ExpertGlossary

A general term used alternatively to describe a characteristic or a process.

As a characteristic: A measurable biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral characteristic that can be used for automated recognition.

As a process: Automated methods of recognizing an individual based on measurable biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral characteristics.

• 1) capturing a biometric sample from an end user;
• 2) extracting biometric data from that sample;
• 3) comparing the biometric data with that contained in one or more reference templates;
• 4) deciding how well they match; and
• 5) indicating whether or not an identification or verification of identity has been achieved.

Multiple individual components (such as sensor, matching algorithm, and result display) that combine to make a fully operational system. A biometric system is an automated system capable of:

1. Capturing a biometric sample from an end user
2. Extracting and processing the biometric data from that sample
3. Storing the extracted information in a database
4. Comparing the biometric data with data contained in one or more reference references
5. Deciding how well they match and indicating whether or not an identification or verification of identity has been achieved.

A biometric system may be a component of a larger system.