Feb-12-2009 10:30 AM
Biometric identification systems are increasingly becoming the preferred method for verifying a person's identity and are replacing the most popular process (password user ID and pin number) of keeping information and assets secured. A weakness in conventional security systems is that pin numbers and passwords can be lost, stolen or shared because there is no way to verify that the holder of the information is also the owner.
A biometric identification system alleviates this problem by linking people with their unique physical characteristics, which cannot be lost, forgotten, or stolen. The distinguishable features of the users' body act as a password or PIN and can authenticate a user's authorization to access certain areas or systems.
There are basically two main components to a biometric indentification system, storing and comparing data.
1. Storing - Before a biometric system can be use it must gather and store your information into a referenced database to compare and verify; the storing process vary according to the system. For example, if facial recognition is the biometric identification use for verification, then different photographs of your face from various angles will be taken, compressed, and stored in the database.
2. Comparing - Once a referenced database is created, the comparison process can be completed on a daily basis, or for any time frame as required. Using the above example , when you come in to work or seek authorization to enter a secure area, you The first step in facial recognition is acquiring a real image or a two-dimensional image of the target. The system then determines the alignment of the face based on the position of the nose, the mouth, etc. After alignment, the system makes a facial template and stores it for later retrieval.
5 Popular Biometric Identification Systems
1. Facial recognition: There are computer programs that are used for automatically identifying individuals by analyzing facial characteristics that do not change over time, such as the upper sections of eye sockets, the distance between eyes and the sides of the mouth. The software will actually measure a number of facial characteristics and then compare them to existing images or the template contained in the database.
2. Fingerprint: This analysis is based on the identification of unique ridges that form on the tips of people fingers while in the womb. Although fingers get larger as a person age, the ridges basically remain the same. Modern biometric fingerprint systems scan fingerprints, and stores the information in a database with a referenced number or PIN number linked to the person's name or account. When access is requested, the fingerprint minutiae is retrieved from the database and compared with the sample from the "live" person. Access either is granted or denied.
3. Hand geometry: Unlike fingerprints or irises, hands are not unique; however, this biometric identification system work by having individuals place the palm of their hand on a metal surface. The hand is properly aligned so that its attributes such as, length, thickness, width and surface area can be read and analyzed. This information is compared to the "template" previously created in the database. This biometric identification method is quick, with authentication taking place in the blink of an eye.
4. Iris recognition: This biometric identification method uses high quality cameras to create high-resolution images of the iris. The software analyzes the tissue of the iris and creates an optical fingerprint for the individual and indexes it in the database. The iris has 266 unique spots; this factor alone makes it more reliable than fingerprints. In comparison, other biometric identification systems have from 13 to 60 distinguishing elements.
5. Voice recognition: This biometric technology work by reducing each word of a person's speech into segments that identify the dominant frequencies or the distinctive parts of a person's voice, converts these features into a digital format and stores this information in a database.
Biometric identification systems are on the cutting-edge of security technology; and more and more businesses and governmental agencies are taking advantage of the benefits of biometrics. Technological advances have not only made biometrics more affordable, but also, the authentication techniques can be easily integrated into current systems.
References:
http://www.biometricgroup.com/reports/public/reports_and_research.html
http://www.securityfocus.com/news/10121
http://w2.eff.org/Privacy/Surveillance/biometrics/
http://www.tech-faq.com/what-is-a-facial-recognition-system.shtml
http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/17956-1.html#