Fingerprint Identification

Fingerprint identification is essentially a technique used to leave an imprint of the finger’s and thumb’s ridges. Since each person has a unique pattern of fingerprints, the technique is used for recognition and security purposes.
The process is an integral part of a procedure known as biometric technique. Biometric techniques have gained great importance in modern scientific world and it has become an essential technique in identifying a particular person. Biometric techniques are widely used in forensic processes, and in criminal investigation. Among all the biometric techniques fingerprint identification is the oldest method, and it has been used in various applications.

Types of Fingerprinting

There are essentially two types of fingerprint matching techniques. There are minute based and the correlation based techniques. The first type basically finds minute points and then maps their relative placement on the finger. The other method, on the other hand, does not take into accountrnthe global pattern of ridges and furrows.

The correlation based technique is able to overcome the difficulties of minute based technique. This is basically due to the fact that in minute based techniques it is difficult to extract the minute points accurately when fingerprints are of low quality. The correlation technique requires the precise location and registration point. The technique is also affected by image translation and rotation.

Uses of Fingerprinting

Countries’ security agencies and police departments maintain a large database where the citizens’ biometric attributes are stored. This database can be used for finding the similarities in any of the features. Algorithms are being developed which can help in this process as well. Computerized DNA profiles are also used in conjunction with this process.

The process is technically referred to as dactyloscopy. The fingers are cleaned well, and then pressed onto ink. Afterwards an imprint is left onto a card to leave an imprint of the person’s fingerprint pattern. This is then stored for security reasons.

Fingerprinting is also used for security purposes. A fingerprint is stored so as to provide an authorized person with access to a gate, door or computers. Live scan devices are also based on this process.