Probing with and into fingerprints

Dahiya, R. S. and Gori, M. (2010) Probing with and into fingerprints. Journal of Neurophysiology, 104(1), pp. 1-3. (doi: 10.1152/jn.01007.2009)

Abstract

A recent report by Scheibert et al. highlights the role of fingerprints in enhancing tactile sensitivity. By scanning a surface with a biometric force sensor they demonstrate the dominance of the frequencies that fall within the optimal sensitivity range of Pacinian afferents. The sensor, in this study, has a soft cover patterned with parallel ridges—mimicking the fingerprints. However, the skin structure is quite complex. Elasticity of the skin varies with depth and the ridge like pattern is comprised of not just papillary ridges or fingerprints. Besides fingerprints there exist intermediate ridges, positioned exactly under the papillary ridges, and limiting ridges at dermis-epidermis junction. These structures are usually considered as single unit. If so, it is important to revisit and see if the role of fingerprints remains the same, should the sensor cover have both fingerprints and intermediate ridges.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dahiya, Professor Ravinder
• Authors: Dahiya, R. S., and Gori, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: Journal of Neurophysiology
• Journal Abbr.: J. neurophysiol.
• Publisher: American Physiological Society
• ISSN: 0022-3077
• ISSN (Online): 1522-1598