Biometrics uses characteristics that can be physical such hand shape, a fingerprint, facial characteristics, voice, or DNA. Biometrics can also use characteristics that are learned or acquired, behavioral traits such our signature, they way we speak or use a computer.
How Biometrics Work
Biometric technology must first gather information into a computer database, for example, a database of fingerprints. The computer will compare the fingerprints in the database to any new sample and recognize when there is a match. The matches can be used for both identification or verification purposes.
Biometric Identification
A biometrics system searches the database for a match to the newly captured sample, and grants access if it is found. Using a fingerprint as part of the login process to a computer is an example of this mode.
Biometric Verification
A biometrics system searches the database for a match to the newly captured sample, and authenticates an individual's claimed identity from his or her previously enrolled pattern. Using a palm scanner to unlock a door is an example of this mode.
Current Biometric Technologies
- Palm Print Recognition
Palm print recognition is very similar to fingerprint recognition. Both palm and finger biometrics use the information found in the pattern of ridges in the skin. - Fingerprint Recognition
Fingerprint recognition is probably the best known form of biometrics. See - History of Fingerprinting - Hand Geometry
Hand geometry is the oldest form of biometrics. - Dynamic Signature
This is how people write in particular the signature of their name. - Vascular Pattern Recognition
This is a very new form of biometrics where infared photography is used to identify the blood vessels in a hand or fingerprint. - Iris Recognition
This is the identification of the individual by the unique pattern in the iris. - Face Recognition
This is the identification of the individual by the unique pattern in the face. - Speaker Recognition
This is the identification of the individual ny the unique pattern of the voice.
