Acquisition and testing of latent fingerprints using upconversion
US5099131A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 7, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/13
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Latent fingerprints are detected by upconverting infrared radiation provided by a special dusting powder and digitally imaging the upconverted radiation. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a real time image of latent fingerprints is obtained by first "dusting" the print with a powdered upconversion material. The print is then illuminated with 1.55 .mu.m infrared radiation using a fiber optic bundle in the form of a probe. The 1.55 .mu.m infrared radiation is converted into several reradiated wavelength bands by the powdered upconversion material. A charge coupled device or diode matrix detector array converts the image of the fingerprint to digital format for real time display and/or transmission over airwaves. The system is a portable latent fingerprint acquisition system that permits rapid fingerprint evaluation and comparison. A method of detecting fingerprints is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.