Document scanners for minutiae-based palmprint recognition: a feasibility study

Highly expensive capturing devices and barely existent high-resolution palmprint datasets have slowed the development of forensic palmprint biometric systems in comparison with civilian systems. These issues are addressed in this work. The feasibility of using document scanners as a cheaper option to acquire palmprints for minutiae-based matching systems is explored. A new high-resolution palmprint dataset was established using an industry-standard Green Bit MC517 scanner and an HP Scanjet G4010 document scanner. Furthermore, a new enhancement algorithm to attenuate the negative effect of creases in the process of minutiae extraction is proposed. Experimental results highlight the potentialities of document scanners for forensic applications. Advantages and disadvantages of both technologies are discussed in this context as well.