Visualization of Latent Fingermarks by Enhanced Chemiluminescence Immunoassay and Pattern Recognition.

Abstract

Herein we report the combination of enzyme-linked immunoassay and pattern recognition analysis for extracting both chemical and spatial information from latent fingermarks (LFMs). The development approach basically involves two steps, namely specific recognition of protein/polypeptide secretions present in the ridge residues of LFMs by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled antibodies, and HRP-catalyzed CL reaction between luminol and H2O2. The emitted light could spatially resolve the ridges, generating a bright image against the dark object surface for visualization of a LFM. Meanwhile, thanks to the molecular specificity of the immunoassay step, the emission also provided us additional information on the existence of specific substances in LFMs. The developed LFMs were further processed by a set of digital image processing procedures. Quantitative analysis based on minutiae features shows that even poorly developed fingermarks could be matched successfully. This work offers the promise to facilitate cross-disciplinary studies between data-processing approach and fingermark development technique, such as the extraction of more information from LFM evidence, as well as the establishment of evaluation criteria for an enhancement technique.