Fingerprint-Matching Algorithms

This publication describes a fingerprint-matching algorithm that uses a fusion of minutiae and pattern-correlation matching. Instead of extracting minutiae points, the algorithm extracts small patches from the fingerprint image and transforms them into rotationally-invariant vectors. The algorithm divides each image to be evaluated, herein called an “enrolled” image, into “M” number of patches with a sliding distance of one (1) pixel. The algorithm also extracts “N” number of random patches from a stored image, herein called a “verify” image, and calculates the similarity between the “verify” rotationally-invariant vectors and the “enrolled” rotationally-invariant vectors. At this stage, the algorithm merges vectors from the “enrolled” images using a rotation and translation matrix and drops redundant vectors based on a quality score. The outcome of matching is the number or matching blocks that show similar translation and rotation. Finally, the algorithm generates a “Yes-or-No” outcome based on a predetermined threshold number of matching blocks

A Longitudinal Analysis on the Feasibility of Iris Recognition Performance for Infants 0-2 Years Old

The focus of this study was to longitudinally evaluate iris recognition for infants between the ages of 0 to 2 years old. Image quality metrics of infant and adult irises acquired on the same iris camera were compared. Matching performance was evaluated for four groups, infants 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 13 to 24 months, and adults. A mixed linear regression model was used to determine if infants’ genuine similarity scores changed over time. This study found that image quality metrics were different between infants and adults but in the older group, (13 to 24 months old) the image quality metric scores were more likely to be similar to adults. Infants 0 to 6 months old had worse performance at an FMR of 0.01% than infants 7 to 12 months, 13 to 24 months, and adults

Fingerprint Authentication System

Fingerprint is one of the most widely used biometric modality for recognition due to its reliability, non-invasive characteristic, speed and performance. The patterns remain stable throughout the lifetime of an individual. Attributable to these advantages, the application of Fingerprint biometric is increasingly encouraged by various commercial as well as government organizations. Fingerprint feature detection is to automatically and reliably extract minutiae from the input Fingerprint images. However, the performance of a minutiae extraction algorithm relies heavily on the quality of the input Fingerprint images. In order to ensure that the performance of an Fingerprint authentication system to be robust, it is essential to preprocessing Fingerprint image. This thesis describes steps involved during Fingerprint preprocessing, which improves the clarity of ridge and bifurcation structures of input Fingerprint images. After preprocessing minutiae are extracted and stored in database. Further an online Fingerprint authentication system is implemented in which elementary indexing strat- egy is used. Indexing Fingerprint data is done to identify and retrieve a small subset of candidate data from the database of Fingerprint data of individuals. Experimental work show that incorporating the online system, preprocessing algorithm, matching algorithm improves the overall response time

The Methodological Issues of the C.S.I Effect and it’s Controversial Impact on Criminal Investigation

With the rising success of crime-scene related television shows in recent years, and forensic science as a new hot topic in multiple settings, the world of criminal justice faces new complications as this phenomenon continues to grow. This is popularly known as “The C.S.I Effect.” Contrary to belief, much of what the public perceives, or think they know about the operations of law enforcement and the legal system, comes from television. Consequently, as these television programs appeal to greater audiences around the world, increasingly unreasonable expectations are established in the forensic world, both inside and out of the courtroom. In light of this issue, research has discussed the many television shows that have greatly influenced the public perception such as C.S.I, Dexter and Sherlock, and provides a myriad of examples, describing the inconsistencies and flaws that these shows are able to portray in the span of a 40-minute program time slot. With each example, the correct methods, linguistics and techniques that are used in real-world investigations will be explained and the efficiency they provide to criminal cases. Throughout this research, the extension of the C.S.I Effect will be discussed, as well as its impact on a student’s decision in choosing a major in Forensic Science- are they truly satisfied with their choice or disappointed by the reality? Comparative analysis of the C.S.I Effect in the courtroom will be presented, as well as the controversy behind such a theory, will also be discussed at length. The goal of this research is to determine any empirical evidence behind the commonly-held belief that juror expectations for forensic evidence are linked to watching law-related television shows and if there can or cannot be anything to fix this detrimental issue