Biometric technology measures unique aspects of the human body for identification purposes. Common applications are in law enforcement and security, with fingerprint and palm scanners becoming more common. Eye and genetic structure scanners are more expensive but highly accurate, while facial and gait recognition are useful for monitoring crowded areas. Predictable patterns in typing and speaking can also be used for identification.
Biometric technology is used, as the name suggests, to take measurements of the human body, generally focusing on things that can serve to uniquely identify individuals. The most common applications of biometrics are in the law enforcement and security industries. Many biometric devices scan certain fixed patterns on the body, such as fingerprints, genetic signature or eye structure. Other types of biometric technology measure less physiologically unique, but still very distinctive aspects of the body, such as voice or gait.
Fingerprint and palm scanners, which work on the same principle, are becoming cheaper and more common. Although a person’s fingerprints change slightly over time, they are unique to each individual and are considered a strong form of biometric identification. Law enforcement agencies often use fingerprint identification, and small fingerprint scanners have gained popularity as a means of granting access to valuable equipment.
Biometric technology that measures a person’s eye or genetic structure remains more expensive, but is highly accurate. Genetic fingerprinting, which analyzes a subject’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is a crucial element of modern law enforcement practice. Retinal and iris scanners are expensive forms of biometric technology, but both offer highly accurate individual identification because the eye’s characteristics are unique and distinctive.
Facial scanners are a less accurate form of biometric technology, but are very useful for monitoring large, crowded areas. The underlying geometry of the human face is distinct enough that facial scanning can uniquely identify most individuals and can be used to scan known suspects in a crowd. A camera system using face scanning can identify potential suspects from a large crowd with high enough accuracy to be very useful in locating suspects or persons of interest in crowded spaces.
Gait recognition has a similar function to face scanning, but operates on a different principle. This form of biometric technology is based on the fact that all humans develop a distinctive way of walking throughout their lives. This pattern changes, whether through injury or aging, and can be consciously influenced. It can, however, often be used to identify individuals in a crowd.
Humans are creatures of habit and any other repetitive process can also serve as the basis for a form of biometric technology. We type in predictable patterns and these can be used for identification purposes. We also speak in predictable ways, and our vocal rhythms and cadences are used as the basis for some forms of biometric technology.
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