prism, lighting and power and data transfer interface that are not integrated with each other in a single device.

[0018] Likewise, it is still possible to notice that despite the area used by the the collected image is approximately twenty percent of the total area of ​​the sensor and the collected image is of high resolution and definition, these characteristics together require greater quality for analysis and processing by fingerprint experts and algorithms, as the need for extra quality in the images of the collected fingerprints optimizes the differentiation of fingerprint details and dirt / varnish on the fingers of children and newborns.

[0019] Finally, this equipment also has proprietary driver requirements and is not compatible with the USB Video Class (UVC) driver, not being a plug-and-play device, as well as requiring the installation of a specific SDK and driver for its perfect functioning as an image collection instrument.

[0020] Thus, the general design of the present portable biometric reader for children and newborns, which is the object of the present patent, is based entirely on its simple and robust structure with a minimum of necessary components and extremely simplified, safe and optimized operation, combined with very practical manufacturing and maintenance procedures, in order to generate a practical and efficient biometric reader capable of performing the function of collecting fingerprint images of children and newborns with sufficient quality to differentiate the essential characteristics of the dimensions of valleys, ridges and minutiae, which are much smaller in newborns and children up to five years of age compared to those of young people and adults, mainly because it is used only to capture biometrics of the fingers, so that its dimensions, weight, design,ergonomics and portability are suitable for being handled manually in a simpler way and in smaller spaces such as in maternity wards when collecting newborns in incubators.

[0021] More specifically, the biometric reader has a single device that integrates the sensor, lens, prism, illumination, and USB interface, eliminating the need for camera recalibration, lens focus adjustment, and internal prism cleaning as periodic maintenance. In addition to these components being lighter, more economical, and smaller, the optical system with the image sensor monochrome provides 5080dpi image and prism a capture area of ​​18mmx22mm, as well as the area used by the captured / collected image being approximately seventy percent of the total area of ​​the sensor.

[0022] It is worth highlighting that these features together provide high quality and resolution in the collected image, which optimizes the differentiation of fingerprint details and dirt from the fingers of children and newborns, enabling greater quality for analysis and processing by fingerprint experts and algorithms of children and newborns' fingerprints, in addition to generating real-time fingerprint image data flow for developers through the USB interface.

[0023] The patent in question is characterized by combining components and processes into a unique design that will meet the diverse requirements of its intended use, namely, the acquisition of biometric data from children and newborns. This design guarantees a biometric reader with great efficiency, functionality, strength, durability, security, versatility, precision, and cost-effectiveness due to its excellent technical qualities. This provides advantages and improvements in the routine procedures for personal registration of children and newborns, and whose general characteristics differ from other widely recognized forms and models in the current state of the art.

[0024] This patent consists of the use of a modern, efficient, safe and functional portable biometric reader for children and newborns formed by a set of correctly incorporated electronic and biometric solutions, composing a complete and differentiated biometric reader with exclusive design, excellent finishing details and unique characteristics, which incorporates its own and specific electronic type structure, of high durability and resistance, ergonomic format, and containing perfectly integrated and symmetrically arranged among themselves a structuring body with base, cover, front and internal supports of the USB-C adapter and the optical sensor as a manual support element for the operator; an optical fingerprint sensor as a fingerprint reading and capture element; and a female USB-C adapter as a power supply element. and transfer of collected data, in order to enable the formation of a unique, complete and safe set, whose internal and external shapes and arrangements allow perfect adaptation to the most diverse children and newborns, being specially designed for these purposes with its own geometry.

[0025] The present biometric reader is based on the application of components and processes in a differentiated design, without, however, reaching a high degree of sophistication and complexity, making it possible to solve some of the main drawbacks of other forms and models known by the current state of the art and used in the procedures of capturing and reading the fingerprints of children and newborns, which are in a work range in which difficulties of use and application, low efficiency and performance and accidents are very frequent and the forms and / or models are based on simple adaptations, being therefore of high insecurity, great deterioration and fragility, little durability and resistance, low versatility, high inaccuracy, laborious to apply, high losses, no ergonomics, low yield, negligible performance, high cost, high overall volume and weight, complex handling,high maintenance and huge waste of time.

[0026] The objectives, advantages and other important characteristics of the patent in question may be more easily understood when read in conjunction with the attached figures, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A represents a top perspective view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0028] Figure 1B represents a bottom perspective view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0029] Figure 1C represents a right side view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0030] Figure 1D represents a left side view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0031] Figure 1E represents a top view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0032] Figure 1F represents a bottom view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0033] Figure 1G represents an anterior view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0034] Figure 1H represents a rear view of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0035] Figure 1I represents a perspective view of the internal support of the USB-C adapter of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0036] Figure 1J represents a perspective view of the internal support of the optical sensor of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0037] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the fingerprint sensor of the portable biometric reader for children and newborns.

[0038] As can be inferred from the attached figures that illustrate and form part of this descriptive report of the invention patent for "Portable Biometric Reader for Children and Newborns", figure 1A shows the same in general terms, comprising a complete biometric reader (1) with its own characteristics, incorporating its own specific electronic structure, highly durable and resistant, with an ergonomic format, internal and external shapes and arrangements that adapt to the most diverse children and newborns, and containing perfectly integrated and symmetrically arranged among themselves: - a curved structuring body (2) with curved edges, arranged symmetrically along the entire length of the biometric reader (1) and comprising: - a curved base (3) with a concave cross-section,arranged symmetrically along the lower extension of the structuring body (2) and having curvilinear recesses (3A) (for positioning and supporting a user's fingers) and arranged parallel and symmetrically and spaced along the lower face of the base (3); a rectilinear rear chamfer (3B) and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire extension of the rear face of the base (3); an anterior chamfer (3C) similar to a lying "U" and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire extension of the front face of the base (3); a rectangular rear opening (3D) and arranged parallel and, symmetrically centered on the upper-posterior end of the rear face of the base (3); a plurality of cylindrical openings (3E) arranged perpendicularly and symmetrically spaced at the lower-lateral ends of the base (3); and a plurality of cylindrical and semi-cylindrical internal fins and supports arranged parallel and spaced at the inside of the base (3); - a curvilinear lid (4) with a concave cross-section, arranged parallel and symmetrically aligned and overlapping along the entire length of the upper face of the base (3) and the entire upper length of the structuring body (2) and having a rectilinear rear chamfer (4A) arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the rear face of the lid (4); a rectilinear front chamfer (4B) arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the front face of the lid (4), a concave front opening arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the front face of the lid (4);and a plurality of cylindrical and semi-cylindrical internal fins and supports arranged symmetrically aligned with the internal fins and supports of the internal part of the base (3); - a curvilinear front structure (5) with a cross-section similar to an "L", arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the faces anterior to the base (3) and lid (4), and to the anterior face of the structuring body (2), and having a main semicircular anterior recess (5A) with curved ends and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the upper anterior face of the front structure (5); a secondary rectangular anterior recess (5B) with curved ends and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered on the lower part of the main anterior recess (5A); and a rectangular anterior opening (5C) arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the secondary anterior recess (5B);- a semi-cylindrical internal support of the USB-C adapter (6), arranged symmetrically in a segment of the postero-interior part of the structural body (2) and having a semi-cylindrical front base (6A) and arranged vertically and symmetrically in the front part of the internal support of the USB-C adapter (6); a rear tab (6B) similar to an "L" and arranged parallel and symmetrically aligned in the rear part of the front base (6A); a rear opening (6C) semi-circular and arranged; parallel and symmetrically in the rear flap (6B); an anterior recess (6D) parallelepipedal and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered in the anteroinferior part of the anterior base (6A); and an anterior opening (6E) rectangular and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered in the anterior recess (6D); and - an internal support of the optical sensor (7) similar to a "U", arranged perpendicularly and symmetrically in the anterointerior part of the structuring body (2) and having a plurality of vertical openings (7A) cylindrical and arranged vertically in the lateral ends of the lower parts of the internal support of the optical sensor (7); and a plurality of horizontal openings (7B) cylindrical and arranged horizontally in the upper ends of the upper parts of the internal support of the optical sensor (7);- a parallelepiped optical fingerprint sensor (8) arranged symmetrically along the anterointernal part of the structural body (2), passing through the internal support of the optical sensor (7) and in the posterior alignment of the anterior opening (5C), as a CMOS imaging camera with an optical structure in a single module that is fully reflective to the touch and integrated by an optical sensor, lenses, prism, LED light illumination, USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board and power supply; and - a female USB-C adapter (9) arranged symmetrically centered in the anterior opening (6E) of the internal support of the USB-C adapter (6) and interconnected to the USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board. ;

[0039] In the structural body (2) of the biometric reader (1), its components fit and are fixed perfectly to each other, so as to form a single module with a totally ergonomic shape and handling, that is, the internal support of the USB-C adapter (6) and the internal support of the optical sensor (7) fit and are fixed to the internal part of the base (3), as well as the optical fingerprint sensor (8) in the internal support of the optical sensor (7), the front structure (5) on the front end of the base (3) and the cover (4) over the entire upper extension of the base (3) and upper end of the front structure (5) locking and closing all components.

[0040] The biometric reader (1) enables the reading and capture of fingerprint images from the fingers of children and newborns using the optical fingerprint sensor (8) and, consequently, their transfer in real time to a wide range of mobile devices and personal computers directly using its USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board. Likewise, this same USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board enables power charging for the optical fingerprint sensor (8).

[0041] Along the same lines, the biometric reader (1) through its optical fingerprint sensor (8), as a CMOS imaging camera with an optical structure in a single module that is fully reflective to the touch and integrates in a single device an optical sensor, lenses, prism, lighting and USB video interface with a converter board, enables an optical system with a monochromatic image sensor that provides a 5080 dpi image and a prism with a capture area of ​​18mmx22mm and an area used by the image of seventy percent of the total area of ​​the sensor.

[0042] The portable biometric reader for children and newborns has the following specific advantages: automatic LED light control, automatic activation of the touch sensor and reset of the optical fingerprint sensor (8); no need for direct connection of the optical fingerprint sensor (8) to the host device due to the USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with a USB converter board; use as an image collection instrument without the need to install a specific SDK and driver, allowing the development of SDKs and computational methods for fingerprint recognition by third parties; capture fingerprint images of children and newborns in real time through the USB Type-C interface compatible with USB Video Class (UVC) video drivers for connection to mobile devices and personal computers, thus being a plug-and-play device;and be applied as an image collection tool without the need to install a specific SDK and driver, allowing the development of SDKs and methods to emerge; digital recognition systems by third parties.

[0043] The portable biometric reader for children and newborns, with its components fully integrated, ensures nothing comes loose and nothing can break or bend. This achieves high performance and efficiency, combined with high durability and absolute security. Once fully integrated, the components are secured and cohesive, thus preventing them from coming loose during use, making the entire assembly fully available for reading and capturing fingerprints of children, especially newborns. This means the biometric reader (1) can be used without any concerns, particularly regarding the durability and security of its components, as well as the safety of its users.

[0044] Based on all of the above, this scanner will be well received by hospitals and government health and safety agencies, as the portable biometric reader for children and newborns offers numerous advantages, such as: high security, reliability, and agility in application; high performance and efficiency in its application due to its general design; high comfort, convenience, and safety for users; extremely high resistance and overall durability, combined with little or no wear and tear on the entire assembly; fully affordable costs, enabling an excellent cost / benefit ratio; practical and safe use by any user; wide range; very low and practical general maintenance; perfect and direct adaptation to the most diverse types of newborns in general; high operational precision; fully compatible weight and overall dimensions; high operational ergonomics; complete sanitation; perfect integration with computer systems;and the certainty of having a biometric reader that fully complies with current legislation and standards and the basic conditions necessary for its application.

[0045] All these attributes allow us to classify the portable biometric reader for children and newborns as a totally versatile, efficient, practical and safe means for reading and capturing fingerprints of the youngest different types of children and newborns, in the most diverse types of locations and by the most diverse users, regardless of the general characteristics that they may present, and are also very easy to apply and handle, combined with great performance and excellent general characteristics; however, it is not limited at any time to the representations described herein, and must be understood in its broad scope of claims, that is, not being limited to the specific form revealed, and that other similar forms are understood as fully included within the claimed scope.

Claims

CLAIM 1.) "PORTABLE BIOMETRIC READER FOR CHILDREN AND NEWBORN INFANTS", characterized in that it is comprised of a biometric reader (1) that incorporates an ergonomically shaped electronic-type structure and containing integrated and symmetrically arranged components; - a curvilinear structuring body (2) with curved edges, arranged symmetrically along the entire length of the biometric reader (1) and comprising: - a curvilinear base (3) with a concave cross-section, arranged symmetrically along the lower length of the structuring body (2) and having curvilinear recesses (3A) arranged parallel and symmetrically and spaced along the lower face of the base (3); a rectilinear rear chamfer (3B) arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the rear face of the base (3); an anterior chamfer (3C) similar to a lying "V" and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the anterior face of the base (3);a rear opening (3D) which is rectangular and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered on the upper-posterior end of the rear face of the base (3); a plurality of cylindrical openings (3E) which are arranged perpendicular and symmetrically spaced at the lower-lateral ends of the base (3); and a plurality of cylindrical and semi-cylindrical internal fins and supports which are arranged parallel and spaced at the internal part of the base (3); - a curvilinear lid (4) with a concave cross-section, arranged parallel and symmetrically aligned and overlapping along the entire length of the upper face of the base (3) and the entire upper length of the structuring body (2) and having a rear chamfer (4A) which is rectilinear and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the rear face of the lid (4);a rectilinear front chamfer (4B) arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the front face of the lid (4), a concave front opening arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the front face of the lid (4); and a plurality of cylindrical internal fins and supports and; 2 / 3 semi-cylindrical and arranged symmetrically aligned with the fins and internal supports of the internal part of the base (3); - a curvilinear front structure (5) with a cross-section similar to an "L", arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the faces anterior to the base (3) and lid (4), and to the anterior face of the structuring body (2), and having a main anterior semicircular recess (5A) with curved ends and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the upper anterior face of the front structure (5); a secondary anterior rectangular recess (5B) with curved ends and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered on the lower part of the main anterior recess (5A); and a anterior opening (5C) rectangular and arranged parallel and symmetrically along the entire length of the secondary anterior recess (5B);- an internal support of the USB-C adapter (6) semi-cylindrical, arranged symmetrically in a segment of the postero-interior part of the structural body (2) and having an anterior base (6A) semi-cylindrical and arranged vertically and symmetrically in the anterior part of the internal support of the USB-C adapter (6); a posterior tab (6B) similar to an "L" and arranged parallel and symmetrically aligned in the posterior part of the anterior base (6A); a posterior opening (6C) semi-circular and arranged parallel and symmetrically in the posterior tab (6B); an anterior recess (6D) parallelepipedal and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered in the antero-inferior part of the anterior base (6A); and an anterior opening (6E) rectangular and arranged parallel and symmetrically centered in the anterior recess (6D);and - an internal support of the optical sensor (7) similar to a "U", arranged perpendicularly and symmetrically in the anterointerior part of the structuring body (2) and having a plurality of vertical openings (7A) cylindrical and arranged vertically in the lateral ends of the lower parts of the internal support of the optical sensor (7); and a plurality of horizontal openings (7B) cylindrical and arranged horizontally in the upper ends of the upper parts of the internal support of the optical sensor (7); 3 / 3 - a parallelepiped optical fingerprint sensor (8) arranged symmetrically along the anterointernal part of the structuring body (2), passing through the internal support of the optical sensor (7) and in the posterior alignment of the anterior opening (5C), as a CMOS imaging camera with an optical structure in a single module that is fully reflective to the touch and integrated by an optical sensor, lenses, prism, LED light illumination, USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board and power supply; and - a female USB-C adapter (9) arranged symmetrically centered in the anterior opening (6E) of the internal support of the USB-C adapter (6) and interconnected to the USB Video Class (UVC) video interface with USB converter board.

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