Detecting the Reference Point in Fingerprint Images with the Use of the High Curvature Points

A new method for finding a reference point in fingerprints is presented in this paper. The method proposed in this study is based on the IPAN99 algorithm used to detect high curvature points on the contour of a graphical object. This algorithm was modified to detect high curvature points on friction ridges in order to allow locating a reference point on a fingerprint. The IPAN99 algorithm requires that the contour being analysed should have a thickness of one pixel, so each fingerprint was properly prepared before starting an analysis with the use of the IPAN99 algorithm. In order to assess the efficiency of the method, distances between the coordinates of reference points determined with the use of the proposed method and those indicated by an expert were compared. This method was compared with other algorithms for determination of reference points.