 Fingerprint
Recognition System
Fingerprint recognition or
fingerprint authentication refers to the automated
method of verifying a match between two human
fingerprints. Fingerprints are one of many forms of
biometrics used to identify an individual and verify
their identity. This article touches on two major
classes of algorithms (minutia and pattern) and four
sensor designs (optical, ultrasonic, passive
capacitance, and active capacitance).
Patterns
The three basic patterns of fingerprint ridges are the
arch, loop, and whorl. An arch is a pattern where the
ridges enter from one side of the finger, rise in the
center forming an arc, and then exit the other side of
the finger. The loop is a pattern where the ridges enter
from one side of a finger, form a curve, and tend to
exit from the same side they enter. In the whorl
pattern, ridges form circularly around a central point
on the finger. Scientists have found that family members
often share the same general fingerprint patterns,
leading to the belief that these patterns are inherited.
Minutia features
The major Minutia features of fingerprint ridges are:
ridge ending, bifurcation, and short ridge (or dot). The
ridge ending is the point at which a ridge terminates.
Bifurcations are points at which a single ridge splits
into two ridges. Short ridges (or dots) are ridges which
are significantly shorter than the average ridge length
on the fingerprint. Minutiae and patterns are very
important in the analysis of fingerprints since no two
fingers have been shown to be identical.
Fingerprint identification is one of the most
well-know and publicized biometrics. Because of their
uniqueness and consistency over time, fingerprints have
been used for identification for over a century, more
recently becoming automated (i.e. a biometric) due to
advancements in computing capabilities. Fingerprint
identification is popular because of the inherent
ease in acquisition, the numerous sources (ten fingers)
available for collection, and their established use and
collections by law enforcement and immigration. |
