Fingerprint Capture Aperture Selector for Consistent Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact fingerprinting systems, particularly those using cell phone cameras, face challenges in capturing consistent images across a wide range of ages and physical sizes due to variable pixel counts, optical resolutions, and light source characteristics, and are not designed for infants or children.
Innovation Solution
A fingerprint capture device with a removable, magnetically attached finger aperture selector and adjustable camera alignment mount, combined with a dedicated camera and integrated light source, ensures consistent imaging by fixing focal length and finger position, accommodating various finger sizes and ages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cell phone cameras are used for fingerprinting, then device accessibility is improved, but image consistency deteriorates due to variable pixel counts and optical resolutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging problem by using a dedicated fingerprint camera with fixed optical characteristics rather than relying on variable cell phone cameras. This creates a specialized imaging device with consistent performance across different users and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the imaging system by specifying fixed focal length, fixed aperture, and fixed sensor position. These parameter fixes ensure that spatial resolution remains consistent across different fingerprint sizes and subjects, from infants to adults.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed camera setup is used, then spatial resolution consistency is improved, but adaptability to different finger sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a rotatable aperture selector with multiple aperture sizes that can be dynamically changed based on the subject's age and finger size. This allows the fixed camera to adapt to different finger sizes while maintaining consistent spatial resolution through the use of appropriately sized apertures.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is designed as a universal system that can handle fingerprints from infants to adults by combining a fixed camera with multiple aperture options. The software also provides universal normalization to account for different finger sizes, making the system applicable across all age groups.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aperture sizes are added, then adaptability to different ages is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture selector is segmented into discrete, pre-defined aperture sizes corresponding to different age groups (infant, child, adult). This segmentation simplifies the selection process and reduces the complexity of the control mechanism compared to a continuously variable aperture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through automatic detection of finger size and automatic selection of the appropriate aperture size. The software analyzes the captured image to determine if the aperture size is appropriate and prompts the user to rotate the selector if adjustment is needed, reducing the cognitive load on the user.
4Measurement precision
If integrated light source is used, then image quality is improved, but sensitivity to external light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by using the integrated light source to pre-illuminate the fingerprint before the camera exposure. This ensures that the fingerprint is adequately lit regardless of external light conditions, and the camera can capture the image with proper exposure settings that are not affected by ambient light variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by analyzing the captured fingerprint image to determine if the lighting is adequate and if external light interference is present. The software can detect issues with image quality and provide feedback to the user to adjust positioning or lighting conditions.
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
The device provides high-quality, consistent fingerprint images across newborns to adults by normalizing spatial resolution and rejecting external light, addressing the limitations of traditional cell phone-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a removable, magnetically attached finger aperture selector
Implementation Method 2
integrated light source
Data Source
AI summary
A fingerprint capture device includes a removable, magnetically attached finger aperture selector to facilitate reconfiguration of the device to image a wide range of finger sizes and body regions. The device housing and the selector are also configured for one-handed use, based on the angle and location of the imaging actuator and the selector relative to the device handle. The device includes a camera calibration mount to facilitate adjustments to the camera alignment. Software that is usable with the device can normalize the fingerprint characteristics based on the age and individual characteristics of the subject being imaged.