Fingerprint recognition performance in rugged outdoors and cold weather conditions

  • Authors:

  • Ron F. Stewart;Matt Estevao;Andy Adler

  • Affiliations:

  • Orica Canada Inc, Brownsburg, Quebec, Canada;Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada;Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

  • Venue:
  • BTAS'09 Proceedings of the 3rd IEEE international conference on Biometrics: Theory, applications and systems
  • Year:
  • 2009

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Abstract

This paper reports on tests of the performance of fingerprint recognition technology in rugged outdoor conditions, with an especial concentration on the performance in cold weather. We analyze: 1) chip versus optical fingerprint scanner technology, 2) recognition performance and image quality, and 3) user/device interaction. A outdoor fingerprint door access system was designed to capture fingerprint images and video data of user interactions. Using this device, data were captured over a period of two years, and a user survey performed. Data were analyzed in terms of biometric error rates and fingerprint quality (NFIQ) as a function of temperature and humidity. Results suggest: 1) biometric performance has no significant dependence on temperature and humidity (-30C to +20C), 2) both chip based and optical fingerprint scanners have some flaws in rugged and cold weather applications, and 3) overall fingerprint biometric technology has a good level of usability in this application.