An evaluation of fingerprint image quality across an elderly population vis-a-vis an 18-25 year old population

Abstract

This study evaluated fingerprint quality across two populations, elderly and young, in order to assess age and moisture as potential factors affecting utility image quality. Specifically, the examination of these variables was conducted on a population over the age of 62, and a population between the ages of 18 and 25, using two fingerprint recognition devices (capacitance and optical). Collected individual variables included: age, gender, ethnic background, handedness, moisture content of each index finger, occupation(s), subject's use of hand moisturizer, and prior usage of fingerprint devices. Computed performance measures included failure to enroll, and quality scores. The results indicated there was statistically significant evidence that both age and moisture affected effectiveness image quality of each index finger at /spl alpha/=0.01 on the optical device, and there was statistically significant evidence that age affected effectiveness image quality of each index finger on the capacitance device, but moisture was only significant for the right index finger at /spl alpha/=0.01.