Optimization of a Palmprint Recognition System Based on 3D Ultrasound Images Captured with Compound Plane Wave Imaging Techniques

Palm-related biometric traits such as palmprints and vein patterns have been primarily studied using optical and infrared images. These approaches are low-cost and contactless but are restricted to 2D surface information. Conversely, ultrasound imaging provides 3D structural data, inherently detects liveness, and is immune to environmental conditions such as lighting and humidity. This study employs Compound Plane Wave Imaging (CPWI) for fast 3D acquisition of palmprints and palm veins to achieve enhanced recognition and shorter scanning times. Optimal contrast and resolution were obtained by transmitting 17 linearly steered plane waves. The aim of this work is to compare recognition performances of this system with those achieved with conventional phased array imaging techniques. Verification experiments carried out using both 2D and 3D templates have shown recognition accuracy at least comparable with that reported in previous works. The advantages of a shorter acquisition time achievable with the CPWI technique are finally highlighted and discussed.