[Comparison of fingerprints using a personal computer and graphic software sold on market]

We compared the fingerprint images using a personal computer and a graphic software sold on market. The fingerprints of thumb of left hand recorded by pressing and rolling on paper were input in computer using image scanner. These two fingerprint images were overlapped by moving and rotation on the computer screen, and were fitted well. This result showed that the fingerprints recorded by any way from one person were fitted. Latent and accused's fingerprints were also input in computer using image scanner. These images were analyzed by the same procedure. These two fingerprints were part by unfitting. It was decided these two fingerprints were not derived from one person. We also considered the possibility that the latent fingerprint was the reversed one. Then, the image was reversed of its color on the screen of computer (black to white and white to black) and compared by the same procedure. In this experiment, two fingerprint images were not fitted in a part. This showed that the reversed fingerprint was also able to be analyzed by this procedure. For the comparison of fingerprints, this report showed the ability of the personal computer and software which can be obtained easily from market. Following the improvement of the hardware and software used in this examination in near future, the computerized identification of fingerprints like this study will become more accurate and convenient.