3D fingerprint image acquisition methods

Abstract

This chapter presents a range of contactless 3D fingerprint imaging techniques and provides comparative technical details that can determine the suitability of a 3D fingerprint sensor for a given application. 3D fingerprint image acquisition methods presented in this chapter have been grouped into four categories, namely optical, non-optical, geometric and photometric methods. This chapter provides details on five different candidate methods to acquire 3D fingerprint images, namely stereo vision, pattern lighting, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound imaging and photometric stereo method. It also includes other potential 3D imaging techniques, under other methods section, which can be investigated for acquiring contactless 3D fingerprint images.