Non-Contact Biometric Capture Device Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biometric capture devices require contact with a surface, leading to contamination issues due to oils and pathogens, which necessitate cleaning and pose risks of spreading viruses and bacteria.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact biometric capture device utilizing a camera and light source within an electronic compartment, supported by a housing guide and collar, with an infrared sensor to detect object placement and trigger image capture without physical contact, allowing precise image capture of hands or feet without surface contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a contact surface is used for biometric capture, then precise spacing and clear images are obtained, but surface contamination with oils and pathogens occurs requiring cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsurface contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based imaging system with an optical system using a camera and light source. The camera captures images of the friction ridge surface (fingerprint) through air spacing of 0.5mm to 2mm, eliminating mechanical contact while maintaining image quality through optical fields instead of physical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (camera and light source) between the user's finger and the capture device. This intermediary allows image capture through air spacing without direct contact, preventing pathogen transfer while maintaining measurement precision through optical mediation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact surfaces are used for biometric capture, then precise image capture is achieved, but virus and bacteria transmission risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiometric data accuracyVSAvoidpathogen transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact with an optical field-based system. The camera and light source capture biometric data through air spacing, substituting physical contact with electromagnetic field interaction, thereby eliminating pathogen transmission risk while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful contact element from the biometric capture system. By removing the contact surface and replacing it with a non-contact optical system, the patent eliminates the vector for pathogen transmission while maintaining the essential function of capturing precise biometric data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-contact imaging is used, then hygiene is improved by eliminating contact, but precise placement of the hand relative to the device becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidhand placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-coded guide surfaces with contrasting colors (e.g., yellow guide surface on blue collar) to visually indicate correct hand placement. The color changes and contrasts provide intuitive visual feedback to users, making it easy to position the finger correctly in the image capture region without contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual properties to different parts of the housing guide. The collar has a specific color, the guide surface has a contrasting color, and the entry gap is positioned at specific locations. These localized visual qualities guide users to place their fingers correctly in the non-contact imaging zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively captures high-quality biometric images without surface contact, reducing contamination risks and improving hygiene by eliminating the need for physical contact, while providing accurate placement indicators for users.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared sensor, wherein when the infrared sensor detects the presence of an object in the image capture region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an electronic compartment comprising a camera and a light source, wherein the camera and light source are directed to an image capture region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight illumination: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10885297B2Non-contact capture device for capturing biometric data

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

AI summary

The non-contact capture device allows for an image of an object to be captured when the object is not making contact with any portion of the non-contact capture device. The non-contact capture device comprises an electronic compartment comprising a camera and a light source, wherein the camera and light source are directed to an image capture region, a housing guide comprising a leg extending away from the electronic compartment to support a collar, and an image capture region spaced away from the electronic compartment and the housing guide. The collar extends laterally around only a portion of the image capture region forming an entry gap into the image capture region.