Fingerprint Patterns - Loops
Fingerprint Patterns - Loops
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Loops are the most common pattern type found. To be a loop the pattern must have one (and only one) delta and a core. If you don't understand what a delta is then go back to the pattern types page now. You really need to understand the concept of a delta before you proceed to this section.
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Image #1 |
In Image #1 we see a loop
pattern. You will notice that it has one delta (shown in the blue box) and a core
(shown in the red box). By definition the existence of a core and one
delta makes this pattern a loop.
Loops are classified not only by the fact that they have one delta and one
core but also by something called a ridge count. The ridge count is the
number of lines intersected if you were to draw a line from the delta to the core plus or
minus 1. This means that you always add plus or minus 1 to the ridge count if you were to
be searching for this print card based on classification or in the event you were
comparing it to an NCIC Classification.
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Image #2 |
Loops are noted as numerical numbers on an NCIC classification. Numbers 01-49 indicate Ulnar loops while numbers 51 to 99 indicate Radial loops. The distinction between ulnar and radial loops is determined by which hand the loop is found on. The ridge count is obtained by making an imaginary line between the delta and the core and then counting the number of lines intersected. In Image #2 at right I have placed a red line to show the imaginary line between the delta and core. If you count the intersecting lines between these two points you should come up with 11 (plus or minus 1). If this print was noted in NCIC code it would be noted as "11" or "61". 11 if it was an Ulnar loop and 61 if it was a Radial loop.