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 Computer with a scanner Scanning software Spreadsheet or database software Water-based inking pad for fingerprinting White paper Optional: Image manipulation software References 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