29-01-2013, 01:50 PM
Biometrics Frequently Asked Questions
1Biometrics Frequently.pdf (Size: 3.43 MB / Downloads: 64)
Top 10 Biometric FAQs
Q1: What is “biometrics”?
Biometrics is a general term used alternatively to describe
a characteristic or a process.
As a characteristic: a biometric is a measurable
biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral
characteristic that can be used for automated
recognition.
As a process: a biometric is an automated method of
recognizing an individual based on measurable
biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral
characteristics.
Q2: What are the common biometrics?
Biometrics commonly implemented or studied include
fingerprint, face, iris, voice, signature, and hand geometry.
Many other modalities are in various stages of development
and assessment.
Q3: Which biometric technology is the best?
There is not one biometric modality that is best for all
implementations. Many factors must be taken into account
when implementing a biometric device including location,
security risks, task (identification or verification), expected
number of users, user circumstances, existing data, etc. It
is also important to note that biometric modalities are in
varying stages of maturity. For example, fingerprint
recognition has been used for over a century while iris
recognition is a little more than a decade old. It should be
noted that maturity is not related to which technology is
the best, but can be an indicator of which technologies
have more implementation experience.
Q4: How are biometrics collected?
Biometrics are typically collected using a device called a
sensor. These sensors are used to acquire the data needed
for recognition and to convert the data to a digital form.
The quality of the sensor used has a significant impact on
the recognition results. Example “sensors” could be digital
cameras (for face recognition) or a telephone (for voice
recognition).
Q5: What are biometric templates?
A biometric template is a digital representation of an
individual’s distinct characteristics, representing
information extracted from a biometric sample. Biometric
templates are what are actually compared in a biometric
recognition system. Templates can vary between biometric
modalities as well as vendors. Not all biometric devices
are template based. For example, voice recognition is
based on “models.” The difference between templates and
models is beyond the scope of this paper.
Q6: What is the difference between recognition, verification
and identification?
Recognition is a generic term, and does not necessarily
imply either verification or identification. All biometric
systems perform “recognition” to “again know” a
person who has been previously enrolled.
Verification is a task where the biometric system
attempts to confirm an individual’s claimed identity by
comparing a submitted sample to one or more
previously enrolled templates.
Q7: Where are biometric technologies currently being
deployed?
Biometrics are being used in many locations to enhance the
security and convenience of the society. Example
deployments within the United States Government include
the FBI’s IAFIS, the US-VISIT program, the Transportation
Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) program, and the
Registered Traveler (RT) program. These deployments are
intended to strengthen the security and convenience in
their respective environments. Many companies are also
implementing biometric technologies to secure areas,
maintain time records, and enhance user convenience. For
example, for many years Disney World has employed
biometric devices for season ticket holders to expedite and
simplify the process of entering its parks.
Q8: Can I interact with a biometric device without touching
something?
This depends on the specific modality being used. For
example, with today’s current technology, an individual
would be required to touch a fingerprint sensor for the
system to obtain the biometric sample, whereas face
imaging for face recognition and iris imaging for iris
recognition are contactless and would not require the user
to touch the system.
Q9: Can I interact with a biometric device without touching
something?
Biometrics is a security tool available for use. An
environment or circumstance may or may not need a
biometric system, depending on the application. To
determine if a biometric is needed, one must understand
the operational requirements of the situation. Biometrics
should not be forced; each circumstance should be
evaluated to determine the benefits that a biometric may
provide.
Q10: What if my biometric does not work?
On any biometric system, secondary procedures need to be
implemented. It is important to remember that biometrics
are a component of an overall system architecture, and
contingency plans will vary from application to application.