Fingerprint preview quality and segmentation

Abstract

A ridge flow based fingerprint image quality determination can be achieved independent of image resolution, can be processed in real-time and includes segmentation, such as fingertip segmentation, therefore providing image quality assessment for individual fingertips within a four finger flat, dual thumb, or whole hand image. A fingerprint quality module receives from one or more scan devices ridge-flow—containing imagery which can then be assessed for one or more of quality, handedness, historical information analysis and the assignment of bounding boxes.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . An image quality determination method comprising:
 identifying ridge flow detections in a received image and, for each detection:   determining an average contrast;   determining a peak Fourier coefficient; and   determining a peak angle agreement between a ridge flow detection and neighboring ridge flow detections.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising scoring the received image. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the received image comprises segmentation information. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the received image includes ridge flow information. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising determining and providing feedback based on the image quality determination method. 
   
   
       18 - 47 . (canceled) 
   
   
       48 . An image quality determination system comprising:
 means for identifying ridge flow detections in a received image and, for each detection:   means for determining an average contrast;   means for determining a peak Fourier coefficient; and   means for determining a peak angle agreement between a ridge flow detection and neighboring ridge flow detections.   
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 48 , further comprising means for scoring the received image. 
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the received image comprises segmentation information. 
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the received image includes ridge flow information. 
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 48 , further comprising means for determining and means for providing feedback based on the image quality determination method. 
   
   
       53 - 58 . (canceled)