The algorithm we developed allows the system to make a transformation of the fingerprint image by encoding certain features of the fingerprint and then transforming them in a way that is unique to that fingerprint.

This problem needs to be overcome before it will be possible to routinely replace passwords with fingerprints.

For the first time, we have determined the minimum surface area required for fingerprint scanning in order to achieve a level of security that is roughly comparable to the security achieved with a six-letter password.