Computer scientists from the University of Texas at Austin have used a genetic algorithm to develop a program which can better digitally improve images of fingerprints than the human-based FBI's fingerprint image compression program, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in "Man Against Machine." They started by feeding their computers with basic programming instructions needed to compress graphic images. Then they waited for the birth of a better algorithm. After 50 iterations -- or generations -- their genetic algorithm consistently outperformed the FBI's human-designed program for fingerprint image compression. And don't think it's only research. The FBI has today 50 million sets of fingerprints in its archives and performs about 60,000 digital fingerprint image transactions every day. So this software development might soon help to speed up a suspect's identification process. Read more on ZDNet's Emerging Technology Trends.
Sources: National Science Foundation news release, September 1, 2005; and various web sites
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