Based on the behavioural and typifying characteristics of an individual, types of biometrics refer to biological markers or identifiers that distinguish one person from the other. Biometric technology is based on these markers, to expand the existing range of markers(as discoveries are made every day), and to develop unique identification systems based on these unique individual traits.
They include:
DNA
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a chemical substance found in each of the approximately 100 trillion cells within the human body.
Ear
The shape and features of the human ear reveal specific characteristics that allow for the identification of an individual.
Eyes – Iris
The iris is the coloured circular segment at the front of the eye that contains the pupil at its centre.
Eyes – Retina
The retina lies at the back of the eye and detects light which is transmitted as electrical impulses to the optic nerve.
Eyes – Scleral vein
The sclera is the white part of the eye and when the eyeball turns either to the left or the right a network of veins is displayed.
Face
Face biometrics use aspects of the facial area to verify or identify an individual.
Finger geometry
Finger geometry is a biometric process that captures features such as the shape and surface area of each finger, its length, width, thickness and the distance between the fingers.
Fingerprint (including palm print)
Fingerprints are formed by the raised papillary ridges that run across the skin’s surface.
Gait
Every human has a specific way of walking and running and factors such as the subject’s overall physique, stride and speed of movement can be captured for analysis.
Hand geometry
Hand geometry biometric systems incorporate the salient features of finger geometry but also include the surfaces of the hand itself and its side profile.
Heartbeat
Individuals produce a distinctive heartbeat, regardless of their heart rate and level of exertion, that is determined by a number of factors.
Keystrokes (Typing)
The actions involved in typing on a keyboard can be used to identify the typist once a reference session of their typing has been recorded for comparison.
Odour
The primary body odour of individuals has been studied to determine the extent that it is distinctive and stable over time and potentially can be separated from other odours conveyed by the human body.
Signatures
The use of handwritten signatures to authenticate paper documents has a long history but in more recent times the application of modern electronic biometric techniques has automated the process.
Vascular (Vein)
The arrangement of veins in fingers and hands forms a unique pattern that can be used to identify an individual.
Voice
A person’s voice – i.e., the way they speak – is the result of a combination of distinctive physical attributes and distinctive behavioural attributes.
These sixteen types are the current range in the human identification profile.
