Press Release
August 31, 2001
Fast WSQ API Toolkit Supports Fingerprint Compression On UNIX® And Windows®
PLANO, Texas — Mentalix, Inc. announces Version 2.1 of its Fast WSQ API Toolkit, with newly certified runtime libraries for three UNIX platforms as well as Windows. The Fast WSQ API Toolkit, which already provides the highest WSQ fingerprint image compression and decompression speeds available, now supports FBI-compliant runtime libraries for Sun Solaris™, IBM AIX®, HP-UX®, and Windows 2000.
The Fast WSQ API Toolkit enables integrators to add FBI-certified fingerprint image compression and decompression functionality to custom law enforcement programs, civilian security applications and ID systems. The WSQ format is the most efficient compression method for fingerprint data, whether the customer needs to maximize storage space or requires an FBI-certified solution.
Based on the FBI’s Wavelet Scalar Quantization (WSQ) Gray-Scale Fingerprint Image Compression Algorithm standard, the Fast WSQ API Toolkit offers an effective storage solution for fingerprint images. The compression ratio is user-selectable, but 15-20X is typically appropriate for retaining the desired quality level. Fast WSQ routines convert raw grayscale images to the WSQ format or decompress WSQ images back to raw grayscale data. FBI-certified runtime libraries ensure file compatibility and consistency levels for data exchange.
Designed for speed and easy integration, the Fast WSQ API Toolkit includes a ‘C’ Application Programming Interface (API) as well as a sample program and subroutines. Developers can create interfaces for both Windows and UNIX systems. The Fast WSQ API Toolkit also works in conjunction with Mentalix’s other fingerprint API products, which provide additional functionality such as FBI IAFIS-certified fingerprint card scanning, automated fingerprint image cropping, ANSI/NIST file creation for transmitting associated biographical data, and color image scanning of non-fingerprint images such as mug shots. For details, contact Mentalix at info@mentalix.com.
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Incorporated in 1987, Mentalix was founded to develop easy-to-use products for the purposes of scanning, editing, and printing photographic images from high-performance workstations. In recent years, Mentalix has applied its software development and imaging expertise to the creation of industry-recognized, FBI-certified fingerprint acquisition solutions. Corporate-wide, Mentalix continues to provide fast, elegant solutions for scientific, technical, GIS, manufacturing, fingerprint analysis, medical, educational, and government industries. Mentalix targets custom, systems integration and off-the-shelf solutions for Windows and a variety of UNIX systems. The company maintains its headquarters north of Dallas in Plano, Texas.
Mentalix and Fast WSQ API Toolkit are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mentalix, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Group. Windows and Windows NT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Sun and Solaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. IBM and AIX are trademarks or registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. HP-UX is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. All other trademarks acknowledged.
Press contact:
Alissa F. Payne
Mentalix, Inc.
(972) 423-9377 Ext. 124
