Abstract: Methods and procedures for improving the performance and reliability of image analysis within an image identification system include a series of image qualification functions designed to quickly process a fraction of available image data and to provide feedback to a system user pertaining to image quality and authenticity. Functions designed to produce image models based on original image data and to catalogue such image models into a searchable database are included in the present invention. The present invention also includes functions for comparing one image model to another. Finally, the present invention provides functions for making a quick determination as to which, if any, of a potential thousands (or more, i.e., millions) of image models within a searchable database exhibit a desired level of similarity, as compared to a target image model.

Abstract: A system for converting an image-enhanced digitized raster fingerprint image to vector lines in order to generate a unique identification value for the fingerprint. The raster image pixels are converted to vector lines along the fingerprint ridges and the vector lines are classified and converted according to type. The line types are then analyzed and a list of identification features corresponding to the vector line types is generated. The identification features between the vector line types are compared and the image is classified according to fingerprint class. A unique identification value is then generated by numerically encoding the classified identification features.