Where it all began

A look at the origins of biometrics in the ancient world and how they have been used for identity purposes.

Jumping ahead in time

Nineteenth century developments in anthropometry and the links with criminology.

Parallel developments

The development of automated calculation leading to the birth of the computer age.

Bringing it all together

The development of automated biometric verification using contemporary microprocessor technology.

Applications for biometrics

A look at the transition from established personal ID methodologies to biometrics.

Card technology

An overview of card and token technology.

The shortcomings of card technology

Acknowledging the limitations of tokens.

Typical applications for biometrics

A look at some of the more popular application ideas for this exciting technology.

Physical access control

Time and attendance monitoring

Prison visitor systems

Benefit payment systems

Border control systems

PC/Network access control

ATM Related applications

Clubs

National identity cards

Other applications

Biometric methodologies

An overview of the currently popular biometric techniques, how they work and where they might be usefully deployed

Fingerprints

One of the most popular biometric methodologies

Hand geometry

A user friendly biometric which is also easy to deploy

Iris scanning

One of the most accurate biometric techniques

Retina scanning

An interesting approach for high security applications

Facial recognition

An interesting technique with considerable application potential

Voice verification

Perhaps one of the most natural biometrics with unique possibilities

Signature verification

A behavioral biometric suitable for specific applications

Other biometric techniques

Some of the less obvious biometric methodologies

Identification, verification and templates

An overview of some of the important factors relating to biometric technology

Identification and verification-the distinction

Understanding this fundamental difference of approach in the operation of biometrics

Template management

An overview of biometric templates and relevant issues around their storage and use

Performance criteria

A look at the established performance criteria for biometrics

Additional performance criteria

Other factors which contribute to actual realized performance in the field

Total system performance

Understanding end to end performance and some of the issues to consider

Implementing biometrics

An overview of some of the issues inherent in implementing a contemporary biometric system

Understanding the requirement

Clarifying the requirement and associated project objectives

Understanding the users

Understanding the profile of the user base

Understanding the environment

Environmental considerations and how they play a part in the successful implementation of a biometric system

Putting the system together

Systems design fundamentals and associated issues

Installation issues

Understanding some of the issues around installation and how to make this run smoothly

Training the users

The importance of both user and administration staff training and how to go about organizing it

Managing the system

Ongoing systems management and what it means to the overall success of the project

Dealing with exceptions

Managing user related issues, system failures and other situations which are likely to arise from time to time with any system

Implementation conclusions

Conclusions to be drawn from this section

Application development

An introduction to developing applications for biometrics utilizing readily available tools

Choosing the development tools

What do you need to develop in house biometric applications? A look at some of the applicable methodologies

The intuitive GUI

The importance of the user interface and how to design great looking biometric applications which are both user friendly and effective

PC Communications

A brief overview of the basics of serial communications via the PC

Interfacing to biometric devices

A look at what's typically involved in interacting with biometric devices

Database fundamentals

Some considerations around database design and systems architecture which may affect the way you design your biometric application

Wrapping it up

Completing and testing your biometric application

Moving on

In this section we shall consider The future for biometric verification technology

A biometric world

Further potential applications for biometrics

Biometrics in business

What might we expect to see in the future

Overall conclusions

An overview of the past, present and future for biometrics

Running a biometric pilot scheme

Setting up and running a meaningful evaluation of biometrics within a typical organization

Setting the objectives

Being clear about the purpose of the pilot and its expected outputs

Choosing the project team

The importance of having the right people involved at all stages of the pilot project

Choosing the technology

Choosing the right technology for both the biometric devices and the supporting technical infrastructure

Working with vendors

Managing the business partnership and the associated expectations

The test environment

The importance of the test environment to the overall project and how to manage this element

Marketing and communications

How to prepare properly for the pilot

The enrolment center

A vitally important element. How to successfully incorporate this into your pilot project

The kick off

Starting the system up and getting it running

Gathering data

What to do with the resulting information

Making adjustments

Fine tuning the system for best results. How should this be undertaken?

Concluding the pilot

How to exit gracefully

Learning points

Benefiting from the experience

Overall conclusions

Conclusions with respect to the current situation as to the use of biometrics in everyday applications

Index