Biometrics Systems Key Terms

Learn more biometrics systems by understanding key terms

By Emmet McMahan

Biometrics systems use a variety of methods to uniquely identify a human being. They may use physiological characteristics, such as facial recognition, DNA or fingerprints. Biometrics systems also can use behavioral traits such as gait and typing rhythm. Vocal patterns usually are classified as a behavioral trait, but may also be a physiological characteristic.

Biometric systems often are used in the information technology sector to limit access of a physical area to authorized personnel. Biometrics are becoming more common in law enforcement, where they are used to identify an individual who is under surveillance.

Iris recognition

Iris recognition uses the patterns in the iris, which are thought to be unique for each person. Iris recognition devices have been in use for several years and their price continues to drop as the devices become more popular.
Try: GlobalSecurity.org provides an overview of different types of biometric systems, including iris recognition devices.

Hand geometry

Biometrics systems that are based on hand geometry use anatomical features in the hand such as bones, muscles and tendons. Hand geometry systems are not able to establish specific identifications by themselves, but are helpful in verifying or confirming identifications.
Try: The Electronic Frontier Foundation provides an extensive overview of the legal aspects of biometric systems.

Cumulative match characteristic

A cumulative match characteristic (CMC) is a measurement of the accuracy of a biometric system. The CMC compares the rank of a sample with the identification rate.
Try: Daon provides a more complete definition of CMCs as they pertain to the statistical analysis of biometric data.

Keystroke recognition

Keystroke recognition is a method of identifying individuals by the way they type. This type of biometrics systems uses characteristics such as cumulative typing speed, elapsed time between keystrokes and the length of time that a key is pressed.
Try: findBIOMETRICS.com describes a biometrics system based on keystroke recognition.

Retinal scan

A retinal scan is an established technology that uses the distinctive patterns in the eye's retina in order to make an identification. These patterns can be changed by disease.
Try: The National Center for State Courts provides a general overview of retinal scans.

False acceptance rate

The false acceptance rate is the probability that a biometrics system will correctly identity an individual. It also includes the probability that the system will fail to reject an intruder.
Try: AuthenTec provides a more complete definition of false acceptance rate and also offers several methods of estimating it.