Fingerprint Genetic Correlation via 3D Topology Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correlating dermatoglyphic patterns with genetic disorders rely on simple, historical features, limiting the ability to make noninvasive and accurate preliminary assessments of genetic disorders through fingerprint analysis.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for simultaneously collecting and analyzing fingerprint and genetic information using multispectral sensors and machine-learning techniques to establish correlations between fingerprint features and genetic markers, allowing for the estimation of genetic characteristics from biometric measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional simple features (number of triradii, ridge count, number of whorl patterns) are used for classification, then the method is easy to implement and noninvasive, but the measurement precision and ability to correlate with genetic disorders is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of genetic disorder correlationVSAvoidcomplexity of dermatoglyphic analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D fingerprint images to 3D surface topology data by capturing multiple images at different illumination angles. This adds a dimensional aspect (surface normal vectors, height maps) that enables more sophisticated geometric feature extraction and correlates better with genetic characteristics while maintaining noninvasive collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for classification from simple 2D pattern counts (number of whorls, arches) to complex 3D geometric parameters (surface curvature, ridge orientation distributions, topological invariants). This parameter transformation enables precise correlation with genetic disorders while the automated extraction process manages the increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If sophisticated classification methods are developed to improve genetic disorder correlation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of genetic characteristic estimationVSAvoiddifficulty of dermatoglyphic feature extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and traditional image processing with automated computer vision and machine learning systems. The computational unit automatically extracts 3D geometric features and correlates them with genetic markers, eliminating the difficulty of manual measurement while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D replica of the fingerprint surface topology through multiple captured images processed into surface normal vectors and height maps. This digital copy enables sophisticated geometric analysis without repeated physical contact, simplifying the measurement process while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured under different illumination conditions to improve classification sophistication, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of dermatoglyphic pattern classificationVSAvoidtime for fingerprint collection session
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic illumination changes (different angles, polarizations, wavelengths) to capture multiple views of the fingerprint surface. This systematic periodic sampling efficiently captures 3D geometric information in a structured manner that balances measurement precision with collection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: capturing 2D image data, extracting 3D surface topology, and preparing data for genetic correlation analysis all within a single collection session. This multi-functionality reduces overall time while improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 more sophisticated classification of dermatoglyphic patterns and their correlations with genetic disorders, facilitating easy and noninvasive preliminary assessments of genetic disorders through the collection and analysis of fingerprints.

Implementation Method 1

A skin site is illuminated by direct imaging of the skin site using light reflected from the illuminated skin site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9292916B2Methods and systems for estimating genetic characteristics from biometric measurements
Publication Date: 2016.03.22 HID GLOBAL CORP
  • US9292916B2 patent drawing
  • US9292916B2 patent drawing
  • US9292916B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and devices are disclosed for collecting fingerprint and genetic information from an individual during a single collection session. A skin site is illuminated by direct imaging of the skin site using light reflected from the illuminated skin site. A cell of the individual, such as a skin cell, is retrieved from the collection surface.