Abstract: A fingerprint processing system comprises a fingerprint sensor configured to generate an image of a fingerprint, and a processor configured to process the fingerprint image. The processor is operable to generate a ridge flow map comprising ridge flow vectors characterizing the fingerprint, and a multi-layer decomposition based on the ridge flow vectors. The decomposition includes at least first and second-order residuals, based on the ridge flow vectors, and the processor is operable to characterize a quality of the fingerprint image, based on the residuals.

Abstract: For utilizing force information to improve fingerprint reading, a fingerprint scanner generates a digital representation of a fingerprint for a finger in contact with the fingerprint scanner. A pressure sensor is in physical communication with the fingerprint scanner and measures a finger force of the finger.

Abstract: A biometric information processing apparatus includes: a biometric information acquiring unit which generates a biometric image representing biometric information of a plurality of fingers of a user; and a processor adapted to extract a biometric region capturing biometric information of each of the plurality of fingers in the biometric image; obtain the first distance between the biometric regions corresponding to two adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers; and estimate an angle of spread between the two adjacent fingers according to a ratio of a value obtained by subtracting a distance between bases of the two fingers from the first distance, to a length from a base of one of the two adjacent fingers to the biometric information.

Abstract: A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the MMR system includes an MMR user, a MMR computer, a user printer that produces a printed document, a networked media server, an office portal, a service provider server, an electronic display that is electrically connected to a set-top box, a document scanner, a network, a capture device, a cellular infrastructure, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, Bluetooth® technology, infrared (IR) technology, wired technology, and a geo location mechanism.

Abstract: An MMR system integrating image tracking and recognition comprises a plurality of mobile devices, a pre-processing server or MMR gateway, and an MMR matching unit, and may include an MMR publisher. The MMR matching unit receives an image query from the pre-processing server or MMR gateway and sends it to one or more of the recognition units to identify a result including a document, the page, and the location on the page. Image tracking information also is provided for determining relative locations of images within a document page. The mobile device includes an image tracker for providing at least a portion of the image tracking information. The present invention also includes methods for image tracking-assisted recognition, recognition of multiple images using a single image query, and improved image tracking using MMR recognition.

Abstract: An electronic device with a display and a fingerprint sensor displays a fingerprint enrollment interface and detects, on the fingerprint sensor, a plurality of finger gestures performed with a finger. The device collects fingerprint information from the plurality of finger gestures performed with the finger. After collecting the fingerprint information, the device determines whether the collected fingerprint information is sufficient to enroll a fingerprint of the finger. When the collected fingerprint information for the finger is sufficient to enroll the fingerprint of the finger, the device enrolls the fingerprint of the finger with the device. When the collected fingerprint information for the finger is not sufficient to enroll the fingerprint of the finger, the device displays a message in the fingerprint enrollment interface prompting a user to perform one or more additional finger gestures on the fingerprint sensor with the finger.

Abstract: According to a fingerprint authentication method, fingerprint data is obtained through a fingerprint sensor, a degree of rotation of an electronic device including the fingerprint sensor when the fingerprint data is obtained is detected, a pattern of minutiae is extracted from the fingerprint data, a registration pattern for a registered fingerprint is rotated based on the degree of rotation, the pattern of minutiae is matched to the registration pattern, and the fingerprint data is authenticated on the basis of a match result.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method which reconstructs an N-pixel image of a scene such that Q pixel locations associated with identified regions of interest in a scene have a higher image quality when rendered relative to other pixels in the image. Acquisition and adaptive-quality compression are performed simultaneously by semi-synchronously or asynchronously temporally modulating an ordered set of sampling functions used to spatially modulate a pattern of light. The teachings hereof improve compression efficiency of a compressed sensing framework while improving encoding efficiency with respect to traditional compressed sensing techniques.

Abstract: An image of an biometric part is used as encryption or decryption key. The biometric part image is obtained, and items within the biometric part are analyzed. Relationships between those parts are determined, e.g. ratios between different parameters of different parts. Those ratios are then used to form the key. A sequence of biometric information can used in which case both the information itself and the sequence are used to form to the key.

Abstract: A ridge direction extraction unit, which analyzes the shape of a ridge in a fingerprint image and extracts the ridge direction that indicates the slope of the ridge, includes: a low confidence region density value conversion module that reduces the density values in a low confidence region to generate a density conversion image; a synthesized image generating module for synthesizing a high confidence region and the low confidence region to generate a synthesized image; an auxiliary direction determining function for determining which ridge direction in the synthesized image is to be the auxiliary direction and deriving the degree of confidence in the auxiliary direction; and a high confidence region expanding module for calculating the degree of confidence in the direction, and correcting the ridge direction in the low confidence direction contiguous with the high confidence region so as to increase the degree of confidence in the ridge direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer readable media for locking a computing device. Periodic images are received from a camera on a computing device. Each of the images is compared to a stored image of a user. A determination is made that one of the images does not match the stored image, and the computing device is locked upon determining that one of the images does not match the stored image.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique can receive, at a computing device including one or more processors, a plurality of photos. The technique can extract quality features and similarity features for each of the plurality of photos and can obtain weights for the various quality features and similarity features based on an analysis of a reference photo collection. The technique can generate a quality metric for each of the plurality of photos and can generate a similarity matrix for the plurality of photos by analyzing the various quality features and similarity features and using the obtained weights. The technique can perform joint global maximization of photo quality and photo diversity using the quality metrics and the similarity matrix in order to select a subset of the plurality of photos having a high degree of representativeness. The technique can then store the subset of the plurality of photos in a memory.

Abstract: A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. Two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. A number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. The numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: A system and method for contactless handprint capture is disclosed that includes an image capture device to capture whole handprint images of a subject hand at each of a plurality of different focal distances, with the image capture device including an imaging camera and an electro-optics arrangement having a plurality of light modulating elements and polarization sensitive optical elements having differing optical path lengths based on polarization states. A control system is coupled to the image capture device to cause the device to capture the handprint images at each of the different focal distances, with each handprint image having a depth-of-focus that overlaps with a depth-of-focus of handprint images at adjacent focal distances such that redundant handprint image data is captured. The control system registers each handprint image with positional data and creates a composite handprint image from the handprint images captured at the different focal distances.

Abstract: A server determines a plurality of faceprints representing a plurality of users to be recognized at a client device. Each faceprint contains a number of reference images for a given user that are used to recognize facial images of the user detecting in media captured at the client device. The faceprints delivered to the client device are determined for the client device based on the users likely to be detected in images captured at the client device. The reference images with a given faceprint delivered to the client device are selected by the server based on their recognition value in identifying the users likely to be detected in images captured at the client device.

Abstract: A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. Two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. A number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. The numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: A system and method extract a plurality of three dimensional identification minutiae from a three dimensional image of a biometric identification feature. The extracted three dimensional identification minutiae from the three dimensional image may be compared to one or more sets of three dimensional identification minutiae to determine an identification and/or confirm an identification. In a preferred embodiment, the system and method extract three dimensional identification minutiae from a three dimensional image of a fingerprint, and compare the extracted three dimensional identification minutiae from the fingerprint to one or more sets of three dimensional identification minutiae associated with previously classified fingerprints to determine and/or confirm an identification.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for sensing at least one biometric measure of an individual. A low voltage pulsed electrical charge is applied to a transparent electrode plate, which is dimensioned to receive a portion of an individual's dermal surface having molecules associated therewith. The pulsed electrical charge stimulates and excites the molecules and causes molecular compounds to fluoresce. An image of the fluoresced dermal surface is obtained and a biometric function is performed with data derived from the image.

Abstract: A method and device for using a small area-array sensor to produce a larger image of a biological object is disclosed. In a method according to the invention, the presence of a biological object is detected, and images of the biological object are collected using the area-array sensor. Pixels from at least some of the collected area-images are discarded to produce a set having modified area-images, and the area-images of the set are combined to form an extended image using an image merging algorithm.

Abstract: To improve the precision with which a false finger formed by attaching a transparent thin film to a surface of a finger is identified, a fingerprint authentication system includes: an image division unit 31 that divides a captured image of an authentication subject to be subjected to fingerprint authentication into a plurality of small regions; a frequency analysis unit 32 that performs a frequency analysis on each of the small regions; a ridge candidate extraction unit 33 that extracts frequency components corresponding to ridge candidates in the small regions from frequency components obtained in the frequency analysis; a continuous ridge candidate group generation unit 34 that compares the ridge candidates between adjacent small regions, and when the ridge candidates satisfy a condition enabling the ridge candidates to be determined continuous, generates a continuous ridge candidate group including the ridge candidates; and a determination unit 35 that determines that an abnormality exists in the image whe

Abstract: An electronic system may include an authentication device capable of performing authentication based upon a first type of finger biometric template, and an electronic device. The electronic device may include a wireless transceiver, a finger biometric sensor, and a processor cooperating with the finger biometric sensor and capable of performing authentication based upon a second type of finger biometric template different from the first type of finger biometric template, and generating finger biometric data according to the first type of finger biometric template. The processor may also be capable of cooperating with the authentication device to authenticate the finger biometric data according to the first type of finger biometric template.

Abstract: An electronic system may include a first electronic device comprising a first finger biometric sensor and a first processor. The first processor may be capable of collecting enrollment finger biometric data from the first finger biometric sensor. The system may further include a cloud computing device capable of uploading and storing the enrollment finger biometric data, and a second electronic device. The second electronic device may include a second finger biometric sensor, and a second processor capable of collecting to-be matched finger biometric data from the second finger biometric sensor, and downloading the enrollment finger biometric data from the cloud computing device based upon matching between the enrollment and to-be matched finger biometric data.

Abstract: A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. In step 301, two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated in step 302. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. In step 303, a number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, step 304, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. In step 305, the numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: Inspired by Shack Hartmann Wavefront Patterns, a device may obtain three dimensional images for use in authentication. Since such images can have high resolution, damage in, for instance, skin on a finger may be recorded and used as part of a temporary template image. In future authentication attempts, an aged version of the temporary template image may be used. Additionally, reference points on the damage may be employed when authenticating.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying an operation screen on a display module; receiving a fingerprint-touch input through a user input unit capable of identifying a fingerprint; and if fingerprint information of the received fingerprint-touch input matches any one of a plurality of pieces of previously-stored fingerprint information, displaying a character corresponding to the combination of a location of the detection of the received fingerprint-touch input and the previously-stored fingerprint information that matches the fingerprint information of the received fingerprint-touch input on the operation screen. Therefore, it is possible to enter different characters or symbols by generating different fingerprint-touch inputs using different fingers.

Abstract: A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. Two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. A number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. The numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. Two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. A number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. The numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: A method of extracting data from a representation of an identifier, such as a fingerprint is provided. The method includes selecting a plurality of features, such as ridge ends or bifurcations, in the representation of an identifier, considering the positions of those features and generating a reference feature, such as a centre, from the positions of the plurality of features. The method then links one or more of the features to the reference feature and/or links one or more of the features to one or more of the other features in the plurality of features. From the result, the method extracts data including information on one or more of: one or more of the plurality of features; the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and the reference feature; one or more of the links between a feature and another feature.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing, and a finger sensor carried by the housing to sense a user's finger placement at different rotational angles. The electronic device may also include an orientation sensor carried by the housing to sense an orientation thereof, and a processor coupled to the finger sensor and the orientation sensor. The processor may acquire finger-matching biometric data of the user's finger at an unknown rotational angle relative to a known rotational angle of finger-enrollment data, generate an estimated rotational angle of the acquired finger-matching biometric data and based upon a sensed orientation of the housing, and attempt an authentication of the user based upon the estimated acquired rotational angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to fingerprint scanning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-sided fingerprint scanning device on a card (e.g., credit card, smart card, etc.), an associated energy-efficient method for attaining accurate fingerprint information using a multiple charge-coupled biometric sensor array. In a typical embodiment, a scanning device will be provided that includes a scanning area comprised of a set (e.g., at least one) of imaging pixel electrodes (e.g., arranged adjacent to one another in a grid-like or other fashion). As a user presses his/her finger against the scanning area, a portion of the finger will contact a plurality of electrodes. When this occurs, a voltage source of the device will apply a first voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes. A meter of the device will take a first electrical measurement (e.g., resistance and/or charged skin voltage) of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A fingerprint authentication device includes: a fingerprint acquisition section that acquires fingerprint image data; a fingerprint image correction processing section that corrects a pixel value by using a correction coefficient for making a first pixel value of the brightest pixel in a group of pixels at which an integrated value of a number of pixels at a dark portion side in a histogram becomes a predetermined proportion with respect to an integrated value of a number of all pixels, be a brighter second pixel value; a spectral data generation section that generates a spectral data matrix including directions of ridges of a fingerprint and a frequency of the fingerprint; a registered spectral data matrix archive section that archives a registered spectral data matrix; a fingerprint verification section that verifies the spectral data matrix and the registered spectral data matrix; and an authentication results output section that outputs results of authentication.

Abstract: A method for authenticating biometric data determines a first set of descriptors of a fingerprint. Each descriptor in the first set represents a region of the fingerprint that includes multiple minutiae. The method compares each descriptor in the first set of descriptors with each descriptor in a second set of descriptors to determine a number of matching descriptors and compares the number of matching descriptors with a threshold for authenticating the biometric data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving session information including first fingerprint data corresponding to each of one or more fingers presented by an individual in a sequence on a sensor. The method also includes comparing the session information to stored information associated with the individual. The method further includes determining whether the identity of the individual is verified based on the session information and the sequence.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for recording a fingerprint, with authenticity identification, using a fingerprint recording device which is connected to a data processing instrument and has a prism body with a contact face, an illumination unit for illuminating a finger disposed on the contact face, and a first camera sensor for recording a fingerprint image.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antifraud device (100) for validating the use of a real part of a body as an imprint-bearing substrate (150) and comprising: a control unit (106), a sensor (102) intended to capture the image of an imprint carried by the substrate (150) placed on said sensor (102), a movement module (104) on which said sensor (102) is mounted and which is intended to move said sensor (102), an analysis module (108) intended to receive the data representing an image of an imprint captured before the movement of said sensor (102) and an image of an imprint (200) captured after the movement of said sensor (102) and to analyse them, and a decision-making module (110) intended to make a decision as to whether or not the substrate (150) is a real part of a body, from information transmitted by the analysis module (108).

Abstract: A client terminal acquires an image that includes at least a part of a fingerprint, and detects an orientation of a ridge that forms the fingerprint from the image, and detects a singular point of the fingerprint from the image, and calculates an angle formed, on a circumference of a reference circle whose center is the singular point, by the orientation of the ridge and the direction of a tangent line that comes into contact with the reference circle, and creates narrow down data that is used to narrow down matching data that is used to match the fingerprint by associating the angle with a position on the circumference of the reference circle.

Abstract: Various examples of systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for fingerprint liveness detection. Fingerprint liveness may be determined by evaluating pixels of a fingerprint image to identify pores along a ridge segment of the fingerprint image. A circular derivative operator can be used to identify the pores. Liveness of the fingerprint can be determined based upon features of the identified pores.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention for multi-layer feature based biometric matching comprise of distributed acquisition sites for acquiring the biometric features and central processing servers, where the biometric matching may be performed. The proposed systems and methods may be run at the central processing servers of any large biometric matching system, and may comprise a plurality of scalable processing layers that coexist to perform high-density matching operations in reduced time. The system for matching biometric features may comprise a user domain, a controller domain, a matching domain, the user domain communicates with the controller domain, and the controller domain communicates with the matching domain.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor and a processor cooperating with the finger biometric sensor. The processor may be capable of determining enrollment finger ridge flow angles over an enrollment area for an enrolled finger, and determining match finger ridge flow angles over a match area for a to-be matched finger. The processor may also be capable of determining at least one likely match sub-area of the enrollment area by dividing the enrollment area into a plurality of regions and determining a respective enrollment ridge flow histogram for each region of the enrollment area, and determining whether the to-be matched finger matches the enrolled finger based upon the at least one likely match sub-area.

Abstract: An biometric-information processing device includes a biometric-information acquiring unit that generates a biometric image representing biometric information on a surface of a specific portion of a user; a divider that divides the biometric image into multiple blocks; a prior-complexity-degree estimator that estimates, for each of the multiple blocks, a prior complexity degree indicating complexity of a pattern of part included in the biometric information and represented in the block, on a basis of a difference between a direction of the pattern of the part included in the biometric information and represented in the block and a direction of a pattern of other part included in the biometric information and represented in the block adjacent to that block; a posterity-complexity-degree determiner that determines, for each of the multiple blocks, a posterior complexity degree indicating complexity of an image of the part included in the biometric information and represented in the block.

Abstract: Biometric authentication devices, systems and methods are provided. The authentication device includes biometric reader configured for generating raw biometric data indicative of a physiological characteristic of a user; and processor operatively coupled to the biometric reader, the processor being configured for: receiving the raw biometric data, generating derivative biometric data by processing a portion of the raw biometric data relating to a pre-selected aspect of the physiological characteristic, the pre-selected aspect being suitable for identifying the user, the derivative biometric data being indicative of a plurality of instances of the pre-selected aspect in the raw biometric data, generating biometric identification data from the derivative biometric data, the biometric identification data being based upon relationships between the plurality of instances of the pre-selected aspect in the raw biometric data, and using the biometric identification data to identify the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying gradient edge detection to detect features in a biometric, such as a fingerprint, based on data representing an image of at least a portion of the biometric. The image is modeled as a function of the features. Data representing an image of the biometric is acquired, and features of the biometric are modeled for at least two resolutions. The method and apparatus improves analysis of both high-resolution images of biometrics of friction ridge containing skin that include resolved pores and lower resolution images of biometrics without resolved pores.

Abstract: An apparatus for authenticating a user includes a detector for determining a state or a position of a bodily part placed by the user for biometric authentication, a unit capable of obtaining biometric data from a different portion of the bodily part, a plurality of biometric authentication engines capable of authenticating the user by using one of a plurality of authentication algorithms by comparing the biometric data with reference data, respectively, and a controller for selecting one of the different portions of the bodily part so as to select associated biometric data, and determining one of the biometric authentication engines for authenticating the user on the basis of the state or the position of the bodily part placed.

Abstract: A method and device for acquiring latent fingerprint orientation. The method includes: extracting a valid area in a latent fingerprint image; acquiring an orientation field of the valid area and a confidence of coordinate points in the valid area; dividing the orientation field into a first area with a high confidence and a second area with a low confidence; collecting control points in the first area, performing triangulation on control points in the first area and determining differences between control points to determine a set of control points; manually marking control points in the second area, adding control points marked to the set, performing triangulation on control points in the set and determining whether a new manually marked control point is to be added in the set according to a difference determination; and establishing a model for control points in the set to obtain an orientation field of the image.

Abstract: A method of matching fingerprints is disclosed. The method comprises, for a first minutia point, being assigned as a planet minutia point a) determining pairs including the planet minutia point and a satellite minutia point, respectively, such that a cluster is formed; b) comparing the clusters of the respective sets and excluding nonmatching satellites; c) counting links in the cluster formed by remaining pairs; and d) for remaining satellite minutia points, performing steps a) to c) with respective satellite minutia point assigned as planet minutia point to form a supercluster by iterating steps a) to d) and superadding the clusters; calculating a score of the supercluster based on the aggregate counted links; and comparing the score with a threshold. A biometric matching apparatus, a portable data carrier, a data processing unit comprising a matching apparatus and a computer program for implementing the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.

Abstract: A fingerprint processing system comprises a fingerprint sensor configured to generate an image of a fingerprint, and a processor configured to process the fingerprint image. The processor is operable to generate a ridge flow map comprising ridge flow vectors characterizing the fingerprint, and a multi-layer decomposition based on the ridge flow vectors. The decomposition includes at least first and second-order residuals, based on the ridge flow vectors, and the processor is operable to characterize a quality of the fingerprint image, based on the residuals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer readable media for locking a computing device. Periodic images are received from a camera on a computing device. Each of the images is compared to a stored image of a user. A determination is made that one of the images does not match the stored image, and the computing device is locked upon determining that one of the images does not match the stored image.

Abstract: A sectional image recognition method and a zonal recognition device are applied in a zonal fingerprint recognition device with small storage capacity.

Abstract: A ridge direction extraction unit, which analyses the shape of a ridge in a fingerprint image and extracts the ridge direction that indicates the slope of the ridge, includes: a low confidence region density value conversion module that reduces the density values in a low confidence region to generate a density conversion image; a synthesized image generating module for synthesizing a high confidence region and the low confidence region to generate a synthesized image; an auxiliary direction determining function for determining which ridge direction in the synthesized image is to be the auxiliary direction and deriving the degree of confidence in the auxiliary direction; and a high confidence region expanding module for calculating the degree of confidence in the direction, and correcting the ridge direction in the low confidence direction contiguous with the high confidence region so as to increase the degree of confidence in the ridge direction.