Biometric identification - advantages

There are a number of advantages to this technology:

• Biometric identification can provide extremely accurate, secured access to information; fingerprints, retinal and iris scans produce absolutely unique data sets when done properly
• Current methods like password verification have many problems (people write them down, they forget them, they make up easy-to-hack passwords)
• Automated biometric identification can be done very rapidly and uniformly, with a minimum of training
• Your identity can be verified without resort to documents that may be stolen, lost or altered.
Biometric technology on the leading edge
Some leading edge applications:
• Fingerprint scanners (and the necessary software to store and compare fingerprints) have already been installed in laptop computers and PDAs like the iPaq.
• Sensors installed in automobiles can identify the driver, and adjust mirrors, seat positions and climate controls.
• Special readers can measure various elements of hand geometry, comparing the result with data on file for each person (See Biometric Hand Reader for an example.)
• Surveillance cameras can search crowds for missing persons or criminal suspects.
• Face recognition software can be modified to recognize gestures, leading to improved assistive technologies for quadriplegic patients.


Biometric identification systems
Biometric identification systems can be grouped based on the main physical characteristic that lends itself to biometric identification: •

Fingerprint identification
Fingerprint ridges are formed in the womb; you have fingerprints by the fourth month of fetal development. Once formed, fingerprint ridges are like a picture on the surface of a balloon. As the person ages, the fingers get do get larger. However, the relationship between the ridges stays the same, just like the picture on a balloon is still recognizable as the balloon is inflated.
• Hand geometry
Hand geometry is the measurement and comparison of the different physical characteristics of the hand. Although hand geometry does not have the same degree of permanence or individuality as some other characteristics, it is still a popular means of biometric authentication.
• Palm Vein Authentication
This system uses an infrared beam to penetrate the users hand as it is waved over the system; the veins within the palm of the user are returned as black lines. Palm vein authentication has a high level of authentication accuracy due to the complexity of vein patterns of the palm. Because the palm vein patterns are internal to the body, this would be a difficult system to counterfeit. Also, the system is contactless and therefore hygienic for use in public areas.
• Retina scan
A retina scan provides an analysis of the capillary blood vessels located in the back of the eye; the pattern remains the same throughout life. A scan uses a low-intensity light to take an image of the pattern formed by the blood vessels. Retina scans were first suggested in the 1930's.
• Iris scan
An iris scan provides an analysis of the rings, furrows and freckles in the colored ring that surrounds the pupil of the eye. More than 200 points are used for comparison. Iris scans were proposed in 1936, but it was not until the early 1990's that algorithms for iris recognition were created (and patented). All current iris recognition systems use these basic patents, held by Iridian Technologies.
• Face recognitionFacial characteristics (the size and shape of facial characteristics, and their relationship to each other). Although this method is the one that human beings have always used with each other, it is not easy to automate it. Typically, this method uses relative distances between common landmarks on the face to generate a unique "faceprint."
• SignatureAlthough the way you sign your name does change over time, and can be consciously changed to some extent, it provides a basic means of identification.
• Voice analysis
The analysis of the pitch, tone, cadence and frequency of a person's voice
Biometric security and business ethics



A variety of ethical concerns with biometric identification methods have been registered by users:
• Some biometric identification methods are relatively intrusive (like retina scans)
• The gathering of biometric information like fingerprints is associated with criminal behavior in the minds of many people
• Traditionally, detailed biometric information has been gathered by large institutions, like the military or police; people may feel a loss of privacy or personal dignity
• People feel embarrassed when rejected by a public sensor
• Automated face recognition in public places could be used to track everyone's movements without their knowledge or consent.
There are also many questions about how this data will be stored and used:
• How will masses of biometric data be stored? These are not fingerprint cards stored in a secured building; this is easily moved and duplicated electronic information. How will this information be safeguarded?
• Who will have access to this information? Will companies be allowed access to face biometrics, letting them use security cameras to positively identify customers on a routine basis? How would you feel about walking into a store you've never been in before, only to be greeted by name by a sales associate who has just read a summary of all of your recent purchases?


For example, a fingerprint
scanner that cost $3,000 five years ago, with software
included, and $500 two years ago, costs $100 today.