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With security of paramount importance, the use of biometrics as a source of personal verification is appearing like a clear solution.  This technology allows secure identification, eliminating the risk of fraud, through the use of recognizing an individual based on traits, both behaviorally or biologically.

Through biometrics automated techniques, a person can be identified and verified through the use of fingerprints, hand geometry, handwriting, retina, iris, face, voice and veins. These personal characteristics provide unique information that is not transferable to another individual and can authenticate a person’s identity.

Unlike the use of personal identification numbers (PINs), or passwords, biometric authentication is convenient and precise.  You cannot forget it, write it down and lose it, or give it to someone else.  Your characteristics are your unique identifier.

A conventional biometrics system is comprised of five elements:

1. Sensors collect data and transfer it to a digital format
2. Algorithms execute quality assurance and develop a model
3. Data storage contains information the new model will be measured against
4. Matching algorithms measures the new biometrics model against models already in storage
5. Decision Process evaluates the results from the matching element to create a system level conclusion

Automating processes for identifying facial features through biometrics is more difficult than finger print analysis.  There is no agreed upon method for the many approaches to face recognition, although 2 and 3 dimensional imaging is showing some potential to improving accuracy.

The use of iris identification for biometrics is measuring the coloured part of the person’s eye.  An image is acquired via illumination with infrared light, which evidently does not injure the eye as no laser is used.

With the use of hand geometry, generally, an individual uses a PIN first for personal identification, and then a picture of their hand is taken from both the top and bottom.  Through the biometrics system, measurements are then compared to what is in storage, which retrieves the verification of the person.

Other methods of biometrics are:

• Voice recognition, identifying features in a person’s vocal tract and behavioural influences
• A facial thermograph that recognizes the heat emitted by one’s face
• Retinal identification that compares blood vessels at the back of the eye
• Body gait, recognition based on how someone appears as they walk
• Signature measurements of pressure and speed as opposed to its visual appearance

Biometrics serves as a very useful tool in many applications.  Institutions that may utilize its highly scientific and accurate security measures are government, law enforcement, military, financial and commercial uses.  Any industry that needs secure efficient identification, access and transactions, can fundamentally use these methods of automated recognition.

Through test evaluation and analysis, biometrics can have its accuracy determined.  Its performance must be assessed for match-ability, and operational success prior to being implemented.

Characteristics that form the basis of the distinction of an individual can be used to automate the recognition and verification of the authenticity of the person’s identity.  Confirming a person is who they say they are is crucial to components for a wide range of transactions and security today.  The development of biometrics and use of these techniques have the potential to become a pervasive part of our society.

Learn more detailed information on Biometrics Solutions and Applications.