FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION ARRANGEMENT

An arrangement for generating a classification code for a fingerprint having a pattern of ridges, the ridges having a plurality of reference features, which includes overlaying the intersection of a pair of cross-hairs at a first one of the reference features. A line is overlaid from a second one of the reference features to the first reference feature. The cross-hairs are oriented so that the line bisects a quadrant of the cross-hairs. The ridges crossed by predetermined portions of the cross-hairs are counted to generate the classification code.