 In recent times, there are large number of biometeric systems
that are commercially available. Such systems are based on unique characteristics of human
being. The most common, reliable and successful system is the one based on Finger Prints.
Users are supposed to put their thumb/index finger (or any specified finger) in the finger
reader. The system then compares the finger print that is read with that in the central
database for authentication.
Most of the systems do not keep an image of the fingerprint but a template. A template is
basically a number that is calculated based on various characteristics of the fingerprint.
Such an approach is desirable  so that unauthorised persons may not sneak in unauthorised images of finger
print in the database. When a Finger print is to be matched, it's 'template' number is
computed and compared with that stored in the database. Most systems allow for dry,
greasy, chaffed and minor cuts on the fingers. 
The other biometeric systems are based on 'Retina of the eye', Palm, photograph or voice
pattern recognition. The Palm based systems take the image of the palm from various angles
and compare the same.
The system that is based on Finger Prints is most popular and economical.
|
