HW 1(30)

HW 1

1. List the main modules of a biometric system.

A) Sensor Module

B) Feature Module

C) System Database Module

D) Matcher Module

E) Decision Module

2. What is verification? What is Identification? What is the difference between verification and identification?

Verification is the process in which a user, provides information to the biometric system claiming to be a specific member. This is done through use of a username and a form of biometric data. The system next processes the given information and runs it against the database to determine a match. Identification is a process in which the user provides biometric data and allows the system to determine if it recognizes you and if you are indeed a member. Verification differs from identification because verification is the user telling the system who they are while identification requires the system to recognize the user on its own.

3. Briefly describe Wayman’s Taxonomy of biometric applications.

Based off the requirements and operational environment of an Identity Management system, Wayman’s Taxonomy provides a multi-dimensional classification system consisting of:

a) Over or covert: The users’ awareness and approval of the use of their personal biometric data.

b) Cooperative or noncooperative: The behavior of the user and whether they want the system to recognize them or not.

c) Habituated or nonhabituated: How often a individual uses the biometric system and the level or training required for proper use.

d) Supervized or nonsupervised: Whether the biometric system requires an operator or supervisor to determine proper use my user.

e) Standardized or nonstandarized environment: maintain the same background for consistent positive outcomes with biometric systems.

f) Closed or open systems: Does the system require shared data from another system.

g) Public or private: determined by relationship between the user and the system owner.

HW 3-1

1. What evidence exists that fingerprints were understood to be unique to the individual in anciet times?

Early humans dating back to 7000 B.C. had an understanding that Fingerprints were Unique. We have archeological evidence that proves that Thumb prints were the earliest form of signatures, in places like Jericho in 7000 B.C., and Babylon 1900 B.C.

2. What are Galton details?

Galton’s details refer to Sir Francis Galton’s observations and classifications of fingerprints. Galton discovered that fingerprints were unique and remained unchanged through the course of a person’s life, which are a combination of arches, loops and whorls. Galton also devised a new method for taking prints and pointed out further ridge characteristics.

3. Explain why there was a reluctance to accept fingerprints as an absolute method of identification in the early years?

The reluctancy to accept fingerprints I the early years was since it was still not a specifically focused science in the idea that fingerprints would be a sole form of identification. Early scientists, dating back to the 1600’s and the invention of the microscope examined fingerprints not for their uniqueness but for their capabilities and evolutionary traits like the ability to increase friction and grip for an individual. Though they discovered the different designs of fingerprints it was not grounded in science that each person did indeed posses their own unique print.

4. An ideal identification system serves to do what?

An ideal identification system serves to identify and individualize a person, to decrease the level of anonymity in society, and perform the task of identity in a timely fashion.

5. Name the various methods of identification prior to Bertillion?

Earlier forms of identification prior to fingerprints started with the basic idea of one person recognizing another based off sight. These methods evolved to added characteristics such as markings, scarring and mutilation or tattoos to separate one group from another. This meant that an individual could virtually recognize someone and classify them into a group despite the fact that they may have never seen them before. Alphonse Bertillon is responsible for one of the earliest forms of identification of anthropometry, the system of collecting specific measurements of a person, like arm’s length, head size, facial features separation to create individualized profiles of people. Another form of identification was language which served very little in regard to proper identification.

6. The study of fingerprints is similar to any science. What does that statement mean?

The study of fingerprints is similar to any other science because it requires facts based in science as a result of the scientific method which requires a hypothesis followed by experimentation. One cannot just place claims about fingerprints without having performed extensive research backed by repetition.

HW 3-2

1. Describe the procedure for taking fingerprints?

You will need an inking plate, which is a non-scratchable surface, an ink roller, printer’s ink and a card hold. First place ink on the ink plate and roll it out so it is even in a small film over the plate. The subject is advised to relax and not help with the rolling of their fingers, the person rolling will stand on the opposite side of the hand they are performing the fingerprints on. The subject should be standing at forearms length with the ability to keep their arm horizontal. Fingers should be rolled in the ink from cuticle to cuticle. Plain prints are performed with the fingers extended and pressed directly onto the paper.

2. In which direction are thumbs and finger rolled?

Thumbs are to be rolled towards the center of the body while fingers are to be rolled towards the outside of the body.

3. What are the usual causes of poor impressions?

Causes of a poor impression are usually a result of poor/thin ink, failure to clean the ink plate and or fingers of the subject, failure to properly roll the fingers from cuticle to cuticle, too much or too little ink, or allowing the fingers to slope or twist causing smudging .

4. What is the procedure followed when the person to be printed has more than 10 fingers?

Any fingers that do not fit on the front of the sheet or in the readily available boxes should be noted on the front of the card and prints should be placed on the flip side of the card.

5. How are impressions of crippled or deformed fingers taken if we are unable to roll them?

If fingers are so deformed that they do not touch the palm, note it on the card. If fingers cannot be rolled then use the spatula, small holder or the coroner’s spoon.

6. What is the order of chemical processing?

The order of chemical processing also starts with the least intrusive to the use of actual chemicals, the investigator should begin by using available light sources like ambient light, a flashlight, ALS or ultraviolet. Next the investigator can use powder options then the use of DFO, then Ninhydrin and finally Dye stains if necessary. These options are all based off the object and surface that the prints are on. If the item is readily available to be removed from the crime scene then it is also recommended.

HW 3-3

Fingerprint Card 1

1. Ulnar Loop 2. Ulnar Loop 3. Ulnar Whorl 4. Whorl 5. Whorl

6. Whorl 7. Arch 8. Ulnar loop 9. Ulnar Loop 10. Arch

Henry Primary Classification = 13/5

Fingerprint Card 2

1. Whorl 2. Whorl 3. Whorl 4. Whorl 5. Whorl

6. Whorl 7. Whorl 8. Whorl 9. Whorl 10. Whorl

Henry Primary Classification= 32/32