Non-Contact Multi-Sensor Fingerprint Collection

• NCJ Number: 246711
• Date Published: 2014
• Author(s): Bojan Cukic, Ph.D.; Jeremy M. Dawson, Ph.D.; Simona Crihalmeanu, Ph.D.
• Length: 30 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2010-IJ-CX-K024
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Report (Technical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored)

Annotation

The performance of prototype non-contact fingerprint acquisition systems was compared with that of conventional livescan fingerprint systems, inked rolled prints, and a commercial non-contact fingerprint device; human factors information was also collected from operators who performed the data collection, so as to assess the operability of the prototype devices and how the participating general public interacted with these devices.

Abstract

The prototype FlashScan3D devices performed significantly better than the previous hardware iterations of these devices that the evaluation team had used in the past. The main operational issue involved the FlashScan3D D4 scanner. This scanner failed to capture slap prints from individuals with both dark skin and light palms. This failure was even more pronounced after the projector for the unit was replaced during a service performed toward the end of the collection. This seemed to be an overheating issue, but could not be replicated by FlashScan. The evaluators found that this failure may be a result of the brightness setting of the projector, which was varied to mitigate the problem; however, it could not be completely eliminated. The single finger FlashScan 3D was rated the best based on participant observation. It provided a comfortable place for the participant's finger and was completed in approximately 2 minutes. As a whole, the public interacted with the FlashScan 3D single finger scanner the best. Many participants reported the machine to be comfortable and quick. The fingerprints were easy to take when the participant was cooperative with the research assistant and relaxed. The fingerprint devices, collection site, data types and organization, collection procedure, prototype issues, and operator feedback are described in detail. 19 figures