Biometrics Modalities
A biometric modality is nothing but a category of a biometric
system depending upon the type of human trait it takes as input.
The biometrics is largely statistical. The more the data available
from sample, the more the system is likely to be unique and
reliable. It can work on various modalities pertaining to
measurements of individual’s body and features, and behavioral
patterns. The modalities are classified based on the person’s
biological traits.
Types of Biometric Modalities
There are various traits present in humans, which can be used as
biometrics modalities. The biometric modalities fall under three
types −
Physiological
Behavioral
Combination of physiological and behavioral modality
The following table collects the points that differentiate these three modalities −
Physiological Modality Behavioral Modality Combi
This modality pertains to the shape and size This modality is related to change in human This mod
of the body. behavior over time. behavior
For example −
Fingerprint Recognition
Hand Geometry Recognition system For example − For exam
Facial Recognition System Gait (the way one walks) Voice Re
Iris Recognition System Rhythm of typing keys It depend
Hand Geometry Recognition System Signature etc., and
Retinal Scanning System
DNA Recognition System
In the subsequent chapters, we will discuss each of these
modalities in greater detail.
Physiological Modalities
As depicted earlier, the physiological modalities are based on the
direct measurement of parts of human body such as iris,
fingerprint, shape, and position of fingers, etc.
There are some physical traits which remain unaltered throughout
a person’s life. They can be an excellent resource for
identification of an individual.
Fingerprint Recognition System
It is the most known and used biometrics solution to authenticate
people on biometric systems. The reasons for it being so popular
are there are ten available sources of biometric and ease of
acquisition.
Every person has a unique fingerprint which is composed of
ridges, grooves, and direction of the lines. There are three basic
patterns of ridges namely, arch, loop, and whorl. The
uniqueness of fingerprint is determined by these features as well
as minutiae features such as bifurcation and spots (ridge
endings).
Fingerprint is one of oldest and most popular recognition
technique. Fingerprint matching techniques are of three types −
Minutiae Based Techniques − In these minutiae points
are found and then mapped to their relative position on
finger. There are some difficulties such as if image is of low
quality, then it is difficult to find minutiae points correctly.
Another difficulty is, it considers local position of ridges and
furrows; not global.
Correlation Based Method − It uses richer gray scale
information. It overcomes problems of minutiae-based
method, by being able to work with bad quality data. But it
has some of its own problems like localization of points.
Pattern Based (Image Based) Matching − Pattern based
algorithms compare the basic fingerprint patterns (arch,
whorl, and loop) between a stored template and a candidate
fingerprint.
Merits of Finger Recognition
System
It is the most contemporary method.
It is most economical method.
It is highly reliable and secure.
It works on a small template size, which speeds up the
verifying process.
It consumes less memory space.
Demerits of Finger
Recognition System
Scars, cuts or absence of finger can hinder the recognition
process.
The systems can be fooled by using artificial finger made of
wax.
It involves physical contact with the system.
They leave the pattern of finger behind at the time of
entering sample.
Applications of Finger
Recognition System
Verification of driver-license authenticity.
Checking validity of driving license.
Border Control/Visa Issuance.
Access control in organizations.
Facial Recognition System
Facial recognition is based on determining shape and size of jaw,
chin, shape and location of the eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips, and
cheekbones. 2D facial scanners start reading face geometry and
recording it on the grid. The facial geometry is transferred to the
database in terms of points. The comparison algorithms perform
face matching and come up with the results. Facial recognition is
performed in the following ways −
Facial Metrics − In this type, the distances between pupils
or from nose to lip or chin are measured.
Eigen faces − It is the process of analyzing the overall face
image as a weighted combination of a number of faces.
Skin Texture Analysis − The unique lines, patterns, and
spots apparent in a person’s skin are located.
Merits of Facial Recognition
System
It offers easy storage of templates in database.
It reduces the statistic complexities to recognize face image.
It involves no physical contact with the system.
Demerits of Facial
Recognition System
Facial traits change over time.
Uniqueness is not guaranteed, for example, in case of
identical twins.
If a candidate face shows different expressions such as light
smile, then it can affect the result.
It requires adequate lighting to get correct input.
Applications of Facial
Recognition System
General Identity Verification.
Verification for access control.
Human-Computer Interaction.
Criminal Identification.
Surveillance.
To make the sample transmittable.
To remove distortion of sample.
