Selecting a reference high resolution for fingerprint recognition using minutiae and pores

High-resolution automated fingerprint recognition systems (AFRSs) offer higher security because they are able to make use of level-3 features, such as pores, that are not available in lower resolution (< 500-dpi) images. One of the main parameters affecting the quality of a digital fingerprint image and issues such as cost, interoperability, and performance of an AFRS is the choice of image resolution. In this paper, we identify the optimal resolution for an AFRS using the two most representative fingerprint features: minutiae and pores. We first designed a multiresolution fingerprint acquisition device to collect fingerprint images at multiple resolutions and captured fingerprints at various resolutions but at a fixed image size. We then carried out a theoretical analysis to identify the minimum required resolution for fingerprint recognition using minutiae and pores. After experiments on our collected fingerprint images and applying three requirements for the proportions of minutiae and pores that must be retained in a fingerprint image, we recommend a reference resolution of 800 dpi. Subsequent tests have further confirmed the proposed reference resolution.