Apparatus for fingerprint indexing and searching
First Claim
1. An apparatus for indexing and searching a plurality of reference fingerprints from a relatively large, selected population of individuals to determine if a sample fingerprint matches one of the reference fingerprints, the apparatus comprising:
- indexing means for determining respective index values for the reference fingerprints and the sample fingerprint based upon at least one predetermined fingerprint characteristic wherein the index values are both generally evenly distributed and continuous over the relatively large population of individuals;
sorting means for sorting the reference index values to define a generally continuous and generally monotonically varying function of the at least one predetermined fingerprint characteristic over the relatively large population of individuals;
selecting means for selecting a first subset of the reference fingerprints having index values along the generally continuous and generally monotonically varying function in a first range relative to the index value of the sample fingerprint; and
comparing means responsive to said selecting means for comparing the sample fingerprint to each fingerprint of the first subset of reference fingerprints to thereby determine if there is a match between the sample fingerprint and one of the reference fingerprints.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for indexing and searching a plurality of reference fingerprints to determine if a sample fingerprint matches one of the reference fingerprints includes a device for: determining respective index values for the reference fingerprints and the sample fingerprint based upon characteristics of the fingerprints and with the index values being generally evenly distributed and continuous over a relatively large population of individuals; selecting a first subset of the reference fingerprints having index values in a first range relative to the index value of the sample fingerprint; and comparing the sample fingerprint to each fingerprint of the first subset of reference fingerprints to thereby determine if there is a match between the sample fingerprint and one of the reference fingerprints and without comparing the sample fingerprint to all of the reference fingerprints. The device for determining index values for the reference fingerprints and the sample fingerprint preferably includes a device for determining same based upon ridge flow curvature of the fingerprints. The device for selecting the first subset of reference fingerprints preferably includes a device for selecting same based upon an expected confidence value for locating the sample fingerprint in the first subset.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus for indexing and searching a plurality of reference fingerprints from a relatively large, selected population of individuals to determine if a sample fingerprint matches one of the reference fingerprints, the apparatus comprising:
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indexing means for determining respective index values for the reference fingerprints and the sample fingerprint based upon at least one predetermined fingerprint characteristic wherein the index values are both generally evenly distributed and continuous over the relatively large population of individuals; sorting means for sorting the reference index values to define a generally continuous and generally monotonically varying function of the at least one predetermined fingerprint characteristic over the relatively large population of individuals; selecting means for selecting a first subset of the reference fingerprints having index values along the generally continuous and generally monotonically varying function in a first range relative to the index value of the sample fingerprint; and comparing means responsive to said selecting means for comparing the sample fingerprint to each fingerprint of the first subset of reference fingerprints to thereby determine if there is a match between the sample fingerprint and one of the reference fingerprints. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for indexing and searching a plurality of reference fingerprints from a relatively large, selected population of individuals to determine if a sample fingerprint matches one of the reference fingerprints, the reference fingerprints having associated therewith curliness index values based upon aggregates of a rate of change of ridge direction vectors of the fingerprints, the apparatus comprising:
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indexing means for determining a curliness index value for the sample fingerprint based upon an aggregate of a rate of change of ridge direction vectors thereof wherein the index values are both generally evenly distributed and continuous over the relatively large population of individuals; sorting means for sorting the reference index values to define a generally continuous and generally monotonically varying function of the aggregate of a rate of change of ridge direction vectors of fingerprints of the selected relatively large population of individuals; selecting means for selecting a first subset of the reference fingerprints having curliness index values in a first range relative to the curliness index value of the sample fingerprint; and comparing means responsive to said selecting means for comparing the sample fingerprint to each fingerprint of the first subset of reference fingerprints to thereby determine if there is a match between the sample fingerprint and one of the reference fingerprints. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification