The Many Uses of Biometric Recognition Systems

Biometric verification is gaining popularity currently. Its application in security systems, consumer electronics, and point of sale applications affords security and convenience. Biometrics is both a science and technology, which involves measuring and analyzing data of biological characteristics and checking them automatically.

There are several characteristics in humans that are believed to be exclusive to each individual. Based on this there are many biometric identification schemes. Broadly speaking they can be classified under two headings- physiological and behavioral. As the word physiological suggests this class of biometric identification has to do with the human body. Fingerprints of human beings are distinct, unique, and therefore used as a means of identification. Facial characteristics also can be analyzed for the same purpose. Hand geometry or the analysis of the shape of the hand and length of the fingers may also help in identification of individual. The study of the Retina at the back of the eye, and that of the Iris that surrounds the pupil are two distinct identification schemes.

The study of behaviors of persons can help reveal the person. The most important of this class is the Signature Analysis. The Keystroke Dynamics or typing dynamics makes a note of how individual types on a typewriter and or a computer keyboard i.e. how much force he uses to type, his speed, and rhythm. The last is of Voice Recognition. Apart from the above, other strategies are being developed too- gait, hand veins, ear canal, facial thermo gram, DNA analysis and body odor, palm prints are some.

The efficacy of each of the strategies can be judged based on some factors. The strategy should bring out the uniqueness of the individual. It should be a permanent record and not change with age. Collecting the required data should be easy, safe, and quick. It should be approved and accepted. Moreover, it should be capable of being substituted.

Biometric data has been used for many purposes all over the world. The Australian Immigration requires biometric authentication of visas and passports necessary. Brazil and Germany use biometric strategies to make ID cards for their citizens. In Israel, a smart ID card is issued to allow Palestinians to cross the borders of Israel to Gaza Strip and West Bank. The card contains information like fingerprint, facial and hand geometry stored in digital form. In Japan, the use of palm vein authentication on their ATMs is gaining popularity.

The use of biometric technology has been criticized. Its detractors say that it vital personal information can be stolen and misused. Losing biometric samples means they cannot be replaced by new ones. The collection of ones biometric samples and the need to safeguard them brings out the issue of privacy. Some strategies require that data be collected with utmost care for example retina scanners have to be used with high degree of sanitation can cause harm. Certain biometrics such as gait, behavior, voice and signature are prone to changes. The field of biometrics is still in its primary stage of development. The future holds great promise for the application of this technology.