A method of analyzing and recognizing 
fingerprint images that utilizes vector 
processing of a 
vector field that is defined as the tangential vector of the 
fingerprint ridge curves is disclosed. The raw 
fingerprint image is divided into blocks, filtered to remove 
noise, and the orientation direction of each block is found. This allows the 
ridge curves to be enhanced and approximated by piece-wise linear approximations. The piece-wise linear approximations to the 
ridge curves allow the 
minutiae to be extracted and classified and a fingerprint 
minutiae template to be constructed. An enrollment process gathers multiple fingerprint images, creates fingerprint 
minutiae templates corresponding to the acquired fingerprint images, and stores the templates and other data associated with the respective individual or the enrolled fingerprint in a 
fingerprint database. In an identification process, an unknown raw 
fingerprint image is obtained via a fingerprint 
scanner and processed similarly to the enrollment process such that the fingerprint minutiae template of the unknown fingerprint is compared to one or more previously enrolled fingerprint minutiae templates. The identity of the individual associated with the unknown fingerprint is thereby ascertained. In addition, live 
finger detection can be accomplished in conjunction with the 
verification or identification process through analysis of the 
fingerprint image thus enhancing the security of the overall 
system.