M AT H E M AT I C S B E H I N D

FINGERPRINTS
 INTRODUCTION
• Fingerprints are unique patterns formed by the
ridges and furrows on our fingertips. They have
been used for identification purposes for over a
century and are an important tool in forensic
science and criminal investigations.

• Each person has a distinct set of ridge patterns on

their fingertips thus, making their fingerprints
different from anyone else's. Even identical
twins have different fingerprints. This uniqueness is
what makes fingerprints a reliable method of
identification.

• Fingerprints are formed during foetal development

and remain relatively unchanged throughout a
person's life. They are not affected by age or
superficial injuries. This permanence makes
fingerprints a stable and consistent form of
identification.
TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS
 LOOP
• Loops are the most common type of
fingerprint, accounting for about 65% of the
population.
• They are characterized by ridges that curve
around and then back on themselves.
• Loops are further divided into two types:
radial loops and ulnar loops.
• Radial loops point towards the thumb, while
ulnar loops point towards the little finger.
 WHORLS
• Whorls are the second most common
type of fingerprint, accounting for
about 30% of the population.
• They are characterized by ridges that
form a circular or spiral pattern.
 ARCHES
• Arches are the rarest type of fingerprint, accounting for
about 5% of the population.
• They are characterized by ridges that rise up from the
skin and then curve back down again.
• Arches are further divided into two types: plain arches
and tented arches.
• Plain arches have a smooth, even curve, while tented
arches have a pointed peak.
 • Ridge patterns: Fingerprint ridges form distinct patterns such as arches,
loops, and whorls. These patterns can be analysed mathematically using
concepts from topology and geometry. For example, ridge counts, which
Methods of involve counting the number of ridges that cross a particular line or region

G EAnalysis
of interest, can help classify fingerprints.
RPRINT • Minutiae: Minutiae points are specific features within a fingerprint, such
as ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots. These minutiae points are used
to create a unique fingerprint template for identification purposes.
• Fourier analysis: Fourier analysis is a mathematical technique that
breaks down a complex signal or image into a combination of simple
sinusoidal components.
• Statistical models: Statistical methods play a crucial role in fingerprint
analysis, especially in terms of pattern classification and matching.
Various mathematical models, such as probabilistic models and machine
learning algorithms, are employed to compare and match fingerprint
features. These models utilize mathematical techniques such as
probability theory, statistical inference, and pattern recognition to assess
the similarity or dissimilarity between fingerprints.
• Error rates and probability: Fingerprint analysis involves assessing the
probability of two fingerprints matching or belonging to the same
individual. This assessment is often based on statistical models and
considers error rates, false positives, false negatives.
• Wikipedia
BIBLIOGRA
• YouTube videos :
PHY
• https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/

i. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDKzz4in7Xg&pp=ygUebWF0aGVtYXRpY3MgYmVo
aW5kIGZpbmdlcnByaW50
ii. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCRy8voU5dE&t=59s&pp=ygUQdHdpbiBmaW5nZXJw
cmludA%3D%3D

Video link :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyw5b-bZzyQ&pp=ygUebWF0aGVtYXRpY3MgYmVoaW5
kIGZpbmdlcnByaW50
Sound link :
https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/page-turning/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvlObsw7JeE2

Thank