Search results of heat-distorted fingerprints using sagem metamorpho AFIS

This research investigated the identification of fingerprints which had been distorted by heating the recipient surface. Fingerprints were deposited on uPVC which was then exposed to sufficient heat to cause distortion of the surface. The fingerprints were distorted vertically and horizontally as a consequence of the flow of uPVC resulting from the exposure to heat. Photographic images were taken of the fingerprints before and after distortion and both sets of images where loaded into the Sagem Metamorpho™ AFIS. Successful identifications were obtained in a number of cases. The results indicated that the quality of the fingerprint before heating influenced the identification of the distorted fingerprint. The results also showed that the vertically distorted fingerprints were more readily identified than horizontally distorted fingerprints. This research has shown that successful identifications can be achieved from fingerprints distorted by heat providing the pre heated fingerprint is of good quality.