Biometrics

Biometrics

a form of access control used to identify humans

biometric matching/verification

Biometric systems that identify someone out of a crowd by comparing their characteristics with a database

Biometric identification

A biometric form of access control that distinguishes between people by comparing them to a database of select individuals

Physiological Biometrics

Identifying people through unique physical traits (fingerprints, hands, iris, retina, face)

behavioral biometrics

identifying people through unique behavioral patterns (handwriting, voice, gait, keystroke)

enrollment process

capturing a person’s biometric data and storing it in a database for future use

extraction

using biometric data in a database to find matches or patterns

template generation module

taking all of the data entered into a biometric system and translating it so the database can understand and use it

Iris

The colored section of the eye that expands or contracts the pupil to allow light in. Does not change as a person ages. Easier to scan than a retina

IrisCode

A computer system used to create database entries for database scans. Creates a 512 digit code for each entry. Only uses 256 bytes of data per entry

Retina

The larger white background of the eye. Can change appearance due to disease

NIR wavelength

the wavelength of light used in eye scans

Eigenfaces

Facial characteristics expressed as a code to be compared to other faces

Principal Component Analysis

Compares an entered face to Eigenfaces and notes the differences between them. Only works on 2D images taken head on

Linear Discriminant Analysis

Facial comparison using a vector. Can account for lighting differences, but uses a large amount of data

Elastic Bunch Graph Matching

Uses graphs to compare facial features. Is incredibly accurate and doesn’t require a full scan

Next Generation Integration

The FBI’s new database designed to replace IAFIS and make use of biometric technology

Rap Back

An NGI system that notifies law enforcement when someone already processed in the system has committed a crime

Interstate Photo System

A database of 30 million mugshot photos matched to Tenprint scans

Facial Analysis, Comparison, and Evaluation

An internal FBI unit that keeps track of both criminal and civil mugshot photos. Contains 411 million photos

MorphoTrust

the organization contracted by the FBI to maintain their biometric databases

National Palm Print System

The FBI database that keeps track of palm prints