Mathematical Algorithms
Method for Describing and Comparing Ridge Patterns
The PAPILLON AFIS uses detailed description of ridge patterns and hierarchical approach to their comparison. At the bottom of this hierarchy is a pattern type; then follows deltas and cores position, delta-delta and delta-core ridge counts, ridge flow direction and mask of “bad” areas, position and orientation angle of minutiae, and at last, ridge counts and directional relationships between minutiae - topological characteristics being the most powerful tool of matching. Only few impressions get the last stage of comparison, taking most of search time, since a considerable part of prints are eliminated as unnecessary candidates during earlier stages of comparison.
Topological approach to pattern description and hierarchical method of comparison enable the high selectivity of searches, exceeding the one shown by those AFISs that use only position and orientation angle of minutiae.
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Pattern type, location of deltas and cores
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Ridge flows
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Minutiae
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Ridge counts and relations
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Fingerprint Coding
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Tenprint Encoding Screen
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The accuracy of automatic coding in respect of fingerprint images is one of the paramount characteristics of any AFIS. The PAPILLON’s automatic coder copes perfectly with tasks of recognizing ridge patterns as well as those detecting and describing minutiae (coordinates, orientation, ridge counts and ridgewise relations).
Fingerprints are coded automatically. The human intervention is brought to the control of system-defined pattern types and focal points to exclude errors when processing scarred, abnormal or poor-quality fingerprint patterns.
Special filters cut off areas with corrupted pattern structure, delete fragmentary ridge-like formations bearing no reliable information, eliminate noises and amplify regions of poorly visible pattern. Very thick and very thin ridges are also processed with success.
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Original Image
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Enhanced Image
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Skeleton and Minutiae
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Quality Map
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Ridge Flow Plot
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Ridge Counts
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Proven by practice, the PAPILLON AFIS algorithms of filtering and encoding ensure top reliability and selectivity of the tenprint-to-tenprint searches dealing with any array of tenprints without preselecting them by quality.
Coding a latent print is a semi-automatic process, the extent of operator’s interference depending on print quality. The unique algorithm deployed by the system to recognize ridge patterns enables the reconstruction of any latent distorted by another latent or background texture. This algorithm makes much more latent lifts eligible for identification.
Palmprint Coding
The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS is capable of working with palmprints, including latent palmprints, as confidently as with fingerprints. Palmprints are encoded automatically, while the process of coding latent palmprints is semi-automatic.
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Both search and file palmprint images are of poor quality. Orientation and location of the latent print is unknown. Imprinted on the latent is a thenar of the palm having a great number of folds and wrinkles that hinder identification. The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS identified these palmprints by 28 minutiae.
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Compensating for Scale Changes
The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS enables the entry of latent finger and palm impressions of unknown scale.
Novel proprietary ASC (AutoScaling) technology is used to compensate for any scale changes in ridge patterns (age-related and postmortem changes, photographing with unknown zoom.
Scaling a latent print pattern
Image Compression Algorithm
To compress fingerprint/palmprint images, a proprietary method of WSQ-compression is used. Being FBI-certified, it enables maximum compression at a ratio of 1:15.
Derivation of Classification Formula
The system automatically derives the classification formula when prints are entered. After the operator approves or corrects the formula, it is saved in the tenprint file to be stored in the database.
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Tenprints and Latents Input
Types of Tenprints
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The AFIS/APIS supports several types of tenprints:
- voluntary registration
- obligatory registration
- special registration (defendants, convicts, children, etc.)
- unknown dead
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Text data entry window
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Finding tenprints by genotype in DB during text data entry |
Searching for tenprints in DB with specific text data
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Tenprint Image Acquisition
- Importing electronic tenprint cards (from PAPILLON LIVE SCANNER and PAPILLON AFIS - in Papillon format, and from dissimilar AFISs - in ANSI/NIST format)
- Acquiring images from paper tenprints with a flatbed scanner
- Taking images from TIFF files
Besides fingerprint and palmprint images, each electronic tenprint can contain also up to 100 photos of individual’s exterior and identifying scars, marks and tattoos (SMT).
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Fingerprint image scanning
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Photo scanning
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Verbal Portrait
The AFIS/APIS allows law enforcement agencies to comprise verbal sketches of subjects fingerprinted, to store them in the AFIS/APIS database and to use them to set parameters for the search/match process to act as filters. Various pick lists are provided for compiling word portraits and generating search inquiries insuring consistency of data, uniformity of terms and exact description of appearance. Results of the search by physical descriptors are output as a photograph album arranged as tiles on the screen.
Latent Entry
- scanning latent print layout sheets or lifting tapes
- video input using a forensic-quality video or photographic camera
- TIFF files
In addition to latent images, the system provides a capability to capture images of objects latents are discovered on and other related images (up to 100 images per one latent).
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Creating a request for scanning a latent
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Latent capture screen
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AFIS/APIS Hardware
Hardware Management
The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS hardware runs under the Linux operating system. TCP/IP protocol is used for data exchange.
Choice of Equipment
The AFIS/APIS uses computing facilities incorporating guaranteed reliability and firm performance with an optimal ratio between price and operational characteristics and providing:
- Scalability of the system architecture
- Modularity and interchangeability
- Minimum-cost upgrade
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AFIS/APIS Sites: Small to Nation-Wide
Modular architecture of the PAPILLON AFIS/APIS, flexible and responsive, makes it feasible to provide multilevel geographically distributed networked solutions using the ‘Central AFIS (CAFIS) + remote AFIS network’ concept.
Level I – Local AFISs designed for database capacity of 20,000 - 90,000 tenprint cards.
Generally, they include 1-3 workstations connected over a standard local area network. They can be installed in small jurisdictions (towns, cities, etc.).
Level II – Regional AFISs designed for operating with 100,000 – 10,000,000 records. They can be used to automate fingerprint and palmprint record collections in larger administrative districts (metropolises, regions, counties, states, etc.). They consist of a central site and a distributed network of local AFISs.
Level III – Federal (or National) AFISs - major systems capable of automating the maintenance and search of the largest fingerprint/palmprint databases on a national scale. A National AFIS includes a federal central site networked with regional central sites.
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Single-machine AFIS
Multilevel AFIS
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System Architecture
The system is based on the client-server model enabling workstations independently to send requests to the server.
Information input and image processing is carried out at the workstation. The process of database insertion is initiated on the server.
Every newly entered object is compared against fileprints for potential mates. The object is considered inserted into the database only after the search operation is completed.
Server Equipment
The server functions (database insertion, storing, searches and communication) in large-scale distributed AFIS systems are performed by several subsystems listed below:
- Database Server
- Matching Subsystem
- Data Storage Subsystem
- Communications Subsystem
In smaller systems, either the server functions are ensured by resources of a single server unit or they are distributed between workstations.
Database Server provides:
- maintenance of electronic disk array of index data related to database objects
- receiving requests from connected workstations and remote users
- distribution of computational tasks
- generation and transfer of search results to workstations according to their requests
- preparing text data of database objects for the Oracle server
The server unit may also include an external disk subsystem for storing index data under the RAID control.
Matching Subsystem is responsible for comparing incoming tenprints and latents against fileprints (tenprint-to-tenprint, latent-to-tenprint, tenprint-to-latent, latent-to-latent) and for processing express ID requests.
The computational process is based on the parallel computing technology. The PAPILLON AFIS software ensures the use of any number of multiprocessor matchers as a unified computing resource.
Multiple matchers are rack mounted. The number of matchers depends upon database capacity and required throughput.
Malfunction of one of the matchers does not bring the system to a standstill; the load is evenly distributed between the rest.
Data Storage Subsystem is composed of disk units, so-called “memboxes”, and the Oracle server for unloading alphanumeric related information.
Each membox is a single-processor computer with an HDD array rack mounted and running under the Linux operating system and special MemoryBox software. Number of memboxes is determined by database size.
Communication Subsystem, composed of switchboards and communications server, provides:
- interaction of the database server with the subsystems
- interaction of the AFIS/APIS with remote sites (external AFIS systems, booking stations, express ID check stations, etc.) through IP connection
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Client Equipment
Administrator Workstation (AWS)
The AWS is used to execute on-line control of the AFIS/APIS status. It is intended also for database backup, for archiving the system status data, for recording complete database segments on CD-R.
Operator Workstation (OWS)
The OWS is used to perform tenprint and latent entry, examination and analysis of search results and other fingerprint related functions. It runs under the Linux operating system. In parallel with interactive processes, the OWS processes all incoming information in a background mode. In smaller AFISs, computational resources of the OWS can be deployed for carrying out searches and matches.
Remote Workstation (RWS)
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AFIS Administrator Workstation
AFIS Operator Workstation
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Server cluster
Racks with matchers
Racks with memboxes
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Configured for operation at a remote site, the RWS uses modem communication through dial-up lines, or wireless channel, or other IP-connection media, including cellular ones, to interact with a central AFIS/APIS site.
The principal functions the RWS can perform are as follows:
- Livescan fingerprinting and data transfer to a central AFIS/APIS site (see PAPILLON LIVE SCANNER )
- Remote access to a central AFIS/APIS database
- Express identity checking against a central AFIS/APIS database (see PAPILLON FILTER)
Any combination of the above-listed functions may be integrated in one system to meet a particular agency’s needs.
Functional Models of the RWS
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Livescan Fingerprinting RWS
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Express ID Check RWS
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Remote AFIS/APIS Access RWS
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Integrated RWS
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Livescan (electronic) fingerprinting
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Scanning of tenprints and photo images using a flatbed scanner
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Input of mugshots and SMT photos
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Work with verbal physical description
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Scanning of latent print images
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Latent print entry from lifting tapes and directly from objects
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Tenprint and latent processing
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Transfer of tenprints to CAFIS for search
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Transfer of latents to CAFIS for search
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Express identity checking by a touch print
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Access to CAFIS database according to privileges
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Livescan Fingerprinting Workstation equipped with PAPILLON DS-40
Express ID Check Workstation equipped with PAPILLON DS-30
Remote AFIS/APIS Access Workstation
Remote AFIS/APIS Access Workstation integrated with both Livescan Fingerprinting and Express ID Check Workstations
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The CAFIS administrator appoints a certain set of access rights to the central database for every RWS operator
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High-availability technologies employed in PAPILLON AFIS ensure fault tolerance and service resiliency, i.e. a capability of the system to remain full-function even after one of its components is disabled. This capability is provided via hot-swapping (without power-off and not interrupting the operation of other subsystems) of failed equipment.
Cluster Technology
Cluster structure of the database server is a powerful instrument for enabling uninterrupted operability of the system. In the event that one of the servers included into the cluster fails, a backup unit picks up its tasks and logical addressing of the faulty device.
RAID Array
Disk subsystem of the database server, containing index data used for matching, is arranged as a RAID array of SCSI disks. The index data are “scattered” about all disks in the array. Besides the index data, the disks retain information on parity that may be used for data recovery. All index data and parity blocks are distributed among the disks so that if one of them is deleted or fails, the data located on this disk can be easily restored from the remaining disks.
In case of failure of one of the disks, the RAID controller automatically enables a backup disk and initiates data recovery. While the automatic recovery is in progress, the system continues its normal functioning only slightly reducing its throughput.
Membox Mirroring
To provide integrity and high availability of data stored on the memboxes, mirroring is used to store a complete segment of the database on two mediums simultaneously in two replicated copies. In case of malfunction of any of these two devices, a backup copy will be used. After the faulty device is mended, the identity of two replicas is recovered using software utilities.
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Data Exchange Standards
PAPILLON’s data exchange format fully complies with the requirements of the ANSI-NIST-ITL 1-2007 standard. The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS supports the following implemented versions:
– FBI CJIS- RS-0010 (v. 7)
– INTERPOL (INT-I) (v. 4)
– RUS-I (v. 2.00).
Any communication channel providing IP connection (telephone lines, wireless channels, optic-fiber or cellular network, etc.) can be used for data transmission.
Information Compatibility with External SQL Systems
The PAPILLON AFIS/APIS allows for bringing the textual part of the database out onto the Oracle server providing thereby the openness of the AFIS/APIS to other information system. All changes in the alphanumeric data stored in the AFIS/APIS database are synchronously replicated in the Oracle server.
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Information Security and Distribution of Access Rights
Built-in safeguards provide the PAPILLON AFIS/APIS with:
- Data protection against any unauthorized modification, as well as against either intentional or accidental corruption in every stage of data processing, storage or transmission
- Authentication of users engaged in data interchange (notarization of both the sender and the recipient)
- Distribution of privileges among users and maintenance staff to access any information resources available in the system
- Tracking of illegal operations the AFIS/APIS users and maintenance staff might perform
- Replication of data by making backup copies
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‘Bulk Entry’ Technology
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PAPILLON has developed a technique of rapid conversion of paper finger and palm record collections accumulated at law-enforcement repositories into the PAPILLON AFIS/APIS format, thereby fast creating a forensic-quality electronic database. This technology, so-called ‘bulk entry’, allows the input of more than 1 million tenprint cards per month. Streamflow entry of tenprint papers is carried out with ad hoc high-speed scanners of PAPILLON enabling the throughput of 3 thousand tenprints per day.
Optimal Layout of AFIS/APIS Implementation
Long-term experience in creating AFIS sites for law enforcement agencies in Russia and abroad has allowed PAPILLON to offer optimal layouts for implementing AFIS/APIS systems that ensure high efficiency since the very first days of operation. |
Streamflow scanning of tenprints
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Bulk Entry Department
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These optimal layouts of implementation are based on the following principles:
- Conversion of all paper finger and palm print collection to electronic format using the ‘bulk entry’ technique. All tenprints can be scanned at the Customer’s site without withdrawing them from regular operation of the agency. Alternatively, the print collection may be brought to the PAPILLON premises in Miass.
- Turnkey implementation of the AFIS/APIS at the Customer’s site, including all actions of precommissioning, electrical mounting and installation of air-conditioning system.
- Acceptance testing
- Training of personal in the Papillon Training Center or on the Customer’s site
- Warranty maintenance
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