Fast and accurate algorithm for core point detection in fingerprint images

The core point is used to align between the fingerprints in the fingerprint authentication systems faster than the conventional techniques. To speed up the processing for the real time applications, it is more convenient to implement the image processing algorithms using embedded modules that can be used in the portable systems. To do this, the algorithm should be characterized by a simple design for easier and more feasible implementation on the embedded modules. The proposed work, in this paper, presents a mask that locates the core point simply from the ridge orientation map. The introduced algorithm detects the core point at the end of the discontinuous line appearing in the orientation map presented by a gray-scale. A property is presented and supported with a mathematical proof to verify that the singular regions are located at the end of this discontinuous line. The experimental results, on the public FVC2002 and FVC2004 databases, show that the proposed mask exhibits an average increase in the correct core point detection per fingerprint by 17.35%, with a reduction in the false detection by 51.23%, compared to a fast edge-map based method. Moreover, the execution time is reduced by an average factor of 1.8.