Dactylography - History, Present and Future This thesis introduces one of the most important identification methods - dactylography (or dactyloscopy), e.g. the method based on analysis and classification of patterns of friction ridges (especially fingerprints). This thesis consists of three main chapters considering its name. The first chapter describes interesting history of this method from first discoveries, through various breakthroughs, to reaching the status of forensic evidence. This chapter mainly focuses on individual pioneers on the field of dactylography, but tells as well the story of Czechoslovak dactylography and reminds cases, that were very close to prove this method wrong at its fragile beginning. The second chapter focuses on the present of dactylography. This chapter starts with three basic laws of dactylography, but the essence of it lies in the term "dactyloscopic evidence". The methods of revelation, analysis and preservation of dactyloscopic evidence are described here as well as their comparison. If it comes to analysis, I am trying to compare two approaches used today (holistic and numerical) and offer my opinion which one is better. Also, I am trying to answer the question, if it is possible to tell how old the dactyloscopic evidence is. The third and the last chapter...

FINGERPRINTING - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE The objective of this thesis is to present the forensic fingerprinting as a scientific method which, although in comparison with other forensic sciences being one of the oldest, is not out-dated at all, quite to the contrary - it presents an ever-changing and continuously developing field of science. The objective is approached through three distinctive and yet intertwined chapters corresponding with the title of the thesis - past, present and future of the fingerprinting. They are also designed, at least in part, to capture this constant forward motion. Accordingly, the first chapter aims to describe briefly scientific roots of the method, the way it drew in its beginnings from various scientific discoveries, inspired by the rise of Darwinism. Particular emphasis is put on the description of the formulation and empirical confirmation of three physiological laws of fingerprinting that even today serve as its grounds. The second chapter deals with and tries to describe the current state of knowledge and particular methods used in detection, development and preservation of fingerprints, especially latent ones. To do this it seems to be necessary to describe briefly the anatomy and physiology of friction ridge skin, as it enables to fully comprehend the way in...

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In order to deliver statistical and qualitative backing to latent fingerprint evidence, algorithms are proposed (1) to perform fingerprint matching to aid in quality assessment, and (2) to discover statistically rare features or patterns in fingerprints. These features would help establish an objective minimum-quality baseline for latent prints as well as aid in the latent examination process in making a matching comparison. The proposed methodologies use minutiae triplet-based features in a hierarchical fashion, where not only minutia points are used, but ridge information is used to help establish relations between minutiae. Results show (1) that our triplet-based descriptor is useful in eliminating false matches in the matching algorithm, and (2) that a set of distinctive features can be found that have sufficient discriminatory power to aid in quality assessment. / Master of Science

1 Abstract Fingerprinting - Past, Present and Future The objective of the presented diploma thesis is to provide a comprehensive overview of findings in fingerprints area. Fingerprinting is a unique method enabling quick, inexpensive and reliable personal identification. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the presented issue, fingerprint reputation as ever-changing and continuously developing method is put into contrast with its contradictions and current problems. The first part of the thesis describes roots and genesis of the method from its beginnings in ancient realms up to date. The process of shaping of the knowledge in the field of fingerprints into a science is presented through the works of the most prominent fingerprints personalities. Despite the difficult beginnings, fingerprints finally reached the position of trustworthy and respectful area of forensic science. Due to that; the historical part follows the journey of fingerprints evidence into the police investigation and court rooms. Final point brings an attention to the establishment of fingerprinting in Czech criminal investigation. The main part of the thesis is dedicated to the practical aspect of fingerprints expertise. To provide a deep level of understanding, particular role of fingerprints in criminal investigations and its...

The aim of this thesis is to comprehensively analyze and describe one of the oldest methods of individual identification of individuals, which originates in ancient civilizations and consists of identifying a person on the basis of unique drawings of his papillary terrain. The dactyloscopy will be viewed primarily from a criminalistic perspective, although the text also deals with its expansion and use in other areas of human life. This is also a current trend, whose tendencies can be expected in the future. The thesis is divided into three basic chapters - history, present, future, which will gradually summarize the whole issue of this established forensic science. The text is supplemented with pictures and photographs with regard to practical use of this method. The first part of the thesis deals with the history of dactyloscopy from the discovery of papillary lines by ancient cultures to the gradual introduction of scientific approach to this discipline, either from physiological point of view or later from the criminalistic point of view. The text focuses mainly on important personalities who have helped to develop dactyloscopy and put it into practice. At the end of this part, the historical background and the development of the doctrine of papillary lines in the Czech Republic are also...