System and method for collecting DNA and fingerprints

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention provides a system and method for the collection of a DNA sample(s) and ridge and valley signature(s) from a subject during a continuous time slot, hereinafter called a collection window. More particularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous and combined collection of samples of DNA and ridge and valley signatures from a subject during a single collection window. Most particularly, the present invention provides for both simultaneous and combined collection in a single physical location of forensic quality samples of DNA and ridge and valley signatures from a subject during a single collection window of no more than about 45 or no more than about 30 minutes duration or no more than about 15 minutes duration.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1a illustrates a top view of a prior art optical scanning system for the capture of ridge and valley signatures.

#FIG. 1b illustrates a side view of the prior art optical scanning system of FIG. 1a.

#FIG. 2a illustrates a top view of one type of DNA capture film for use with an optical scanning system according to the present invention for simultaneous DNA and ridge and valley signature collection.

#FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a top view of an optical scanning system for the capture of ridge and valley signatures for use in the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, a forensic quality ridge and valley signature is captured optically using a high-resolution image sensor such as a digital camera 102 in conjunction with optics. The optics commonly used comprise right angle prisms 101 that apply the principle of total internal reflection to create a ridge and valley image. The top 100 of the right angle prism 101 on which a ridge and valley containing area is placed for signature capture is called the optical platen 100.

#FIG. 6 shows a typical embodiment of an optical scanning system, for the capture of ridge and valley signatures for use in the present invention, wherein DNA samples are collected using a transparent DNA capture film 201. FIGS. 2a and 3a show a top view of the capture film 201 wherein relative dimensions are listed for typical embodiments in inches.

#Typical DNA capture films are selected from adhesive sheet, as taught by Chung, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,439, or other suitable DNA capture films.