Define fingerprints at warp speed

British researchers find way to identify distorted fingerprints in record time.

Instead of relying on a perfect print to identify fingerprints, University of Warwick researchers thought of a new method to make use of imperfect ones.
 
The team considers the entire detailed pattern of each print and transforms the topological pattern into a standard co-ordinate system.
 
This technique allows the researchers to ‘unwarp’ any fingerprint that has been distorted and create a clear digital representation of the fingerprint that can then be mapped onto an ‘image space’ of all other finger prints held on a database.
 
Giving almost instantaneous results, this ‘unwarping’ technique is so effective that it also, for the first time, allows for the comparison of an individual’s sweat pores on their fingerprint.
 
Those seeking to identify an individual from a fingerprint do not have to laboriously find a match with an existing entry in a huge database.

Warwick Warp

The University of Warwick researchers have since set up a spinout company ‘Warwick Warp’ to take the technology to market.
 
This summer they took part in a three day exhibition at the London Science Museum to test their technology.
 
Dr Li Wang, Chief Technology Officer at Warwick Warp said: "We tested our system on nearly 500 visitors from all over the world and achieved 100 per cent accuracy. Many of the visitors were children and children's fingerprints are particularly challenging as they generally contain finer features on a smaller area than adult fingers. Children often tend to twist their finger when placing the finger on the scanner, creating an elastic deformation which provides a great testing ground for our technology.
 
"Our technology also provides high speed and more importantly, our system’s accuracy and speed doesn't degrade when the size of database increases.”

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