A method and apparatus are provided for improved fingerprint recognition. A fingerprint image associated with an authorized user can be captured with a sensor. Direction vectors for a plurality of pixels of the first fingerprint image are then calculated. Next, characteristic points of the fingerprint image are located in a first coordinate system. The fingerprint central nucleus is determined based on the calculated direction vectors, and is expressed in the first coordinate system. Subsequently, a second coordinate system having an origin located relative to the fingerprint central nucleus is determined. Thereafter, the characteristic points of the fingerprint image are mapped to the second coordinate system. Finally, the fingerprint central nucleus and fingerprint characteristic points expressed in the second coordinate system are saved as a fingerprint template.