Topological Approach to the Matching of Single Fingerprints Development of Algorithms for Use on Latent Fingermarks

• NCJ Number: 100099
• Author(s): M K Sparrow; P J Sparrow
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 67 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of Commerce
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The research reported here builds on a previous report of topological coding schemes devised for the automated comparison of rolled fingerprint impressions by extending such schemes to the automated searching of fragmentary latent marks.

Abstract

The report notes that the benefits of topological fingerprints result from their immunity to change under ordinary plastic distortion. In the case of latent marks, such spatial distortions tend to be exaggerated, requiring the application of topology-based systems to them. The report describes a method of coding fingerprint patterns by a variety of 'topological coordinate schemes,' with fingerprint comparison performed on the basis of localized topological information extracted from the recorded coordinate sets. The study demonstrates how such comparison is a substantial improvement over existing spatial techniques. A method for pictorially reconstructing a fingerprint from its coordinate representation is portrayed. Associated applications of the proposed procedure portrayed. Associated applications of the proposed procedure are discussed along with future related research. Tabular data, 17 references, and a 36-item bibliography.