What is Biometrics?
Biometrics is a branch of computer science, and among the most recent techniques used for identification and access control.
Other techniques also exist but some of them are cumbersome to use and some are more prone to falling in rogue hands.
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This method relies on identification of humans by their characteristics or traits.
Fingerprint Based systems are Common Now
Though Biometrics can use several traits of humans, fingerprint based identification systems are becoming quite popular.
Some other Biometric identifiers include:
- Voice authorization
- DNA scans
- Iris scans
- Full hand-print scans
- Facial recognition
But then, fingerprints are currently the most widely used biometric identifiers. Its a very popular method (because of its affordability and cost-efficiency) used to allow access to various systems.
There are several biometric safes & attendance systems available in the market that uses a person’s fingerprint to unlock the safe.
How Are Fingerprints Recorded and Stored?
Here’s a brief explanation of the process.
The fingerprints are scanned into the biometric system which converts your fingerprint data into a complex code or graph. This information is then used to compare future scans, which will either allow or deny access.
There are also a couple of ways to scan and analyze fingerprints — optical scanning or capacitance scanning.
Optical Scanning
This works more like a digital camera where a CCD (charge coupled device) emits light that picks up the ridges on your fingerprint, and records the information digitally. It then uses this data to compare future finger scans.
Capacitance Scanning
In this method, electrical currents are used instead of light for scanning. Instead of reading light and dark, the semi-conductor chip/s measures the distance of the ridges of your fingerprint. This information is stored digitally to be compared with future scans.
How the Matching Happens?
A processor analyzes the data and compares the stored prints with future scans. Usually, for a match to be successful, only a sufficient number of minutiae (fingerprint features) as determined by biometric system’s program have to match. If the minutiae match up, then the user is granted access.
Capacitance or Optical
Here are advantages & disadvantages of both:
- Capacitance scanners are more compact than optical scanners.
- Capacitance scanners are more secure and are harder to trick.
- Capacitance scanners however have a higher fail rate and you have to try a few times (for the exact angle or pressure) which can frustrate users.
- Optical scanners have more satisfied customers but can be more easily tricked. Its a good practice to always wipe down the fingerprint reader after using, to be doubly sure.
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Effectiveness of Biometrics
No two people can have the same fingerprint, which is why this method is becoming popular. Besides, Biometric technology is also very reliable.
The sensors, software, and computing devices that scan, store, and compare biometric information for most of these safes/systems has proven to be extremely effective.
Add to it the affordability factor, and you’ll find several small business owners and homeowners using safes & other systems that can be accessed based on this biometric technology.
Biometric Surveillance Systems for Police
Biometric Surveillance Systems in the Police Force: Learn how technology is giving rise to better products for policing.
Almost all the professions are leveraging the massive advancements that have been made in Technology, and even the law enforcers are making sure they are not left behind. Security has always been an area of concern for many governments, who are always looking for ways to better their existing systems.
Most of the present police security protocols are based on emerging technologies which have been found to be effective in eliminating crime. Locating suspects is now easier since the police force is now able to put surveillance cameras at specific locations in order to track the movement of suspected criminals.
Biometric systems are now being used in several countries for accurate & effective identification processes.
There’s some bit of training involved for the police force but that is expected when you have a new system in place.
One such example of technology being used by the police force is the case of “mobile finger print detectors” used by Hampshire police as part of a trial that could see the system being used throughout the UK. Once the system is rolled out, all the users will need to be trained to gain familiarity with the new system.
The UN recommends that there should be one police officer to every 500 citizens. In such a scenario, it’s important to embrace newer technologically-based security systems to become more effective.
Every police officer should have some basic knowledge on how policing technology works and need to act in the best interest of the citizens.
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