Fingerprint image ridge frequency estimation by higher order spectrum

This paper proposes a new approach for estimating the ridgeline frequency of fingerprint images by using higher order spectrum. The higher order spectrum enhances the fundamental frequency component of the ridgeline by using its harmonics and therefore suppresses the noise. A specific form of higher order spectrum other than the traditional bispectrum or trispectrum is employed to improve the reliability of the fingerprint ridge frequency estimation. This approach provides a reliable ridgeline frequency estimation for heavy noised fingerprint images. Experimental results are presented to compare this approach with the traditional approaches of power spectrum, bispectrum and trispectrum.