Optimized singular point detection algorithm for fingerprint images

An efficient algorithm for singular point (core and delta) detection in fingerprint images is proposed. The algorithm is based on an efficient directional image calculation method. A novel approach for detecting the singular points using signum change curves in the directional images is also proposed. The algorithm is further optimized to achieve faster computational speed. The method was tested with a small fingerprint database and the results were compared visually to the results obtained by human experts. The results show that the algorithm is capable of detecting all the actual singular points at accurate precision with low use of computational time. The proposed algorithm outperformed a widely used algorithm (Karu and Jain, 1996) in detection accuracy and calculation speed.