Localization of corresponding points in fingerprints by complex filtering

For the alignment of two fingerprints certain landmark points are needed. These should be automaticaly extracted with low misidentification rate. As landmarks we suggest the prominent symmetry points (singular points, SPs) in the fingerprints. We identify an SP by its symmetry properties. SPs are extracted from the complex orientation field estimated from the global structure of the fingerprint, i.e. the overall pattern of the ridges and valleys. Complex filters, applied to the orientation field in multiple resolution scales, are used to detect the symmetry and the type of symmetry. Experimental results are reported. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.