 |
|
Introduction to Biometrics Each us of is uniquely identifiable based upon our inherent biological and behavioral characteristics. The shape of our hand (biological) or how we speak (behavioural and biological), for instance, makes us immediately knowable. Biometrics is the automated recognition of individuals based upon their behavioural and biological characteristics. Various biometric modalities can be used to recognize an individual. While fingerprints have been used by human examiners for over a century and in automated systems for several decades, recent advancements in technology have brought other modalities to the forefront. These include hand geometry, facial recognition and iris recognition. Certain behavioral actions are also starting to gain wider acceptance. These include voice recognition (speaking), keystroke measurement (typing) and signature recognition (signing). Biometrics can be used for both verification and identification purposes. Verification involves matching an individual’s biometric data against a specific data record based on a claim of identity made by the individual. Think of using a PIN at a bank machine: you enter your PIN, which is then directly matched with the PIN as referenced by the bank card you swiped at the machine. If the bank wanted additional security, it could also use a sensor to capture your fingerprint, iris or face and match that against a previously captured image that was also associated with your bank card. This is a simple, one-to-one matching process. Identification, on the other hand, does not require an individual to claim an identity; rather his or her biometric data is compared with previously captured biometric records for everyone enrolled in a specific database. Instead of a one-to-one search this could be a one-to-one million search. As an example, consider a police fingerprint system in which each new fingerprint lifted from a crime scene must be compared against the fingerprints contained in every criminal record in the database. All matching processes depend upon biometric data collected at different times and often at different locations. In verification, there must be at least one enrolment record and one or more verification records. In identification, there may be millions of records collected at different sites using different technologies operated by different users. Unless the system consists of a single biometric sensor using a single algorithm attached to a single database, then it will have multiple components and these components must be able to work together to perform the required biometric functions within acceptable levels of accuracy, throughput, and cost. This is best achieved by using components that support the appropriate standards. Conformance testing is required to make sure that these components conform to these standards and interoperability testing is required to make sure that these components work together properly, according to the standards. Finally, in order to ensure that the system properly performs the required functions, performance testing of all components is required.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Home | About Us | Services | BionCTS | Introduction to Biometrics | Biometric Standards & Testing | News & Events ILO SID Testing | Resources | Contact Us | Site Map Bion Biometrics Inc. - 38 Summerwind Crescent, Nepean, ON, Canada, K2G 6G5 © 2005 - 2008 Bion Biometrics Inc. All Rights Reserved. Legal Disclaimer. Designed & Developed by Envision Online Media Inc. Web Content by Marketing Breakthroughs Inc. |
|
 |