Skinprint Analysis Using Translucent Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing skinprints, such as fingerprint quality and quantity, are not robust or cost-effective, especially for in-field determinations, and do not adequately address the complexity of skinprint quality in relation to mass measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a translucent waveguide and electromagnetic radiation to determine skinprint quality/quantity by transmitting and detecting primary electromagnetic radiation, where the presence and quality of a skinprint impact the radiation's behavior, allowing for a rugged, reliable, and low-cost analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a quartz crystal microbalance is used to measure skinprint mass, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and robustness for field determination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical quartz crystal microbalance system with an optical measurement system using electromagnetic radiation and waveguides. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical mass measurement apparatus while achieving reliable skinprint quantity assessment through optical coupling effects, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of electromagnetic radiation and waveguide structures that mediate between the skinprint and the detection system. This intermediary approach enables indirect measurement of skinprint quantity through optical coupling, avoiding the need for direct mechanical contact and complex mass measurement equipment.
2Device complexity
If skinprint quantity is used as a proxy for quality, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the complex relationship between quality and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct mass measurement to optical coupling efficiency measurement. By measuring the extent to which electromagnetic radiation is coupled into or out of the waveguide by the skinprint, the system achieves a more direct and precise indicator of skinprint quality that better reflects the actual analyte availability than simple mass proxies.
3Productivity
If skinprint analysis is performed without quality assessment, then productivity is improved by avoiding preprocessing steps, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sub-standard samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary quality assessment of the skinprint using the optical waveguide system before proceeding to analyte detection. This preliminary evaluation of skinprint quantity and quality allows the system to identify suitable samples for analysis, ensuring that subsequent analyte measurements are performed on samples with sufficient analyte content, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without significantly reducing throughput.
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
This approach provides a reliable and cost-effective means to assess skinprint quality and quantity, facilitating meaningful analysis and avoiding inefficiencies in analyte testing by determining the suitability of skinprints for analysis before or during diagnostic processes.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting primary electromagnetic radiation from the primary electromagnetic radiation source towards the waveguide interface at an angle of incidence relative to and on a first side of a normal line that is perpendicular to the waveguide interface, such that: (a) where the waveguide interface interfaces directly with ambient, the primary electromagnetic radiation incident on the waveguide interface reflects in the waveguide interface at an angle of reflection relative to and on a second side of the normal line opposite the first side
Implementation Method 2
where a skinprint is present on the skinprint receiving region such that the waveguide interface interfaces with the skinprint and the skinprint interfaces with ambient, at least a portion of the primary electromagnetic radiation incident on the waveguide interface is transmitted through the waveguide interface into the skinprint
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining presence of a skinprint uses an apparatus comprising: a primary electromagnetic radiation source; an electromagnetic radiation detector; and a translucent waveguide comprising a first surface providing a waveguide interface coincident with a skinprint receiving region. The method comprises: transmitting primary electromagnetic radiation from the primary electromagnetic radiation source towards the waveguide interface at an angle of incidence relative to and on a first side of a normal line that is perpendicular to the waveguide interface, such that: (a) where the waveguide interface interfaces directly with ambient, the primary electromagnetic radiation incident on the waveguide interface reflects in the waveguide interface at an angle of reflection relative to and on a second side of the normal line opposite the first side; and (b) where a skinprint is present on the skinprint receiving region such that the waveguide interface interfaces with the skinprint and the skinprint interfaces with ambient, at least a portion of the primary electromagnetic radiation incident on the waveguide interface is transmitted through the waveguide interface into the skinprint. The method further comprises using the electromagnetic radiation detector to determine an amount of primary electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the waveguide interface and/or reflected by the waveguide interface. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.