Integrated Biometric and Nucleic Acid Collection Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for collecting biometric data and biological samples are prone to errors and complications in maintaining the chain of custody, making it challenging to accurately associate and process these data points simultaneously for identification purposes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that combine a scanning surface for imaging ridge and valley signatures with a substrate for collecting biological samples, allowing for simultaneous collection of nucleic acid samples and ridge and valley signatures using energy waves and lysis solutions, with optional additional components for processing and identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate collection methods are used for biometric data and biological samples, then each can be collected independently, but errors and complications in maintaining chain of custody occur and accurate association becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain of custodyVSAvoidcollection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate collection processes into a single integrated device that simultaneously captures biometric data (fingerprint, palm print, or foot print) and collects biological samples (DNA, RNA, proteins). The device integrates an imaging component for biometric capture and a substrate component for biological sample collection, eliminating the need for separate collection procedures and ensuring both data types are obtained together from the same individual at the same time, thereby maintaining reliable chain of custody.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection device performs multiple functions within a single system: it images ridge and valley patterns for biometric identification while simultaneously collecting biological material for genetic analysis. The substrate is designed to both receive the impression for imaging and retain biological samples, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate collection tools for each type of evidence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If simultaneous collection is implemented, then accuracy and chain of custody are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata association accuracyVSAvoidcollection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: an imaging component for capturing biometric data and a substrate component for collecting biological samples. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together in an integrated system, managing complexity through modular design rather than a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate acts as an intermediary element that bridges biometric imaging and biological sample collection. It receives the physical impression for imaging while simultaneously retaining biological material, serving as a mediating component that enables both functions to occur together without requiring complex coordination between separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple collection steps are used, then comprehensive data is obtained, but processing time and potential for error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiological sample qualityVSAvoidcollection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary collection of both biometric data and biological samples in a single simultaneous action during the impression-making process. By capturing both types of evidence at the moment of contact rather than requiring subsequent separate collection steps, the system ensures comprehensive data acquisition while maximizing collection efficiency and minimizing opportunities for error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate and efficient collection and processing of biometric data and biological samples, reducing errors and enhancing the chain of custody, facilitating rapid identification and screening in forensic and security applications.

Implementation Method 1

a scanning surface configured to permit an energy wave to penetrate the scanning surface, where the energy wave is configured to image the at least one ridge and valley signature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy wave penetration and imaging:

Implementation Method 2

a substrate configured to collect the biological sample from an appendage of the individual; where the scanning surface and the substrate are configured to permit collecting the at least one ridge and valley signature of the appendage while the appendage is positioned upon the scanning surface and in contact with the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiological sample collection through contact:

Data Source

PatentUS9804066B2Simultaneous acquisition of biometric data and nucleic acid

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and kits are disclosed for collection, labeling and analyzing biological samples containing nucleic acid in conjunction with collecting at least one ridge and valley signature of an individual. Such devices and methods are used in forensic, human identification, access control and screening technologies to rapidly process an individual's identity or determine the identity of an individual.