Fluorescence Fingerprint Imaging Optics for Rapid On-Site Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crime scene investigators lack a portable device to capture clear images of fingerprints efficiently, leading to contamination and tampering risks due to delayed analysis, and difficulties in suspect identification.

Innovation Solution

A fluorescence imaging device equipped with LEDs, a lens system, beam splitting optics, and a camera to capture photons emitted from fingerprints, featuring heat removal structures, excitation and emission filters, and a mirror to redirect reflections, enabling automatic exposure and focus-stacking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If investigators use traditional methods (powder dusting and SLR cameras), then they can capture fingerprints, but the imaging process is time-consuming and requires highly skilled workers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefingerprint imaging speedVSAvoidimaging system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical copying to create a digital replica of the fingerprint at the crime scene. The fluorescence imaging system captures the fingerprint pattern and creates an image copy that can be transmitted electronically to the lab for analysis, eliminating the need for physical transport and reducing analysis time while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fingerprint lifting methods (tape lifting, powder dusting) with a fluorescence-based optical imaging system. This substitution allows for rapid digital capture of fingerprints without requiring manual manipulation or specialized lifting techniques, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the skill level required for operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If evidence is transported to the crime lab for analysis, then fingerprints can be examined, but the evidence sits for extended periods increasing contamination and tampering risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevidence integrityVSAvoidanalysis delay time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary fingerprint imaging at the crime scene before evidence transport. By capturing the fingerprint image in-situ using the fluorescence imaging device, the system creates a permanent record that can be analyzed later without risking contamination or tampering of the original evidence during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the fingerprint at the crime scene, which can be transmitted securely to the lab for analysis. This copying approach allows the original evidence to remain protected at the crime scene while the digital replica undergoes analysis, eliminating the need to physically move the evidence and reducing contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If investigators use basic imaging tools, then they can document fingerprints, but the images lack clarity and require highly skilled workers to interpret

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefingerprint image clarityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs fluorescence imaging that causes fingerprint residues to emit light at specific wavelengths when excited by appropriate light sources. This color/fluorescence change provides high-contrast, clear images of fingerprints that are easily distinguishable from the background, improving measurement precision while reducing the skill level required for interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical vibration or fluctuation in the fluorescence emission to enhance image contrast and clarity. By utilizing the dynamic properties of fluorescence emission, the system achieves high-resolution fingerprint images that are clear and easy to interpret, reducing the need for highly skilled operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 rapid, clear imaging of fingerprints, reducing contamination and tampering risks, and facilitating timely suspect identification.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting diode (LED)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

capture photons emitted from the fingerprint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

a beam splitting optic configured to direct light received from the lens system at the fingerprint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

an emission filter positioned along the path and configured to filter out wavelengths above a threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250356687A1Fluorescence imaging device

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 FORENSIC PHOTONICS LLC

AI summary

An imaging device for capturing a fingerprint is provided. The imaging device can include a light-emitting diode (LED), a lens system configured to project light emitted from the LED, a beam splitting optic configured to direct light received from the lens system at the fingerprint, and a camera configured to capture photons emitted from the fingerprint.