Method and device for fingerprint authentication

A fingerprint authentication device comprising:

• a data storage unit configured to store a plurality of partial fingerprint registration data, each of which corresponds to a part of a fingerprint;
• a data input unit configured to receive partial fingerprint measurement data for an authentication, which corresponds to a part of a fingerprint;
• a control unit configured to perform the authentication by comparing the plurality of partial fingerprint registration data and the partial fingerprint measurement data;
• and
• an output unit configured to output a result of the authentication under a control of the control unit,
• wherein the control unit performs steps of:
• calculating a matching rate by comparing the partial fingerprint measurement data with reference comparison data selected among the plurality of partial fingerprint registration data;
• first determining whether the matching rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined authentication threshold;
• and
• second determining, based on a result in the step of first determining, a success of the authentication to complete the authentication, or repeating the calculating step and the first determining step by selecting new reference comparison data among the partial fingerprint registration data that have not been selected as the reference comparison data based on whether or not the matching rate is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, which is smaller than the predetermined authentication threshold.