NCJ Number
98311
Date Published
1984
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This study reviews and critiques the mathematical models for the probabilistic estimate of fingerprint individuality developed by Galton (1892), Henry/Balthazard (1900/1911), Roxburgh (1933), Amy (1946), Trauring (1963), Kingston (1964), and Osterburg et al. (1977).
Abstract
Each of the models presented attempts to provide a mathematical analysis of the degree of individuality present in a fingerprint pattern. The theoretical principles and mathematical equations for each model are presented, followed by a review of other researchers' criticisms of the model and the author's own assessment. Modifications of the basic models considered are also reviewed. These include (1) minor modifications of the Henry/Balthazard approach made by Bose (1917), by Wentworth and Wilder (1918), and by Cummins and Midlo (1943); and (2) the extension of Osterburg's method by Sclove (1979, 1980). In a summary criticism of a number of the models, the author advises that any fingerprint has a variety of identifiable minutia configurations and that variation in minutia type must be addressed in the comparison process. He further notes that the Osterburg et al., Kingston, Amy, Tauring, and Henry/Balthazard models fail to provide for this essential feature of fingerprint comparison. Twenty-three references are listed.