Glossary | Xperix

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1D Barcode

A 1D barcode, also recognized as a linear barcode, is characterized by its unique arrangement of vertical lines with varying widths and the spaces that separate them. These lines and spaces are encoded with specific data or characters, enabling their interpretation through a barcode scanner or reader. Examples include EAN(European Article Number), CODE39, CODE93, CODE128, and ISBN(International Standard Book Number).

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2D Barcode

A 2D barcode is an advanced type that encodes information along horizontal and vertical dimensions. Distinct from the linear pattern of 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes convey data using a matrix or grid composed of squares, dots, or other geometric shapes. This structure allows for the encoding of significantly more information. Examples include QR codes, Data Matrix codes, and PDF417 codes.

ABIS (Automated Biometric Identification Systems)

Advanced security technologies are designed to automatically identify individuals based on their unique biological or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, and voice patterns. These systems are widely used in law enforcement, border control, and access management, providing a highly accurate and efficient method for identifying and verifying individuals. ABIS enhances security measures by automating the identification process, reducing the potential for human error, and increasing the speed and accuracy of biometric verification processes.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

The AES algorithm, a cryptographic algorithm established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is a trusted method for the encryption of electronic data. It operates as a symmetric block cipher, encrypting (enciphering) and decrypting (deciphering) information. AES works with a block size of 128 bits and supports three different key lengths: 128, 192, and 256 bits.

AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)

A biometric identification system that stores fingerprints in a high-capacity database and compares them with fingerprints collected at a scene to verify identities. Primarily used in forensic science and border control, AFIS quickly matches on-site fingerprints with stored data to confirm if they belong to the same individual.

ANSI 378

The fingerprint template standards are defined by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Arch

A fingerprint pattern in which the friction ridges enter from one side, make a rise in the center and exit on the opposite side. The pattern will contain no true delta point.

Attempt

The submission of a single set of biometric samples to a biometric system for identification or verification.

Authentication

A process by which the identity of an individual is verified using their unique physical or behavioral characteristics. Authentication typically involves capturing biometric data with devices like fingerprint scanners, facial recognition systems, or iris scanners, and comparing this data to that stored in a database.

BMP (Biometric Matching Performance)

Indicates the accuracy of matching specific biometric information (e.g., fingerprints, iris recognition, facial recognition). It is measured by metrics such as FAR (False Acceptance Rate), FRR (False Rejection Rate), and Accuracy, which are crucial for system efficiency and user experience.

Biometric Capture Device

A device that collects a signal from a biometric characteristic and converts it to a captured biometric sample.

Biometric Capture Subject

An individual from whom biometric data (such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns) are captured or collected in digital form during the biometric capture process.

Biometric Capture Subsystem

A system that encompasses the biometric capture device and any sub-processes necessary for capturing biometric information such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns.

Biometric Characteristic

A term encompassing an individual's unique physical (e.g., fingerprints, iris, face) and behavioral (e.g., typing rhythm, walking style) traits.

Biometric Characteristics Examiner

An individual with authority to assess biometric characteristics and who does so far the purpose of resolving a biometric claim.

Biometric Claim

A claim that asserts a biometric capture subject is or is not the bodily source of a specified or unspecified biometric reference.

Biometrics

The science of identifying and verifying an individual's identity through unique physical characteristics or personal behavioral traits. Common biometric identifiers include facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans, used across various security and identification applications.

CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing System)

The unified platform allows various airlines, service providers, or users to share physical check-in counters or gate podium positions, whether used simultaneously or sequentially. It was introduced by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and designed to address the complexities of CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment), which previously required airlines to adopt diverse methods for system interaction. By providing a single, consolidated common-use model, the unified platform simplifies operations and enhances efficiency.

CUSS (Common Use Self Service)

A shared kiosk system for self-check-in applies to multiple airlines, enabling passengers to print boarding passes and manage check-ins independently.

CUTE (Common Use Terminal Equipment)

A system designed to reduce the cost and complexity for airlines by allowing them to share basic communication networks and airport facilities like check-in counters and boarding gates.

Core

A structure in the print that is the center line or lines of the print; is important for conducting ridge counts.

DLL (Dynamic Link Library)

A file format used in the Microsoft Windows operating system that allows programs to share common code or data. DLLs do not operate independently but are called upon and used by other applications. In the biometrics industry, DLL files containing complex algorithms and functions for collecting and processing data from biometric devices are developed. These DLLs enable the integration and execution of biometric functionalities in applications as needed.

Dactyloscopy

The science of fingerprint identification relies on analyzing and classifying patterns observed in individual prints. This discipline focuses on the unique configurations of ridges and valleys in fingerprints to accurately identify persons.

Data Page

A page of a passport or a travel document on which the issuing authority applies the holder’s personal data and data concerning issue and validity.

Delta point

A specific point in loop and whorl fingerprint patterns where the flow of the ridges converges from three directions. This point and the core are primarily used for classifying fingerprints. It marks the area where the ridge lines meet and separate, which is essential for determining the fingerprint pattern type.

EER (Equal Error Rate)

A metric used in biometric security systems to gauge the system's effectiveness in accurately identifying individuals. EER represents the point where the FAR (False Acceptance Rate) and the FRR (False Rejection Rate) are equal, balancing the two types of potential errors. A lower EER indicates a higher accuracy of the system.

Electronic Document

A document in book or card form containing an electronic chip and antenna. The chip stores the holder's personal information, electronic signatures, and biometric data, facilitating secure digital authentication and identity verification.

Encryption

The process of using cryptography to transform data into an unintelligible form, preventing unauthorized access. This method secures information by storing it in encrypted form on storage devices or transmitting it over communication lines, ensuring that only authorized parties can access the data.

Enroll

The action of creating and storing an enrollment data record for a biometric subject, which includes biometric references and typically non-biometric data such as personal identification details.

Enrollment

The process of collecting a biometric sample from a biometric subject, transforming it into a biometric reference, and storing it in the biometric system’s database for future comparison.

FAP (Fingerprint Acquisition Profile)

A standard developed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) that defines the requirements for acquiring high-quality fingerprints. The FAP standard includes guidelines for various fingerprint-capturing methods, such as live scan and ink-roll, and sets criteria for image quality, resolution, and file format.

FAR (False Acceptance Rate)

The rate at which a biometric system incorrectly confirms an unauthorized user as the registered user during the authentication process. This metric indicates the proportion of times the system accepts a wrongful claim of identity, despite the biometric data not matching the data stored in the system.

FMR (False Match Rate)

Refers to the frequency at which a biometric system incorrectly identifies or verifies an individual as a match to a biometric sample that is not from the same source. A statistic used to measure biometric performance, similar to the FAR (False Acceptance Rate).

FNMR (False Non-Match Rate)

An empirical estimate of the probability at which a biometric system incorrectly rejects a claimed identity, even though the sample genuinely belongs to the claimed subject.

FRR (False Feject Rate)

The rate at which a biometric system incorrectly denies access to a legitimate registered user during the authentication process. This metric indicates the percentage of times the system fails to match a biometric subject with their own stored biometric template, even though the subject is the correct individual.

FRVT (Face Recognition Vendor Test)

A series of evaluation programs managed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) to assess the performance of face recognition technology. It compares software and systems from various vendors, measuring accuracy, speed, and functionality under different conditions.

FTE (Failure to Enroll Rate)

A measure used to evaluate the rate at which a biometric system fails to create and store a biometric enrollment data record for an eligible biometric capture subject, following a biometric enrollment policy. This metric specifically refers to the system’s inability to enroll individuals who are otherwise eligible. Enrollment succeeds when the biometric data meets quality standards, and fails when it does not.

Face Detection

A term used to describe an algorithm that identifies the presence and location of human faces in an image or video. This technology is used in various applications, such as identifying individual faces in crowded scenes or serving as a pre-processor for further face analytics, recognition, or verification tasks.

Face Recognition

A biometric modality that utilizes an image of an individual's face for recognition purposes. This technology is typically applied in One-to-Many searches where an unknown face is checked against a pre-existing collection (gallery) of face images.

Face Verification

A biometric modality that utilizes an image of an individual's face for verification purposes. Typically applied in One-to-One matches, this technology confirms if a face matches that of a known person.

False Acceptance

An error in biometric systems where, during the authentication process, the system mistakenly identifies the user attempting authentication as the same as a registered user, despite them being different individuals.

False Match

Refers to an error type in biometric systems where the system incorrectly identifies or verifies a biometric sample as matching another sample that is not from the same source.

False Rejection

An error in biometric systems where, during the authentication process, the system fails to recognize an individual as the legitimate registered user, despite them being the correct person.

Feature Extraction

The process in biometric systems of obtaining biometric information from a biometric sample. During this process, data that can identify an individual's unique characteristics are extracted, and this data is then used for subsequent processing and recognition tasks.

Fingerprint

The unique and permanent pattern of ridges, furrows, and minutiae on the skin of a human finger or thumb.

Fingerprint Segmentation

The automated process of separating an image of multiple fingers into individual images of each finger. This process involves dividing an image of four fingers, from the index to the little finger, or an image of two thumbs, into separate images for each digit.

Fingerprint template

A digital representation of the unique pattern of ridges and furrows on a person's fingerprint. It is formed by extracting and encoding distinctive features of the fingerprint, such as the location and orientation of ridges, into a compact and standardized format.

Flat fingerprint

A type of fingerprint obtained by pressing the finger onto a flat surface, such as a fingerprint scanner, without moving the finger. This method creates a digital impression of the fingerprint pattern. Flat fingerprints are commonly used in access control systems and offer convenience and fast processing speeds, making them well-suited for high-throughput environments.

Floating Image

An image recreated at a different depth plane through optical components such as lenses, mirrors, or prisms. This optically variable element creates the visual effect of an image appearing to float in space, either above or below its actual physical location. This characteristic is used to enhance document security by presenting the image in a perceived position that differs from its real position, making the documents harder to forge.

Forensic

Relates to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in legal and criminal contexts. This approach often involves linking collected biometric samples to non-biometric forensic evidence to support legal proceedings and criminal investigations.

Fraud detection

The process of monitoring transactions and customer behavior to identify and combat fraudulent activities. It is a central part of a firm's loss prevention strategy and is integral to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance efforts. Fraud detection relies on technological tools, expert analysts, and defined policies and procedures to effectively prevent fraud.

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations)

A set of regulations enacted by the EU (European Union) to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions that occur within EU member states. It also regulates the exportation of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas, ensuring that organizations handle personal data securely and transparently while providing individuals with rights regarding their data.

Gallery

The database within a biometric system holds a set of known biometric subjects for a specific implementation or evaluation experiment. This repository is used for matching and verification purposes in biometric identification processes.

Gray Scale

A method of representing an image or a portion of an image in shades of gray, rather than in color or black and white. In biometrics, grayscale is often used to capture and process images of human features, such as fingerprints, faces, and irises, as it provides a higher level of detail and contrast than binary (black and white) images.

IAFIS (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System)

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation)'s national system for managing fingerprint and criminal history, IAFIS incorporates features such as automated searches, latent searches, image storage, and electronic exchanges. It stores personal data and original or characteristic fingerprint images in a high-speed, large-capacity database, enabling electronic fingerprint submissions. The system is designed to facilitate rapid responses, with criminal submissions processed within two hours and civil submissions within 24 hours.

IATA (International Air Transport Association)

A trade association founded in 1945, representing the world’s airlines. IATA is a global trade association of the world's airlines. It aims to promote safety, economic progress, and cooperation among members in the international civil aviation sector. IATA also actively collaborates and forms alliances with other international bodies, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to support its mission. The association plays a key role in advocating for the aviation industry's interests, setting technical standards, and fostering a cooperative environment among aviation stakeholders worldwide.

IBS (Integrated Biometric System)

An enterprise-level facial recognition matching service that supports the DoS (U.S. Department of State) Bureau of Consular Affairs in issuing visas to foreign nationals and passports to U.S. citizens. The system uses face recognition technology to aid the anti-fraud objectives of the U.S. DoS’s travel document issuance processes. IBS enables the DoS to manage millions of photographic images, allowing for the addition, deletion, and search of images for the same person before the issuance of travel documents.

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

A specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates the principles and techniques of international air navigation. It also fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. The ICAO plays a crucial role in promoting global aviation safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in the aviation sector.

IP (Ingress Protection)

Refers to a rating system that classifies the degree of protection an electrical enclosure offers against the intrusion of solid objects (including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and water.

IP (Ingress Protection) rating

An international rating system that defines the degree of product protection against solids and liquids.

The first digit indicates dustproof performance and the second digit indicates waterproof performance. The larger the number, the stronger the degree of protection. The degree of protection that each number indicates is as follows:

First digit

0 = No protection against solid particles

1 = Protection against solid particles larger than 50mm

2 = Protection against solid particles larger than 12.5mm

3 = Protection against solid particles larger than 2.5mm

4 = Protection against solid particles larger than 1mm

5 = Protection against dust, limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

6 = Complete protection against dust

Second digit

0 = No protection against liquids

1 = Protection against vertically falling drops of water

2 = Protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees

3 = Protection against spraying water at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical

4 = Protection against splashing water from any angle

5 = Protection against low-pressure jets of water from any angle

6 = Protection against high-pressure jets of water from any angle

7 = Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 30 minutes)

8 = Protection against continuous immersion in water beyond 30 minute

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IR (Infrared)

A type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than that of microwaves. It's effective for iris recognition and facial imaging and also enhances fingerprint scanning and passport reading by revealing non-visible characteristics under different lighting conditions.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

An independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 168 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.

ISO 19749-2

An international standard published by ISO that defines the fingerprint format information using the minutiae of fingerprints.

Identification

The process in biometric systems where a submitted biometric sample is compared one-to-many against all biometric reference templates on file. This is done to determine if the sample matches any of the templates, and if so, to identify the known identity of the biometric subject whose template was matched. It involves searching a biometric enrollment database to find and return the biometric reference identifiers attributable to a single individual.

Illumination

Refers to the method of applying light to an object's surface, such as a document or a fingerprint, to make its visual characteristics clear and enhance detail. This process is essential for accurate feature analysis and is used to direct light onto or focus light at specific points of the object, such as the unique patterns on a fingerprint or the data on a passport's machine-readable zone. Proper illumination is a key factor in ensuring the precise identification and analysis of visual traits, which is crucial in environments like fingerprint scanning and passport reading systems.

Imposter

An individual who presents a biometric sample to a system with the intent, to be recognized as someone else. This act of presenting false identification to a biometric system is a critical factor considered in security measures and the development of anti-fraud mechanisms.

Interoperability

Refers to the ability of different communication and electronic equipment systems to exchange information or services directly and effectively among their users. This compatibility is essential for the seamless integration and functioning of various technology systems, ensuring that users can access and share necessary data without barriers. For instance, in the biometric industry, interoperability allows for a fingerprint recognition system from one manufacturer to work in conjunction with facial recognition software from another, enabling multi-factor authentication that enhances security and user convenience.

KYC (Know Your Customer)

A set of regulatory guidelines followed by financial institutions and businesses to verify the identity, suitability, and risk involved with a current or potential customer. These guidelines are aimed at preventing illegal activities like money laundering and financial terrorism by identifying suspicious behavior early on.

eMRTD (Electronic Machine-Readable Travel Document)

An electronic document, such as a passport, visa, or card, featuring a contactless integrated circuit. This document complies with specified standards and is capable of being used for the biometric identification of the holder.

ePassport

The passport contains a small embedded electronic chip, which stores the passport holder's personal information and biometric data, such as a digital image of the passport holder's face, fingerprints, and/or iris scans.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

A semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. LEDs are commonly used in biometric systems to ensure consistent and controlled illumination. This feature is essential in technologies such as fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and iris scanning, where accurate, shadow-free lighting is critical for capturing high-quality biometric data.

LFD (Live Finger Detection)

A technology that detects Fake fingerprint copied using rubber, silicone, clay, glue, film, and so on.

Laminate

A transparent polymer film applied on a document page in order to protect data entries against falsification.

Live Scan

The process of electronically capturing fingerprints or palm prints directly from a biometric subject's hand in real-time.

Liveness

Refers to the condition or quality of a biometric sample confirming it is from a live subject. In biometric systems, it emphasizes the authenticity of the traits being captured, ensuring they are neither synthetic nor duplicated. This verification process confirms that the data originates from a living human present during the time of capture, crucial for maintaining the integrity of biometric data.

MDR (Multi Dynamic Range)

A fingerprint imaging acquisition technique that enhances image capture by making bright areas brighter and dark areas darker, allowing for finely adjusted fingerprint images based on contrast. This technology ensures optimal image acquisition even in conditions with dry or wet fingerprints. .

MINEX (Minutiae Interoperability Exchange)

A framework or standard that facilitates the sharing and exchange of fingerprint minutiae information among different biometric systems. It aims to ensure that data regarding the specific features of fingerprints can be accurately and efficiently interpreted across various security and identification platforms.

ML (Machine learning)

Refers to the application of Machine Learning in the biometric sector, where computer systems are developed to learn and adapt autonomously. Utilizing algorithms, classifiers, and statistical models, these systems analyze and interpret patterns within biometric data during the training phase. This approach enables the enhancement of biometric recognition technologies, such as fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition, by improving their accuracy and efficiency in identifying unique biological and behavioral patterns without the need for explicit programming instructions.

MOC (Match-On-Card)

A secure fingerprint authentication technology that involves registering fingerprints (or their templates) on the secure memory of a smart card or USB (Universal Serial Bus) key. This technology prevents private fingerprint data from being exposed on the network by ensuring that the matching process occurs directly on the card.

MRTD (Machine Readable Travel Document)

Official documents such as passports, visas, and identity cards are designed to be machine-readable. These documents incorporate biographical data and identifiers in a format that can be processed by machines, thereby enhancing the efficiency and security of identity verification and border control processes.

MRZ (Machnie Readable Zone)

A part of official travel documents like passports, designed to be read by machines. It typically consists of two or three lines of text at the bottom of the identity page, containing encoded personal data, such as the holder's name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. MRZ allows for quick and accurate data entry during border checks and other security processes.

Minutiae

Refers to the intricate details found within the ridges of a fingerprint, which are pivotal for fingerprint recognition. These minutiae characteristics are crucial in differentiating one fingerprint from another, thereby playing a fundamental role in biometric identification systems.

NFIQ (NIST Fingerprint Image Quality)

Denotes the system developed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) for assessing the quality of fingerprint images. It is designed to link the quality of fingerprint images, whether obtained through optical or ink methods at 500 ppi, to their operational recognition performance. This system enables the precise definition and numerical calibration of quality values, thereby facilitating the standardization essential for the global implementation of fingerprint sensors.

NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

A nonregulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that develops and promotes measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) conducts highly respected independent testing of biometric algorithms and publishes the results. Organizations, particularly government organizations, consider NIST test results when selecting a biometric algorithm.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

A foundational technology behind the conversion of typed, handwritten or printed text from images into machine-encoded text. OCR techniques include pattern matching, stroke analysis method, and handwritten character recognition, employing compact optical scanners and dedicated software.

One-to-Many Comparison

A method where an individual's biometric information is compared against the biometric data of multiple people in a database to find out whose data matches best. The system gives scores to each comparison, and these scores show how well each database entry matches the submitted information. This helps to confirm the person's identity by finding the highest matching score.

One-to-One (1:1)

Refers to a biometric system that matches an individual's biometric information against a single enrolled biometric reference in a database to confirm their identity through a one-to-one comparison.

One-to-One Comparison

A method where the biometric data from one person is compared with the data from another person to check how similar they are. The system calculates a score that shows the level of match between the two. This score helps to confirm whether the data from both individuals is from the same person or not.

One-to-many (1:N)

Refers to a biometric system that compares an individual's biometric information against many enrolled biometric references for decision-making.

Optical Sensor

A sensor type that captures images of human characteristics, like fingerprints or irises, through light-based technology.

PA (Presentation Attack)

Refers to presenting manipulated biometric information (e.g., fake fingerprints, photographs, voices, etc.) to deceive a biometric system. This is done to make the system mistake it for a real user, thereby circumventing security. It is a crucial concept for testing and strengthening the security of biometric systems.

PAD (Presentation Attack Detection)

The automated process of detecting a presentation attack. This includes liveness detection as a subset, which measures and analyzes anatomical characteristics or involuntary or voluntary reactions to ascertain whether a biometric sample originates from a live subject at the point of capture. Upon evaluating the detection and rejection of fraudulent recognition, passing this assessment allows for the acquisition of ISO certification, an international standard.

PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

A medium for connecting components within a circuit, featuring a layered structure of conductive and insulating materials. Each conductive layer has a pattern of traces and planes, etched from copper sheets, on a non-conductive substrate, facilitating electrical connections like wires on a flat surface.

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

A series of numbers is used to verify one's identity. It is employed in scenarios such as using financial services through smart cards or ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), or accessing electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and computers, to confirm the rightful user.

PIV (Personal Identity Verification)

A physical artifact (e.g., identity card, smart card) issued to a government individual that contains stored identity credentials (photograph, cryptographic keys, digitized fingerprint representation) so that the claimed identity of the cardholder can be verified against the stored credentials by another person (human readable and verifiable) or an automated process (computer-readable and verifiable).

Palm

Refers to a photograph obtained from the palm area of the hand, including images captured online (e.g., via scanner or CCD) as well as pictures printed on paper with ink.

Palm Print Recognition

A physical biometric that analyzes information harvested from the palm. It typically involves the analysis of minutiae data.

Passport

An official document issued by a country to its citizens, certifying the holder's identity and nationality for the purpose of international travel. It entitles the holder to travel to and from foreign countries, facilitating convenience and requesting protection from the host country. It serves as an official document allowing the owner to enter and exit foreign countries, verifying the holder's identity.

Pixel

Short for picture element, it represents the smallest controllable element in a digital imaging device or display array, capable of being assigned specific display values, such as color and brightness. The density and quantity of pixels within the array directly influence the resolution, with higher numbers of pixels typically resulting in images of greater resolution.

Plug-n-play

A term used to describe the ability of a computer system or peripheral device, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) fingerprint scanner, to detect and configure itself automatically upon connection. This feature enables users to scan their fingers immediately after connecting the USB plug, without any setup or installation steps, eliminating the need for manual intervention by the user or an IT technician.

Pores

Small openings on friction ridges through which sweat is released. Fingerprints are formed from these ridges which are raised due to the presence of pores.

Probe

A biometric data extracted from a biometric sample is inputted into biometric software to be compared with biometric reference data. This data is processed by the algorithm of the biometric system, providing necessary information for verifying the identity of the user.

RAW

The digitized output from a noise source. It refers to data (e.g., numbers, instrument readings, figures, etc.) that are collected directly from a source. This includes unprocessed inputs captured from biometric devices such as fingerprint scanners, iris cameras, or voice recording devices.

RF (Radio-Frequency)

A device designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range.

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)

A technology that uses radio frequencies to identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of an RFID tag, which includes an antenna and a chip for storing information, and an RFID reader that reads the information from the tag via radio waves. The functionality and performance of RFID vary depending on the frequency. A low-frequency band of 125 kHz and a high-frequency band of 13.56 MHz are commonly used for access control systems.

ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics)

A graphical representation that displays the trade-off between the FAR (False Acceptance Rate) and the FRR (False Rejection Rate) within a biometric system. Lowering the FAR, which decreases the chances of incorrectly recognizing unauthorized users as authorized, leads to a stricter matching criterion and an increase in the FRR. Conversely, reducing the FAR to prevent incorrect identifications raises the FRR. This demonstrates the essential balance between sensitivity and accuracy required in biometric systems.

RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman)

An asymmetric encryption technique that utilizes a pair of keys, namely a public key and a private key, to perform encryption and decryption processes. In RSA, sensitive information is encrypted using the public key, while the corresponding private key is required to decrypt the encrypted message.

Resolution

The measure of the number of pixels per unit distance within an image. It describes the image's sharpness and clarity, indicating the level of detail that can be observed. Higher resolution means more pixels are used to represent the image, leading to greater detail and clearer visual representations.

Ridge

In the context of fingerprints, a ridge refers to the continuous, raised curve found on the surface of a fingertip. This curve can feature distinct characteristics such as an endpoint, where the ridge terminates abruptly, and bifurcations, where one ridge splits into two. These features, known as minutiae, are critical for fingerprint recognition and identification processes.

Ridge Ending

A minutiae point at the ending of a friction ridge.

Rolled fingerprint

A type of fingerprint image capture technique used in biometric systems. In this method, each finger is rolled from one side to the other on a surface, allowing the entire fingerprint, including the sides of the fingertip, to be captured in a single image.

SAM (Secure Access Module)

A secure access module that offers a dedicated key management system with flexible key diversification and secured key loading for user card authentication, personalization, and SAM administration. It is used for various purposes such as loading keys into smart cards and other SAMs, securely storing keys in hardware, performing mutual authentication, and performing crypto operations.

SDK (Software Development Kit)

A collection of software development tools that enables developers to build applications for a specific software package, framework, hardware platform, or similar development environment. An SDK typically includes programming libraries, relevant documentation, code samples, processes, and guides that facilitate the creation of applications within a certain technological ecosystem. For instance, in the context of a fingerprint recognition scanner, an SDK would provide the tools necessary for developers to integrate the scanner's capabilities into security systems or personalized access applications.

SSO (Single Sign-On)

An authentication scheme that allows a user to log in with a single ID to any of several related, yet independent, software systems. True single sign-on allows the user to log in once and access services without re-entering authentication factors. This is primarily useful in corporate environments that utilize multiple services and systems.

STR (Short Tandem Repeat)

Short sequences of DNA (2–6 base pairs) repeated in tandem make up about 3% of the human genome. The variability in the number of these repeat units among individuals provides a high degree of discrimination for identification purposes. STR analysis in biometrics is used for personal identification in criminal investigations, disaster victim identification, and verifying family relationships in immigration processes, leveraging its unique ability to distinguish between individuals based on their genetic makeup.

Slap

A biometric capture technique that involves collecting a wide range of biometric data in a single action. This may include hand geometry, palm prints, and not just limited to fingerprint capture, using various sensors or methods to enhance identification or verification processes.

Slap Fingerprint

A method where fingerprints are taken by simultaneously pressing the four fingers of one hand onto a scanner or fingerprint card. Known as four-finger simultaneous plain impressions, this technique specifically targets the acquisition of fingerprint data.

Smart Card

A card embedded with a semiconductor chip that includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). This card offers various security functions such as encryption processing, authentication of access targets, and management of stored data, enhancing its reliability and preventing forgery.

Spoofing

The practice of deceiving a system by mimicking a legitimate entity through the manipulation of data. In the context of biometric security, spoofing involves using a counterfeit biometric sample, such as a fake fingerprint, face, or iris image, to fool a biometric system into granting unauthorized access. Spoofing can also occur in networks or websites, where attackers forge data to appear as a trustworthy source to extract sensitive user information or negatively impact system functionality.

Standalone

A biometric system that operates independently of other systems or networks. Standalone biometric systems do not require continuous external network connections and perform all processing and matching functions using the data stored in their internal databases, ensuring that verification or identification can be completed autonomously.

Template

A digital representation of a biometric subject's distinct characteristics used in biometric systems. Instead of storing the actual fingerprint image, the extracted biometric features are encoded and stored. This approach not only optimizes storage utilization but also accelerates the matching process. Additionally, it enhances data security and improves processing speeds during the identification of a user in a biometric system or device.

Threshold

A value that is used to determine whether a biometric sample matches a reference template or not. The threshold is typically set as a percentage or score that represents the level of similarity between the biometric sample and the reference template. If the score or percentage exceeds the threshold value, the system will consider the samples to be a match, and if it is lower, the system will reject the sample.

Time attendance

A system that utilizes biometric technologies such as fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition to accurately track and manage the attendance and timing of individuals in various settings.

U2F (Universal 2nd Factor)

An open standard designed to enhance and simplify 2FA (two-factor authentication). U2F uses specialized hardware devices, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or NFC (near-field communication) devices, which incorporate security technology similar to that used in smart cards. This standard provides a robust layer of security by requiring a physical device to confirm the user's identity, making unauthorized access significantly more difficult.

UAF (Universal Authentication Framework)

A protocol for online security within the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance specifications. It enables secure and password-less authentication across various devices and platforms, allowing users to authenticate with biometrics, PINs, or security keys instead of traditional passwords.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

An industry standard that facilitates data exchange and power delivery among a wide range of electronic devices. USB defines its architecture, including the physical interface and communication protocols, for data transfer and power supply. It connects various devices such as displays, keyboards, and mass storage devices to hosts like personal computers, and to intermediate hubs that expand the number of available ports on a host.

UV (Ultraviolet Light)

In electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from 10 to 400 nanometers, UV light falls between visible light and X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. Constituting about 10% of the total electromagnetic output from the Sun, UV radiation is a significant component of sunlight. In the biometrics industry, UV light is utilized for security and authentication purposes. It is employed to detect security features in ID documents and to verify the authenticity of banknotes. UV light also enhances the visibility of specific biometric traits, such as iris patterns, making it a valuable tool for biometric recognition technologies.

VIZ (Visual Inspection Zone)

Refers to the area on passports, IDs, and other official documents where personal information is displayed for visual inspection. This includes essential details such as name, date of birth, photo, and issue number, which are used to verify the holder's identity.

Verification

The process of comparing a biometric subject’s biometric sample one-to-one against a stored biometric file to confirm the subject’s identity. Also known as authentication, this process involves verifying a biometric claim through a precise biometric comparison. It is a fundamental security measure used to ensure that individuals are who they claim to be, commonly implemented in access control systems and identity verification checks.

Vulnerability

Refers to the susceptibility of a biometric system’s functionality being compromised due to various factors. These can include intentional fraudulent activities, design flaws (such as usage errors), accidents, hardware failures, or adverse external environmental conditions. Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of biometric security systems.

WSQ (Wavelet Scalar Quantization)

A compression algorithm specifically designed for grayscale fingerprint images, primarily developed to meet the need for efficient compression in law enforcement and criminal identification systems. Based on wavelet theory, WSQ has become the industry standard for the exchange and storage of fingerprint images. This standard outlines the class of encoders required, the decoding process, and the coded representations for compressed image data. It effectively balances the retention of image quality with the reduction in file size.

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