07-05-2013, 02:21 PM
BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGIES - FINGERPRINTS
BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGIES.docx (Size: 35.55 KB / Downloads: 16)
Abstract
A companion paper prepared in November 2005 provides an overview of biometrics, related
standards, uses and concerns. This paper provides a background to fingerprint recognition,
describes the biometric use of fingerprints, biometric standards and related security issues. It
is one of a series of papers also covering iris and retinal scanning, facial recognition as well
as several other biometric technologies.
Introduction
Some biometric techniques are still confined to the laboratory but as research continues and
technology improves, these techniques may be developed into practical applications.
Currently used for identity, authentication and forensic purposes, biometric technologies can
be broadly grouped into four areas with several techniques in each:
1. Hands;
2. Heads and face;
3. Other physical characteristics; and
4. Behavioural characteristics.
The first three categories are physiological and are based on measurement of a physical
characteristic. Except in the case of a serious accident or operation, these biometrics are
generally unchanged over time. Examples include fingerprints, hand geometry, iris and
retinal patterns and DNA.
Behavioural characteristics are more susceptible to change and can be affected by age,
illness, disease, tiredness and can also be deliberately altered, for example gait or signature.
These are, therefore, less reliable as authenticators or identifiers.
Fingerprints
Fingerprint analysis, also known in the US as dactylography, is the science of using
fingerprints to identify a person. Fingerprints are the most commonly used biometric and
have been used for identification since the 1890’s.
In 1901, Sir Edward Henry introduced the Henry Classification System for fingerprints which
is widely recognised, even today, in anglophone countries. In South American countries a
system devised by Dr. Juan Vucetich in 1892 is widely used. These manual classification
systems are, however, being replaced by other techniques which are more suitable for large
scale electronic storage and analysis.
Fingerprint identification is well established and a mature science. It has also been
extensively tested in various legal systems and is accepted as an international standard for
identification. Although law enforcement agencies are principal users of fingerprints, various
electronic readers are now commonly available and are used for authentication purposes,
mainly in access control applications.
Automated Identification Systems
Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, generally known as AFIS, were first
introduced in the 1970’s and are now well established and mature technologies. Most AFIS
were originally based on the Henry Classification System and designed to speed the manual
search process. The Henry Classification System is not, however, easily automated and
works well only when all ten fingerprints are recorded. Partial print and incomplete
fingerprint records could not be properly classified.