MAIN FEATURES

---

1. Input (Enrollment) of tenprints;

2. Input of latent prints collected from crime scenes;

3. Different types of search is supported : Tenprint-latent, tenprint-tenprint, latent-tenprint, latent-latent;

4. Recommended lists lookup;

5. Services (exchange of information with other AFIS’s, statistical reports, printing, etc.)

---

1. Input (Enrollment) of tenprints

 Input of tenprints into the system is achieved via an inkless fingerprinting device – a live scanner. Input via flatbed scanners supported by TWAIN interface is also available. During this process, the system defines print boundaries, integral features (loops, deltas, whorls, types of patterns), minutiae points (beginnings or endings of papillary lines, bifurcation of lines, islands, spurs, etc.), as well as poor quality areas. Images of prints are encoded (checked for special features used in matching) automatically. An operator can review and correct, if necessary, the allocation of integral features. 

2. Input of latent prints
 Input of latent prints can be performed from photos or transparent dactyloscopic films through flatbed scanners, as well as from any other data storage via video input device. Latent print encoding is done in an interactive mode, i.e. an operator can control any stage of the encoding process and, if necessary, correct either the integral features allocation or the pattern skeleton. Detection of a complete set of features is done automatically, based on the pattern skeleton.

The process of input of tenprints and latent prints is completed with the entry of text information. This information consists of the basic data (ID, crime description, police department, etc.) and complementary data (details about a person, etc.). Access to dictionaries makes text data entry a straightforward process.
Images of prints are stored in a database in a compressed form. Restored images are of the high quality, so that all minutiae points are left undisturbed. Looking through tenprints and latent prints, an operator can choose the cards that meet specific requirements or are of particular interest.
The following operations can be performed with any of the selected cards:

o  Display on the monitor (either text data or images of prints and encoding results);
o  Send to print;
o  Make necessary corrections;
o  Sort cards according to the requested search parameters (region, type of crime, gender, etc.);
o  Export to other systems according to the NIST standard;
o  Delete
o  Compare tenprints and/or latent prints visually  without automatic matching;
o  Create a search query.

The stage of correction of tenprints and latent prints permits changing text data and re-indexing of prints and latent prints of fingers and palms in an interactive mode.

3. Search
As mentioned earlier, BioLink AFIS performs the following types of searches: tenprint/latent, tenprint/tenprint, latent/tenprint, and latent/latent.  Automatic creation of a search query with standard query parameters can be set up for every new tenprint and latent print entry. A search query with either standard or arbitrary parameters can also be made for any tenprint and/or latent print from the existing database. A search can also be performed through the whole database or a particular part of it according to some specific conditions, such as region, type of crime, age, etc.  Formed queries are set in a queue for search. An operator can control the queries, change their priority and, if necessary, delete the queries before search begins. As a result, the recommended list of probable candidates is generated.

4. Recommended List lookup
After looking through the recommended list, an operator can make a decision whether the tested print matches any of the prints produced by the system. The friendly interface and high quality of compressed images speed up the identification process. Compared prints can be enlarged or rotated; latent prints can be inverted into a negative form.

5. Services
To control minutiae points and integral features, there is a convenient system of moving cursors and markers.  Every recommended list produced by the system is connected to its own query.  Search results can be printed in a phototable form.
BioLink AFIS automatically determines a dactyloscopic formula, as well as calculates the basic and complimentary formulas.  In questionable cases two variants of code are produced for the complimentary formula.
Database administration includes registration of users and access authorization, database archiving, and regular updating

 

 

AFIS COMPONENTS

---

The AFIS consists of the following components:

1. Server cluster;

2. Disks array;

3. Data archiving module;

4. Matching block (matchers);

5. Network equipment;

6. System administrator workstation;

7. Input (registration) workstations;

8. Criminal examination workstations;

9. Workstation for control of query results;

10. Identification workstations;

11. Equipment for communication with regional systems and remote workstations.

---

1. Server Cluster

When working on an AFIS project, there are a number of factors to be considered:

o  huge volumes of information to be stored on the server;

o  Applications that take a lot of processing power on server are not required 

o  reliability requirements

Keeping these in mind, a cluster of double-processor servers is created.  The servers are Intel processor based and work with a sole disk array. This solution provides high reliability and operational speed. In the case of an individual server failure, the remaining servers of a cluster will automatically assume its functions ensuring the system will keep on working. Until the failed server is fixed, there will be only a slight decrease in productivity of the system, but not its complete shutdown.

2. Disk Array

To ensure reliability, the disk array must provide an uninterrupted system performance in case of an individual disk failure.  High-speed Fiber Channel is used to connect the server with the disk array and combine the server nodes into a cluster.

3. Data Archiving Module

HP StorageWorks 1/8 Tape Autoloader magnetic tapes library is used as an archiving device. Designed for basic data protection, the HP StorageWorks 1/8 Tape Autoloader provides cost-effective, easy-to-install unattended backup. No more struggling to remember to change tapes or start backup programs.

Equally, in a data-center rack or on a desk next to the office server, the 1/8 Tape Autoloader in a 2U form factor is equipped with either an Ultrium 960, Ultrium 448, SDLT 320, Ultrium 232 or a DLT VS80 tape drive and can hold up to eight cartridges. The autoloader can be used in either a direct-attached backup to a single server or across the LAN.

4. Matching Block (Matcher)

The matching block performs comparison of encoded fingerprints in a query with the fingerprints stored in a database.  Its work is based on the principle of distributed fingerprints data (mathematical code).  Each matcher in the block has its own local disk, to which a part of the main database is copied. The special structure of the local databases optimizes the search speed.  The distributed database principle prevents the system from network overload and increases its performance.

For matchers, the double-processor computers realized as racks with 1U height and based on Intel processors (so-called “ultra thin servers”) ProLiant DL360 are used. Matching blocks are designed as standard 19-inch racks.

5. Network Equipment

The network equipment connects all matchers and workstations to the server. There are two ways of building a network. The first one is to double all network elements (hot reservation). Being more expensive, this method provides greater reliability. The second way is to use the LAN structure consisting of several segments. In case of a network element failure, only users of the respective segment will be disconnected from the server.  Until the defective element is fixed or replaced, productivity of the system will decrease slightly with the general work capacity remaining unchanged.

6. System Administrator Workstation

The workstation is intended for maintenance works, main system parameters setup, and statistical reports retrieval. For this type of workstations, a regular PC based on a Pentium IV processor can be used.

7. Input (Registration) Workstations

The workstations are intended for fingerprint registration of persons. It is equipped with a PC with the same characteristics as the administrator workstation and a flatbed scanner to input fingerprints from paper sheets. An Input workstation may be equipped with a live scanner and a digital camera for input of the registered person's fingerprints and mug shot.

It is allowed to enroll photos of a face and other special photos (like scars, tattoos, etc) during a card enrolment.

8. Criminal Examination Workstations

The workstations are intended to perform the following functions:

o  Input and encoding of latent prints collected from crime scenes;

o  Creation of search queries for identification of persons who left latent prints;

o  Examination of the recommended lists by an operator;

o  Report and phototable printout preparation.

The workstations are supplied with 19” monitors and a minimum of 512 MB of RAM for effective work with palms. A flatbed scanner for input of tenprints and photos of latents and a high-resolution digital camera for transfer of latents from their original carriers are connected to the workstations. It is required to use a laser printer to print out operators’ reports and phototables (color printer is recommended). The number of these workstations is determined by the average daily flow of latents.

9. Workstations for Control of Query Results

Workstations of this type are intended for analyzing the “tenprint – tenprints” search results (except attempts of repeated registrations). The same workstations are used for the investigation of different conflict situations.

10.  Identification Workstations

Workstations of this type are intended for identification of citizens in real time with one or two fingers. For this workstation, a usual PC with a Live Scanner and ID-cards reader can be used. All workstations should be connected directly to the Central system through LAN or modem.

The number of such workstations should be defined according to the flow of queries and one station’s productivity. One station can process about 250-300 queries per day. But the resource of stations should be higher to avoid queues and make workstations maximally close to the citizens’ domicile.

11.   Fingerprint and Palmprint Scanners

DS-30
The DS-30 Fingerprint Scanner is designed for taking rolled fingerprints (rolls) and plain impressions (slaps). This model was certified by the FBI (USA) in March 2007. The optics assures high quality images that are not obscured by moisture. The scanner allows images of two thumbs to be captured simultaneously.

DS-40
The quality of fingerprint images acquired in the live scanner system ensures pinpoint accuracy of automatic recognition and encoding of impressions in the AFIS, and as a result, improving of its key search characteristics (accuracy, selectivity and processing speed).

o  Elastic covering of the scanner platen enables acquisition of high quality images even of those fingers which are hardly feasible for tak­ing impressions (too dry, with flat-relief or worn-down patterns (so-called “housewife’s fingers”), etc.)

o  The smear-compensation algorithm almost completely elimi­nates image imperfections that appear through unavoidable slipping of the finger on the surface of the scanner platen when rolling

o  Moisture-discriminating optics generates superior quality images of rolls and slaps, that are not obscured by moisture, and negates errors caused by weeping glass of the platen (gray halos around impressions)

 

 

 

MOBILE VERSATILE COMPLEX

---

The mobile versatile complex is capable of functioning as an enrollment station for electronic fingerprinting, as a terminal of remote access to the Central AFIS resources and as an express ID checking workstation, integrating the functional capabilities of all the three types of remote stations.

Moreover, the RASTR software also installed in the system allows the experts to quickly fix and process images, to compare images in a split-screen format, to prepare examination reports and work sheets, and then to print them as hard copies. The ad hoc filters available in RASTR allow the poor-quality latent images (obscured by dirt, or containing overlaying latents) to be enhanced before they are dispatched for identification.

The complex provides on-the-spot access to the AFIS databases through any wire communication channel supporting IP connectivity, and through wireless connectivity as well whether it is GSM or CDMA. The Inmarsat R BGAN synchronized satellite channel can also be used for data transmission.

The workstation is mounted in a rugged and shockproof case-container. It takes not more than 2 minutes to prepare the station for service after transportation.

The workstation is adapted for use in a vehicle: can be energized from the car accumulator via voltage inverter or from the on-board power supply system. With lack of external power supply, the workstation devices can efficiently operate being battery-powered.
Besides fingerprint data, the workstation al­lows for transmission to the CAFIS of files containing alphanumeric and graphic informa­tion originated in the Linux or Windows oper­ating systems.

 

 

SERVICES

---

Professional Services
The following services are provided to users:

o  System installation (both hardware and software);

o  Personnel training;

o  Documentation transfer;

o  Consultations for users and operators;

o  Follow-up training for operators;

o  Quality control of operators work;

o  Preparation of the implementation guidelines to ensure normal functionality of the system;

o  System maintenance.

Training Program
The typical items of the AFIS training programs are represented below.

AFIS System Administrator Training:

o  General characteristics of the AFIS

o  System Installation

o  Technology of operating with the data

o  System administration

o  Operation with DBMS

o  Remote access

Expert Training:

o  OS fundamentals

o  Basics of dactyloscopy

o  Start and end of work

o  Input of text data of tenprints

o  Tenprint scanning

o  Checking of integral features

o  Input of latents

o  Interactive latent encoding

o  Search

o  Print documents using AFIS

 Input Operators Training

o  OS fundamentals

o  Basics of dactyloscopy

o  Start and end of work

o  Input of text data

o  Tenprint scanning

o  Checking of integral features

o  Input of latents

Warranty and Technical Support
The AFIS manufacturer provides a warranty period of up to 10 years with the ability of prolongation.
During this period, the following works and services will be provided:

o  Free-of-charge bug fixing (if any) through the exploitation of the system;

o  Free-of-charge updates of the installed system;

o  Hot-line consultations;

o  New installation of the system on another hardware without changing its initial configuration;

o  Providing teleservice to clients where high-quality telecommunication channels exist;

o  Quarterly comprehensive system maintenance in each region (functioning and maintenance issues, quality of enrolling and encoding of information;  database(s) status,  work organization, remote stations connection);

o  Preparation and coordination of the technical tests to modify the installed version of the software according to the recommendations of users and operators.

SYSTEM ADVANTAGES

---

This AFIS is a dactyloscopic system of a new generation. It is capable of supporting tenprint databases ranging from tens of thousands of prints at a local level to millions of prints at a national level. The system utilizes state-of-the-art technical and methodological solutions available. It operates on powerful servers and disk RAID-arrays, Oracle database, Unix/Linux -based workstations and servers, and standard network protocols. Only such a powerful technical environment can provide high reliability and serviceability of the system with databases of specified volume. Standard high capacity personal computers can be used as workstations for the AFIS solution.

The following characteristics make this AFIS advantageous over comparable systems:

o  High reliability;

o  Modular architecture based on the open systems standard;

o High functional flexibility and adaptability of the system to the requirements of end users, including country-specific standards;

o  Unlimited possibility for the system expansion and subsequent productivity increase;

o  Multi-level data integrity and access protection;

o  Convenient  installation of the system on any standard PC;

o  User-friendly interface;

o Interconnection with other AFIS’s  using the exchange protocol ANSI/NIST and the WSQ method of information compression;

o  Unique fingerprint processing algorithms ensure search accuracy and efficiency without the use of special matchers;

o  Ability of the system to process both fingerprints and palm prints;

o  Dependable on-site customer service provided through authorized local firms

All the factors listed above allow creating AFIS projects of a different scale ensuring the highest quality of fingerprint processing.