Algorithm Development for Fingerprint Image Enhancement Using Wavelet Processing

Abstract

Biometrics is a physical, electronic and biological means of providing dependable and accurate identification of people. It entails data acquisition, storage and subsequent matching at points of access or identification. Biometrics is an emerging technology that identifies people by their physical and/or behavioral characteristics and practically requires the person to be identified to be physically present at the point of identification. In this thesis, efforts to improve biometrics were made in developing an algorithm that will enhance fingerprint images for effective matching and rapid identification. The algorithm was based on wavelet processing which employed Daubechies’ wavelets for decomposition as well as reconstruction. Wavelet smoothing and denoising were also included in the algorithm.