The Wavelet Scalar Quantization Fingerprint Image Compression Certification

The Wavelet Scalar Quantization (WSQ) Gray-scale Fingerprint Image Compression Algorithm is the standard for the exchange of 8-bit, 500ppi fingerprint images within the criminal justice community. It is defined by the FBI’s WSQ Specification document.

To ensure compliance, the FBI defined a certification procedure and issues certifications for submitted algorithms. This certification program facilitates interoperability between agencies and ensures efficient access to FBI criminal justice information services.

The vendor using the reference test set created from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference implementation conducts initial certification testing. This self-test procedure enables a vendor to react quickly to technology advancements and market requirements without being constrained by the FBI’s limited personnel resources. The outcome from this self-test procedure is then sent to NIST for technical evaluation.

Afterwards, NIST sends the evaluation to the FBI. If all the required information is complete and the results are satisfactory, the FBI CJIS Division issues a letter certifying that the implementation is compliant with the WSQ Specification. That implementation number and description will then be added to the current list of approved implementations maintained by the FBI.