Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Database Dilemma
Context
Biometrics is the field that studies the unique characteristics of the human body. Facial recognition and
eye/retinal scans are gaining acceptance, but fingerprinting is still the most accepted biometric technique.
Used for over one hundred years, fingerprinting is based on the fact that each person has distinctive prints,
even identical twins. The three main fingerprint characteristics (patterns) are loops, whorls, and arches:
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
In addition to the main patterns above, minutiae points are also used for identification. Minutiae points are
unique characteristics such as the point made when two ridges come together. These points are identified and
several are used when comparing fingerprints. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law
enforcement agencies share fingerprint information to help solve crimes. Surprisingly, varying requirements
exist from one agency to another with regard to the number of unique characteristics (minutiae) that must be
used to match a fingerprint. However, the task of matching a print is becoming more reliable with the use of
electronic databases. The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) is the system used
by the FBI.
Challenge
As a class, build a database of fingerprints. Since you do not have a fingerprint scanner, you must first print
your fingerprint on paper and then scan it into the computer. Develop a numbering system, and include the
characteristics of each print (i.e., loop, whorl, or arch) as well as several minutiae points for each print.
Consider other types of data that you might want to include in your database. Also, if you have image
manipulation software (e.g., Photoshop®, Paint Shop Pro®), try comparing two fingerprints by layering one
print on top of another.
Objectives
Upon completion of this design brief, students will be able to do the following:
 Identify the three characteristics found in human fingerprints.
 Label minutiae points on a fingerprint.
 Print a fingerprint and scan the image into a computer.
 Create a database.
Bioengineering (8467)
Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Technology Education Service
Virginia Department of Education ©2005
Page 1
Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Materials
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Computer with a scanner
Scanning software
Spreadsheet or database software
Water-based inking pad for fingerprinting
White paper
Optional: Image manipulation software
References
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Biometrics at Michigan State University. http://biometrics.cse.msu.edu/fingerprint.html
Federal Bureau of Investigation. http://www.fbi.gov/
Bioengineering (8467)
Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Technology Education Service
Virginia Department of Education ©2005
Page 2
Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Evaluation
Use the rubric below to evaluate student work. The left column lists the performance elements that correspond
to the objectives above. Additional assessment could come from student design portfolios containing
brainstorming and documentation of source material.
Identify the three
characteristics found in
human fingerprints.
Label minutiae points
on a fingerprint.
Print a fingerprint and
scan the image into a
computer.
Create a database.
Excellent
Identification would
include correctly
identifying the specific
characteristics of a
randomly presented
fingerprint: ulnar loop,
central pocket loop,
radial loop, plain
whorl, double loop
whorl, accidental
whorl, plain arch, or
tented arch.
Student could label at
least 5 minutiae points
on a randomly
presented fingerprint.
Average
Identification would
include correctly
identifying the basic
characteristics of a
randomly presented
fingerprint: loop,
whorl, or arch.
Unacceptable
Student could not
correctly identify the
basic characteristics
of a randomly
presented
fingerprint: loop,
whorl, or arch.
Student could label 2-4
minutiae points on a
randomly presented
fingerprint.
The student printed the
fingerprint without
smudges. The dried
print was scanned and
saved as a TIFF file.
The student used
software to enhance the
clarity of the image and
to reduce file size.
Variables are correctly
established and entered
for each image. Data
are accurately keyed
into the software. The
student demonstrates
the ability to
successfully query and
print reports from the
data.
The student printed the
fingerprint without
smudges. The dried
print was scanned and
saved as a TIFF file.
Student could label
only 1 minutiae
point on a randomly
presented
fingerprint.
The student printed
the fingerprint but
the image was not
clear. The dried print
was not successfully
scanned and saved as
a TIFF file.
Bioengineering (8467)
Design Brief: Database Dilemma
Variables are correctly
established and entered
for each image. Data
are accurately keyed
into the software. The
student has difficulty
demonstrating the
ability to query and
print reports from the
data.
Variables are not
correctly established
and entered for each
image. Data are not
accurately keyed into
software. The
student has difficulty
demonstrating the
ability to query and
print reports from
the data.
Technology Education Service
Virginia Department of Education ©2005
Page 3