An algorithm for fingerprint image postprocessing

Most of the current fingerprint identification and verification systems performs fingerprint matching based on different attributes of the minutia details present in fingerprints. The minutiae (i.e. ridge endings and ridge bifurcations) are usually detected in the thinned binary image of the fingerprint. Due to the presence of noise as well as the use of different preprocessing stages the thinned binary image contains a large number of false minutiae which may highly decrease the matching performance of the system. A new algorithm of fingerprint image postprocessing is proposed. The algorithm operates onto the thinned binary image of the fingerprint in order to eliminate the false minutiae. The proposed algorithm is able to detect and cancel the minutiae associated with most of the false minutia structures which may be encountered in the thinned fingerprint image.