Computerized systems that match Fingerprints using interoperable minutiae templates or mathematical representations of a fingerprint image can be highly accurate as an alternative to the full fingerprint image according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Standards (NIST).

Minutiae templates are a fraction of the size of fingerprint images, require less storage memory and can be transmitted electronically faster than images.

However, the techniques used by vendors to convert fingerprint images to minutiae are generally proprietary and their systems do not work with each other.

Law enforcement agencies have long used automated fingerprint matching devices, mostly smart cards which include biometric information such as fingerprints. However the increased use and need for less storage space is driving the use of minutiae rather than full images.

Story and Photo Souce: NIST Tech Beat.

About the author: Gloria is a Chemist and is the author of 2 science blogs: Straight From The Doc and The Pharm Voice.