Automated latent fingerprint identification system: A review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biometrics
• Computer Science

Background:

• Latent fingerprints are crucial crime scene evidence.
• Developing, acquiring, and processing latent prints differs from inked or live-scan methods.
• Automated latent fingerprint identification is less advanced than police Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of research on automated latent fingerprint identification systems.
• To highlight the current state and challenges in latent fingerprint analysis.
• To survey the methodologies employed by researchers in this field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published research on automated latent fingerprint identification.
• Analysis of various techniques for latent print development, acquisition, and processing.
• Examination of algorithms and approaches for latent fingerprint matching.

Main Results:

• The field of automated latent fingerprint identification is still developing.
• Significant research efforts are focused on improving accuracy and efficiency.
• Various techniques show promise but require further refinement for widespread adoption.

Conclusions:

• Further research and development are needed to advance automated latent fingerprint identification.
• Standardization of methods and robust algorithms are essential for practical application.
• Bridging the gap between research and operational systems is a key future direction.