No abstract

This paper addresses the characteristics, technology, and possible future of fingerprints authentication method. Fingerprint physiology makes it an ideal for biometrics authentication, primarily the tiny details located on its surface called minutiae. Fingerprint scanning systems are designed to detect minutiae. Images of detected minutiae are processed through matching algorithms in order to verify a query fingerprint that is identical to a stored fingerprint. However, fingerprint authentication based on minutiae can be easily bypassed and the need for a more secure method is required. With respect to the issue, this work explores the possibility of detecting the thickness of the skin layer within a fingerprint as a method of biometrics authentication. Current thickness measuring methods that are noninvasive for that task are identified as Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). Of the three listed, only OCT and NIR methodology seems viable for simple yet reliable use and can become as promising methods for authentication based on skin layer thickness.

Fingerprints are a popular method of biometric based authentication. However, methods currently in use are susceptible to being bypass through the use of forgeries of the fingerprint pattern. Measuring the epidermal thickness of the fingerprint is a solution to the issue, as there are no current ways for a third-party to precisely replicate the thickness measurements. Near-Infrared Diffused Reflectance (NIR-DR) spectroscopy is the proposed method of measuring fingerprint thickness. Reflectance reading is taken at 5 specific wavelength points to generate a simplified plot for comparison. Thickness measurement is gauged by calculationg change in reflectance percentage between the 800-900nm range. Data gathered showed variation in the reflectance spectra that was unique to each subject. Application for a fingerprint thickness-based authentication method is plausible but require additional research with a larger population sample and looking into the effects of age and skin colour for their effect on epidermal thickness.