Fingerprint Recognition of Newborns and Toddlers

Abstract

In general, Biometrics and fingerprints in particular have become increasingly important elements in the context of public security and using historically for forensic purposes and verification. newlineIn the late 19th century, Sir Galton started the use of fingerprint recognition as a method for baby identification. However, even after the extent two centuries, fingerprint identification for newborns and toddlers has not advanced to the same level as that for adults. On the other hand, in authenticating and recognizing adults, the fingerprint recognition scheme performs well. However, it faces problems such as the poor quality of fingerprint photographs and incorrect enrollment in the case of babies and toddlers, thereby decreasing the precision of identification. newlineSo, newborns kidnapping, switching, disappearance and illegal adoption are becoming problems at hospitals, birthing centers and other places where several births take place simultaneously. Eliminating the occurrence of childhood illnesses that may be prevented by vaccination (e.g., Polio, Tuberculosis, and Tetanus) is also one of the main objectives of most national, international, and non-governmental health organizations. According to research from the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, there is a growing request for fingerprint identification of babies because more than a million of them go missing each year. So, we want to ensure that newborns and toddlers have access to their rights. newlineThis research work aims to address these issues by proposing a biometric tracking mechanism using fingerprints for newborns and toddlers, replacing the traditional identification cards provided in hospitals and maternity centers. The objective is to ensure that newborns and toddlers have access to their rights, including vaccinations, healthcare, and nutritional supplements until they reach school age. newlineTherefore, this doctoral thesis develops Fingerprint Recognition model for newborns and toddlers based on the machine learning classifiers with Deep lear