A preliminary study of semi-quantitative, comparative evaluation of split or half fingerprints using Densitometric Image Analysis (DIA) - Inter-analyst differences for split or half fingerprints -

Due to the difficulty of grading visualized fingerprints with previously known evaluation methods for the comparison of split fingerprints, a preliminary study was performed with the densitometric image analysis (DIA) method as a potential quantitative and supplementary evaluation method. Each image of inked split fingerprints was divided into 4 zones for analysis. Weekly intra- and inter- analysis by two analysts with three whole fingerprints that were constructed by combining inked split fingerprints showed that the average area values and the ranges of difference fluctuation were not significantly different between strong fingerprints and strong-weak pairs, while they were different in weak fingerprints and weak-weak pairs. In the case of weak fingerprints, the exact acquisition of ridges was difficult and this seemed to influence the results. An additional study is needed for the improved reliability using DIA method with weak fingerprints such as 8 zones division rather than 4 zones. In addition, the analysis results performed by several analysts at different times should be used to improve the reliability of the analysis method further. Based on the above result, it can be judged that utilizing the DIA method as a secondary evaluation method of the existing scoring system would be effective with the additional studies especially on weak fingerprints.