Artificial Latent Fingerprint Generation via 3D Etching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating artificial latent fingerprints are limited to flat surfaces like printing paper and transparent label paper, failing to replicate fingerprints on various objects commonly found at crime scenes such as metal, glass, and wood, and require unnecessary IRB approval procedures when using human fingerprints.
Innovation Solution
A method involving printing an inverted fingerprint shape on paper, thermally transferring it to an etching plate, forming a three-dimensional shape through etching, patterning with a molding member like gelatin or silicone, and applying an artificial fingerprint solution to create latent fingerprints on diverse surfaces, thereby omitting IRB approval procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human fingerprints are used directly for latent fingerprint development experiments, then the experiments can be conducted with real fingerprint samples, but unnecessary IRB approval procedures are required and personal fingerprint information is included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates artificial fingerprints by printing fingerprint patterns on paper, thermally transferring them to etching plates, and forming 3D ridge structures. This copying approach replaces real human fingerprints with artificial replicas that maintain the necessary structural characteristics for experimental purposes while eliminating the need for IRB approval and personal information collection
Solution Approach 2:
The fingerprint creation process is divided into separate stages: pattern printing, thermal transfer, etching to create 3D ridges, and application to molding members. This segmentation allows the development of standardized artificial fingerprints that can be reused across multiple experiments without requiring new human subject approvals each time
2Ease of manufacture
If artificial fingerprints are created using only inkjet printers on flat surfaces, then the procedure is simple, but fingerprints cannot be generated on various objects such as metal, glass, corrugated cardboard, and wood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces etching plates with 3D ridge structures as an intermediary between the printed fingerprint pattern and the final target surface. This intermediary component captures the fingerprint pattern and transfers it to various surfaces through molding members, enabling fingerprint generation on diverse materials including metal, glass, and corrugated cardboard while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D printed patterns to 3D ridge structures through the etching process. This dimensional transformation allows the artificial fingerprints to replicate the three-dimensional characteristics of real fingerprints, enabling them to be effectively transferred to and detected on various surface types that would not support flat 2D prints
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the generation of artificial latent fingerprints on various surfaces, improving the efficiency and reliability of latent fingerprint development experiments while simplifying procedures by avoiding human fingerprint use and IRB approvals.
Implementation Method 1
printing an artificially created fingerprint shape on paper for application to a target surface
Implementation Method 2
The printing of the fingerprint shape on paper may be performed by a laser printer or an inkjet printer
Implementation Method 3
thermally transferring the fingerprint shape printed on the paper to an etching plate by applying a certain range of heat and pressure to the paper on which the fingerprint shape is printed
Implementation Method 4
The thermal transferring may be performed at a heating temperature of 200° C. or higher when the etching plate is made of copper
Implementation Method 5
forming a three-dimensional fingerprint shape on the etching plate by performing an etching process according to the fingerprint shape transferred to the etching plate
Implementation Method 6
The forming of the three-dimensional fingerprint shape on the etching plate may be performed using an etchant in which 23% hydrochloric acid, 35% hydrogen peroxide, and water are mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio when the etching plate is made of copper
Implementation Method 7
patterning the three-dimensional fingerprint shape formed on the etching plate with a molding member
Implementation Method 8
The molding member may include gelatin or silicone
Implementation Method 9
forming a latent fingerprint on the target surface using an artificial fingerprint solution from the three-dimensional fingerprint shape formed by patterning with the molding member
Implementation Method 10
The artificial fingerprint solution may include a human body fluid component
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating artificial latent fingerprints for latent fingerprint development experiments includes: printing an artificially created fingerprint shape on paper for application to a target surface; thermally transferring the fingerprint shape printed on the paper to an etching plate by applying a certain range of heat and pressure to the paper on which the fingerprint shape is printed; forming a three-dimensional fingerprint shape on the etching plate by performing an etching process according to the fingerprint shape transferred to the etching plate; patterning the three-dimensional fingerprint shape formed on the etching plate with a molding member; and forming a latent fingerprint on the target surface using an artificial fingerprint solution from the three-dimensional fingerprint shape formed by patterning with the molding member.