IBIA Glossary of Biometric Terms
IBIA Glossary of Biometric Terms
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Capture attempt that fulfils the requirements of a biometric capture process.
The true match rate of a biometric algorithm, determined by testing over many samples. The rate is the number of samples correctly matched or identified divided by the total number of samples presented. The resulting number is between 0 and 1, often represented as a percentage. It can also be represented by 1 minus the sum of the error rates (fraction of false matches plus fraction of false non-matches in the same test). Since the number can vary based on the match threshold setting for the algorithm, it is often quoted for a threshold setting that yields a particular false match rate, like 1 in 1000 or 0.001.
Source: IBIA
Successfully complete a biometric acquisition process.
A limited sequence of instructions or steps that tells a computer system how to solve a particular problem. A biometric system will have multiple algorithms, for example: image processing, template generation, comparisons, and maintenance.
Source: IBIA
A private, non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The mission of ANSI is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and safeguarding their integrity.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2007
Refers to the process that converts data into actionable information and recommendations as applicable to increase situational awareness and better understand possible courses of action.
Source: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2007
A process in which a computer examines information using mathematical methods to find useful patterns. The term can apply to the algorithm that performs the process. Examples: facial analytics; video analytics.
Source: Cambridge Dictionary
Biometric data record purposely disassociated from individual metadata. Note: The biometric data within the biometric data record ultimately remains attributable to an individual.
Anthropometric measurements are noninvasive quantitative measurements of the body. Anthropometry is a form of biometrics. Measurements such as height, weight, and build are useful in describing criminal suspects by witnesses. In medicine, they are important indicators of health,particularly for children, when compared to normal growth patterns.
A fingerprint pattern in which the friction ridges enter from one side, make a rise in the center, and exit on the opposite side. The pattern will contain no true delta point.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2007
Nonbiometric information about a person. For example, a person’s name, personal habits, age, current and past addresses, current and past employers, telephone number, email address, place of birth, family names, nationality, education level, group affiliations, and history, including such characteristics as nationality, educational achievements, employer, security clearances, financial and credit history.
Source: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2007.
The submission of a single set of biometric samples to a biometric system for identification or verification. Some biometric systems permit more than one attempt to identify or verify an individual.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2007
Verifying the identity of a user, process, or device, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to a system’s resources
Source: NIST SP800-63-3, Appendix A, Definitions and Abbreviations
The act of proving or showing to be of undisputed origin or veracity.
Note: Use of this term as a synonym for biometric verification or biometric identification is deprecated; the term biometric recognition is preferred.
A proprietary finger scanning technique. Two identical finger images are overlaid in the autocorrelation process, so that light and dark areas, known as Moiré fringes, are created.
Source: International Association for Biometrics (iAfB) and International Computer Security Association (ICSA), 1999 Glossary of Biometric Terms
ABIS is a central, multimodal biometrics data repository that is the enterprise-level authoritative data source for all DOD biometrics. DOD ABIS can transmit, store, manage, share, retrieve and display biometric data in support of identity superiority operations. DOD ABIS includes multimodal (fingerprint, palm, iris and face) storage and matching, watch-list capability and sharing with interagency repositories. It is based on adaptations of Commercial Off-The-Shelf products, using open architecture to minimize development and speed deployment
Source: https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/biometric-enabling-capability-bec
A highly specialized biometric system that compares a submitted fingerprint record (usually of multiple fingers) to a database of records, to determine the identity of an individual. AFIS is predominantly used for law enforcement but is also being used for civil applications (e.g., background checks).
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A biometric characteristic that is learned and acquired over time rather than one based primarily on biology. All biometric characteristics depend somewhat upon both behavioral and biological characteristic. Examples of biometric modalities for which behavioral characteristics may dominate include signature recognition and keystroke dynamics.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Bias is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. [Bias is often used by opponents of biometrics as a pejorative term for demographic differentials in face recognition systems.]
Source: Oxford Dictonary, [IBIA]
The point in a fingerprint where a friction ridge divides or splits to form two ridges.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2007
Process of parsing (examining) or classifying data in smaller groups in order to accelerate and/or improve biometric matching.
Source: IBIA
Data that describes physical and nonphysical attributes of a biometric subject from whom biometric sample data has been collected. For example, full name, age, height, weight, address, employers, telephone number, email address, birthplace, nationality, education level, group affiliations, also data such as employer, security clearances financial and credit history.
Source: Derived from USCENTCOM Biometric Identification System for Access (BISA) CONOPS
A biometric characteristic based primarily on an anatomical or physiological characteristic, rather than a learned behavior. All biometric characteristics depend somewhat upon both behavioral and biological characteristics. Examples of biometric modalities for which biological characteristics may dominate include fingerprint and hand geometry.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2007
Of or having to do with biometrics.
Note 1: The use of biometric as a noun, to mean for example, biometric characteristic (3.1.2), is deprecated.
Note 2: Since the late 19th century, the designations ‘biometrics’ and ‘biometry’ have been used with the general meaning of counting, measuring and statistical analysis of any kind of data in the biological sciences including the relevant medical sciences.
Biometric capture process and additional processing to attempt to produce a suitable biometric sample(s) in accordance with the defined policy.
Individual seeking to be enrolled in a biometric enrollment database.
Source: International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics. https://www.iso.org/standard/66693.html
Database of biometric data and associated metadata developed from and supporting the operation of a biometric application.
1: A conclusion based on the application decision policy after consideration of one or more comparison decisions, comparison scores and possibly other nonbiometric data.
2: Decision to perform an action at the application level based on the results of a biometric process.
Source: [1] JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2 (SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] ISO/IEC 2382-38
Agent of the biometric system operator who directly interacts with the biometric capture subject.
A multimodal biometric system that collects and compares fingerprints, iris images and facial photos. It is used to enroll, identify, and track persons of interest; build digital dossiers on the individuals that include interrogation reports, biographic information, relationships, etc. BAT has an internal biometric signature searching and matching capability.
Source: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2007
Biometric reference identifier of a biometric reference in the biometric reference database determined to be sufficiently similar to the biometric probe to warrant further analysis.
Set of zero, one or more biometric candidates that may be intermediate or final.
Comparison score for a biometric candidate.
A device that collects a signal from a biometric characteristic and converts it to a captured biometric sample.
Source: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2008
1: A process of collecting or attempting to collect signals from a biometric characteristic and converting them to a captured biometric sample.
2: Series of actions undertaken to affect a biometric capture.
Source: [1] JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] ISO/IEC 2382-38
Individual who is the subject of a biometric capture process.
Biometric capture devices and any sub-processes required to execute a biometric capture process.
1: A biological and behavioral characteristic of a biometric subject that can be detected and from which distinguishing, repeatable biometric features can be extracted for the purpose of automated recognition of biometric subjects.
2: DEPRECATED: biometric: (noun) Biological and behavioral characteristic of an individual from which distinguishing, repeatable biometric features can be extracted for the purpose of biometric recognition. EXAMPLE Examples of biometric characteristics are: Galton ridge structure, face topography, facial skin texture, hand topography, finger topography, iris structure, vein structure of the hand, ridge structure of the palm, retinal pattern, handwritten signature dynamics, etc.
Source: [1] Derived from JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] ISO/IEC 2382-38
Individual with authority to assess biometric characteristics and who does so for the purpose of resolving a biometric claim.
Claim that a biometric capture subject is or is not the bodily source of a specified or unspecified biometric reference.
Source: ISO/IEC 2382-38
Subversive biometric capture subject who performs a biometric concealment attack.
Biometric sample or aggregation of biometric samples at any stage of processing, e.g., biometric reference, biometric probe, biometric feature or biometric property.
A block of data with a defined format that contains one or more biometric samples or biometric templates.
Source: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2008
Data record containing biometric data.
Individual whose individualized biometric data is within the biometric system.
1: A collection of one or more computer files. For biometric systems, these files could consist of biometric sensor readings, templates, match results, related biometric subject information, etc.
2:Database of biometric data record(s).
Source: [1] Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] ISO/IEC 2382-38
Biometric data subject whose biometric data is held in a biometric enrollment database.
Data record attributed to a biometric data subject, containing non-biometric data and associated with biometric reference identifier(s)
Database of biometric enrollment data record(s).
Note: A database of biometric data not attributable to biometric data subjects is a biometric database, but not a biometric enrollment database, e.g., a database utilized in the training of a Universal Background Model.
The process of verifying the identities of people both entering and leaving the United States via biometrics. The implementation of biometric technology stems from the 9/11 Commission Report which authorized the U.S. Government to use an automated system to record the arrivals and departures of visitors at all air, sea and land ports of entry. As technologies have evolved, facial comparison has proven to be one of the most effective solutions. Following years of testing and pilots, CBP has successfully operationalized and deployed facial biometric comparison technology, known as the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), to support comprehensive biometric entry and exit procedures in the air, land, and sea environments.
Numbers or labels extracted from biometric samples and used for comparison.
Source: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007
A process applied to a biometric sample with the intent of isolating and outputting repeatable and distinctive numbers or labels which can be compared to those extracted from the other biometric samples.
Source: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007
The standardized individual data set resulting from a collection action (biometric sample and contextual data).
Source: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2007
A system which contains an open-set or closed-set identification application.
Source: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2008
Comparison decision as to whether a biometric reference(s) of a particular biometric data subject is in a biometric reference database.
System that aims to perform biometric identification.
Subversive biometric capture subject who performs a biometric impostor attack.
Note 1: An impostor is a person who assumes a false identity in order to deceive or defraud.
Note 2: An impersonator pretends to be another person for entertainment or fraud.
Comparison of a biometric probe and a biometric reference from the same biometric capture subject and the same biometric characteristic as part of a performance test
Note: Biometric mated comparison trials have historically been referred to as “genuine trials”, however, the term “genuine” historically implied an intent on the part of the biometric data subject. Ultimately the trial has nothing to do with the intention of the biometric capture subject.
Comparison of a biometric probe and a biometric reference from different biometric data subjects as part of a performance test.
Individuals, other than the biometric capture subjects, who take an active role in the operation of the biometric system.
Interaction of the biometric capture subject and the biometric capture subsystem to obtain a signal from a biometric characteristic.
Biometric sample or biometric feature set input to an algorithm for biometric comparison to a biometric reference(s).
Automatic incremental updating of a biometric reference.
Indexed data record containing biometric reference(s).
Database of biometric reference data records.
Pointer to a biometric reference data record in the biometric reference database.
Biometric sample or biometric feature set.
Examine a biometric reference database against a biometric probe to return either a biometric candidate list or a comparison decision that the biometric probe does or does not match with one or more biometric references.
Subversive biometric capture subject who attempts to avoid being matched to their own biometric reference.
Person or organization who executes policies and procedures in the administration of a biometric system.
Person or organization with overall accountability for the acquisition, implementation and operation of the biometric system.
Comparison decision determining the validity of a biometric claim in a verification transaction.
System that aims to perform biometric verification.
Intelligence information associated with biometrics data e.g., pattern analysis of a biometric subject’s encounters with biometrics systems, judgments about a biometric subject disposition or intent based on biometric matches with forensic data, etc.
Source: Derived from DoD D 852l.AAE DoD BIOMETRICS PROGRAM
The process of granting access to installations and facilities using biometrics.
Source: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2007
Any list of person of interests (POI), with individuals identified by biometric sample instead of by name, and the desired/recommended disposition instructions for each individual. However, there first must be an acceptable degree of certainty that there is some indication of past behavior attributable to the individual that belongs to the biometric sample in order to estimate the level of threat posed by that individual. Even upon encounter or capture, we may never know an individuals’ true identity, but that is immaterial as long as the linkage between the biometric sample and past threat behavior is established. No practicable standard currently exists for BEWLs, but the minimum content of a BEWL record is (1) a biometric identity (biometric sample linked to a POI), (2) a category of interest or threat commonly referred to as a tier, (3) the recommended action(s) to taken upon next encounter, and (4) notification instructions. The classification of the information within the BEWL can be up to TS/SCI/ORCON. In most instances the information will be releasable or at the UNCLASSIFIED// FOUO level to facilitate sharing.
Source: The DoD Biometrically Enabled Watchlist (BEWL) A Federated Approach, May 3, 2008
(See Electrophoresis, STR, PCR). [Capillary electrophoresis is a form of electrophoresis that uses a long narrow capillary tube, usually filled with a polymer, through which DNA STRs, isolated and amplified in the PCR step, move under the influence of an electric field. Smaller (shorter) STRs move faster and bigger (longer) STRs move slower through the capillary to a laser detector at the end of the capillary. The laser illuminates different colored fluorophores (fluorescent markers) attached to each STR type in the PCR step, as each now spatially separated STR group passes the illuminator/detector. The timing of each group’s detector passage and the color of the attached fluorophores allows the STRs to be “measured” for length (size) and disambiguated for their original DNA locus. Special software and a control sample called an allelic ladder ensure STR sizing precision is consistent from run-to-run.]
Sources: Butler, John M., “Capillary Electrophoresis”, Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, 2012.; [IBIA]
Activity with the intent of producing a captured biometric sample.
Prescribed set of biometric capture subject behaviors in a capture attempt.
One or more capture attempts with the intent of acquiring all of the biometric data from a biometric capture subject necessary to produce either a biometric reference or a biometric probe.
DEPRECATED: raw biometric sample Biometric sample resulting from a biometric capture process.
Individual making a claim that can be verified biometrically. (Note: The claimant need not be the biometric data subject.)
Presentation made with the biometric capture subject’s awareness.
DEPRECATED: matching score Numerical value (or set of values) resulting from a comparison.
Single biometric probe to biometric reference comparison in a test of performance.
Actions that comply with the capture task.
Biometric capture subject motivated to achieve a successful completion of the biometric acquisition process.
Presentation by a cooperative biometric capture subject.
The approximate center of a fingerprint.
Source: Crime Scene Investigator Network-The Science of Fingerprints
Crosslinks are biometric records that erroneously contain data from different individuals.
Source: IBIA
The science of fingerprint identification.
Source: Forensic Science Regulator
Defined by Oxford Languages to be a video of a person in which their face or body has been digitally altered so that they appear to be someone else, typically used maliciously or to spread false information. The word is a 21st century concatenation of “deep” and “ fakes”. Deep refers to either “deep learning” or “deep neural networks” or “deep generative methods” – the technolog y used to create the fake videos. Beyond the dictionary definition, deepfakes can also refer to audio content, such as deepfake audios to attempt to spoof speaker recognition systems. Deepfakes can be created but can also be alterations of existing samples.
Source: Oxford Languages, IBIA, and ISO SC37
[In fingerprint analysis] the delta is the point from which to start in ridge counting. [For instance] in the loop type pattern the ridges intervening between the delta and the core are counted.
Source: Crime Scene Investigator Network – The Science of Fingerprints
Observed differences (e.g., error rates) between demographic classes of subjects in the ability of a face recognition algorithm to match two images of the same person.
Source: NISTIR 8280, Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) Part 3: Demographic Effects, December 2019.
The qualities (such as age, [race], sex and income) of a [person or] specific group of people.
Source: The Britannica Dictionary [additions by IBIA]
The rate at which biometric subjects, who are in a database, are properly identified in an open-set identification (watchlist) application.
Source: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A graphical plot of measured error rates. DET curves typically plot matching error rates (false nonmatch rate vs. false match rate) or decision error rates (false reject rate vs. false accept rate).
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A value returned by a biometric algorithm that indicates the degree of difference between a biometric sample and a reference. National Science & Technology Council
Source: (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Also known as a mobile driver’s license (mDL), it is a driver’s license that is provisioned to (digitized for storage on) a mobile device with the capability to be updated in real time. It is comprised of the same data elements that are used to produce a physical driver’s license, however, the data is transmitted electronically to a relying party’s reader device and authenticated. At present, a DDL is not a replacement for a physical driver’s license but is intended as a supplement. The DDL is an improvement over physical credentials which can be lost or stolen, become broken or damaged, contain outdated information, offer too much information (including personally identifiable information), and can more easily be replicated by counterfeiters. The DDL offers safe, secure, and trustable technologies that allow for touchless transactions, selective information release, and data protection.
Source: American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and IBIA
Digital identity is the unique representation of a subject engaged in an online transaction.
Source: Grassi, P. A., Garcia, M. E., & Fenton, J. L. (2020). NIST Special Publication 800-63-3 Digital Identity Guidelines. NIST. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-63-3
Sometimes called an e-wallet, or mobile wallet, a typical digital wallet is a secure (encrypted) storage application running on a computer or smart phone that restricts content access to an authorized user. People use them primarily for storage of passwords, identity information, memberships and credit card information, but uses are varied and growing, including event and transportation tickets, vaccination records, and driver’s licenses.
Source: IBIA
Comparison score that decreases with similarity.
[In human anatomy] this refers to something that is the farthest away from the centre or point of attachment. For example, the distal flexures of the finger are the creases in the fingers furthest away from the palm, between the top and middle phalanges [bones] of the finger. [Relevant to palm print biometrics.]
Source: Forensic Science Regulator
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of organisms including humans. DNA is an increasingly useful biometric and is encountered most often in forensics and healthcare. The sequence of the four bases along DNA’s double helix backbone encodes biological information, such as the instructions for making a protein or RNA molecule. Segments of the sequence can also be useful for identification purposes. For forensics, current DNA identification technologies measure short tandem repeat sequences (STRs) in the nuclear or mitochondrial DNA. The chosen STR sequences (typically 20 for FBI CODIS) are not linked to any known genetic characteristics but vary from person to person in accordance with well-known population statistics. For this reason, measuring the lengths of these STRs (in a lab or rapid DNA identification instruments) provides a highly accurate and easily stored attribute that can be compared to others for potential identification, lead generation, exclusion, or family matching of an individual or individuals. [Isolation, amplification and measuring of the STRs is usually done through process steps that include extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis.]
Source: IBIA; National Human Genome Research Institute
1: The comparison of a recognition biometric sample/biometric feature/biometric model to some or all of the biometric references in the enrollment database to determine if any similar biometric reference exists.
2: (Duplicate Biometric Enrolment Check) Biometric identification check that may be performed as a part of the biometric enrollment process to ascertain the existing enrollment status of biometric data subject.
Source: [1] JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics.
Describes customizations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification (EFTS) transactions that are necessary to utilize the Department of Defense (DoD) Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Any DoD entity that wishes to interface with the DoD ABIS must conform to the DoD EBTS.
Source: Department of Defense Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification 23 August 2005 Version 1.1 DIN: DOD_BMO_TS_EBTS_Aug05_01.01
A document that specifies requirements to which agencies must adhere to communicate electronically with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). This specification facilitates information sharing and eliminates the delays associated with fingerprint cards.
Source: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Electrophoresis is a laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. An electric current is used to move the molecules through a gel or other matrix. Pores in the gel or matrix work like a sieve, allowing smaller molecules to move faster than larger molecules. To determine the size of the molecules in a sample, standards of known sizes are separated on the same gel and then compared to the sample.
The act of transforming data using cryptography into an unintelligible form so that it cannot be read by unauthorized individuals. A key or a password is used to decrypt (decode) the encrypted data. Often used to protect data (biometric and other types) at rest and in transit. Homomorphic encryption promises to allow data to be encrypted even when being processed.
Source: IBIA
Enhanced Drivers Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued enhanced drivers licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle. They are issued in a secure process and include technology that makes travel easier. EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. DHS has been working with individual states to enhance their drivers licenses and identification documents to comply with travel rules under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Enhanced driver’s licenses make it easier for U.S. citizens to cross the border into the United States because they include:
- A vicinity Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that will signal a secure system to pull up your biographic and biometric data for the CBP officer as you approach the border inspection booth; and,
- A Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) or barcode that the CBP officer can read electronically if RFID isn’t available.
Source: Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Create and store, for a biometric subject, an enrollment data record that includes biometric reference(s) and typically, nonbiometric data.
Source: Derived from JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007
1: The process of collecting a biometric sample from a biometric subject, converting it into a biometric reference, and storing it in the biometric system’s database for later comparison.
2: DEPRECATED: registration Act of creating and storing a biometric enrollment data record in accordance with an enrollment policy.
Sources: [1] Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
For a biometric algorithm, the error rate (as a result of threshold setting) where the false match (or false identification) rate equals the false non-match (or false non-identification) rate. Generally, the lower the number, the better the performance.
Source: IBIA
Characterizing expected error performance in biometric algorithms is done by running tests using a large gallery of biometric samples to determine how often probe subjects are identified correctly, how often subjects are mis-identified and how often subjects are missed. Ratios of the respective numbers against the total number of probes comprise the rates for each. For verification applications: FMR = false match rate = fraction, wrong subjects accepted FNMR = false non-match rate = fraction, correct subjects rejected. For identification applications: FPIR = false positive identification rate = fraction, wrong subjects identified. FNIR = false non-identification rate = fraction, correct subject not identified, but in the gallery.
Source: IBIA
A key maritime component needed to support the global war on terrorism by deterring, delaying, and disrupting the movement of terrorists and terrorist related materials and personnel at sea. U.S. Navy ships operating in the Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) have the capability to collect and forward biometric data from potential terrorists for searching against databases.
Source: Derived from Biometrics Task Force and Navy Team for Success January 2007
Term for the set of classifiers (software analytics) that analyze a face image to estimate age, sex, expression, emotion, alertness, or gaze direction, among other characteristics. Salient applications are in marketing and vehicle safety.
SOURCE: IBIA
Term for an algorithm (analytic) that detects the presence and location of faces in an image. Applications include locating individual faces in a crowd, and/or serving as a pre-processor for face analytics or face recognition/verification.
SOURCE: IBIA
When capturing face images for face recognition, the orientation of the subject’s face has traditionally been of concern. For instance, in traditional mug shots, a frontal and a profile image is taken. The orientation of the head is called “pose”, and is characterized by measurements of yaw, roll, and pitch. Yaw is turning the head either left or right of straight-on frontal. Roll is tilting the head toward one shoulder or the other. Pitch is tilting the head up or down, directly away from or toward the chest.
SOURCE: IBIA
A biometric modality that uses an image of the subject’s face for recognition purposes. [This term is most often applied to 1:N searches to see if an unknown (probe) face exists in a previously established collection (gallery) of face images. Often used for lead generation in forensic applications.]
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [IBIA]
A biometric modality that uses an image of the subject’s face for verification purposes. This term is most often applied to 1:1 matches to see if a face matches that of a known person. This technique is used to verify people against drivers’ licenses (TSA CAT2) or passports (CBP) . It is also used in facility or campus access control applications.
SOURCE: IBIA, derived from NSTC
1: Failure of a biometric system to capture and/or extract usable information from a biometric sample.
2: Failure to accept for subsequent comparison the output of a biometric capture process, a biometric sample of the biometric characteristic of interest.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: The frequency of a failure to acquire.
2: Proportion of a specified set of biometric acquisition processes that were failures to acquire.
SOURCE: [1] National Information Assurance Partnership, US Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments v1.0, 15 November 2003, Sponsored by the DoD Biometrics Management Office (BMO) and the National Security Agency (NSA); [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
Failure of the biometric capture process to produce a captured biometric sample of the biometric characteristic of interest.
1: Failure of a biometric system to form a proper enrollment reference for a biometric subject. Common failures include biometric subjects who are not properly trained to provide their biometrics, the sensor not capturing information correctly, or captured sensor data of insufficient quality to develop a template.
2: Failure to create and store a biometric enrollment data record for an eligible biometric capture subject, in accordance with a biometric enrollment policy.
Note: Not enrolling someone ineligible to enroll is not a failure to enroll.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: The probability that a biometric system will have a failure-to-enroll.
2: Proportion of a specified set of biometric enrollment transactions that resulted in a failure to enroll.
SOURCE: [1] National Information Assurance Partnership, US Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments v1.0, 15 November 2003, Sponsored by the DoD Biometrics Management Office (BMO) and the National Security Agency (NSA); [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: When a biometric system incorrectly identifies a biometric subject or incorrectly authenticates an imposter against a claimed identity.
2: Error of accepting a biometric claim that should have been rejected in accordance with an authoritative statement on the origin of the biometric probe and the biometric reference.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from National Information Assurance Partnership, US Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments v1.0, 15 November 2003, Sponsored by the DoD Biometrics Management Office (BMO) and the National Security Agency (NSA); [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the verification task. The percentage of times a system produces a false acceptance, which occurs when a biometric subject is incorrectly matched to another biometric subject’s existing biometric. Example: Frank claims to be John and the system verifies the claim.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the open-set identification (sometimes referred to as watchlist) task. This is the percentage of times an alarm is incorrectly sounded on a biometric subject who is not in the biometric system’s database (the system alarms on Frank when Frank isn’t in the database), or an alarm is sounded but the wrong biometric subject is identified (the system alarms on John when John is in the database, but the system thinks John is Steve).
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The comparison decision of ‘match’ for a biometric sample (probe) and a biometric reference that are not from the same source.
SOURCE: JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007
1: A statistic used to measure biometric performance. Similar to the False Acceptance Rate (FAR).
2: Proportion of the completed biometric non-mated comparison trials that result in a false match.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: A comparison decision of ‘no-match’ for a recognition biometric sample and a biometric reference that are from the same source.
2: Comparison decision of “non-match” for a biometric probe and a biometric reference that are from the same biometric capture subject and of the same biometric characteristic.
SOURCE: [1] JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: A statistic used to measure biometric performance. Similar to the False Reject Rate (FRR), except the FRR includes the Failure To Acquire error rate and the False Non-Match Rate does not.
2: Proportion of the completed biometric mated comparison trials that result in a false non-match.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: The failure of a biometric system to identify a biometric subject or to verify the legitimate claimed identity of a biometric subject.
2: Error of rejecting a biometric claim that should have been accepted in accordance with an authoritative statement on the origin of the biometric probe and the biometric reference.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from National Information Assurance Partnership, US Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments v1.0, 15 November 2003, Sponsored by the DoD Biometrics Management Office (BMO) and the National Security Agency (NSA); [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the verification task. The percentage of times the system produces a false rejection. A false rejection occurs when a biometric subject is not matched to his/her own existing biometric template. Example: John claims to be John, but the system incorrectly denies the claim.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
1: The process of converting observed features of a biometric sample into a data representation so that it can be efficiently stored and later quickly and accurately compared to another sample.
2: Process applied to a biometric sample with the intent of isolating and outputting repeatable and distinctive numbers or labels which can be compared to those extracted from other biometric samples.
SOURCE: [1] IBIA; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
1: Distinctive characteristic(s) observable or derived from a biometric sample.
2: Numbers or labels extracted from biometric samples and used for comparison.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
The image left by the minute ridges and valleys found on the hand of every person. In the fingers and thumbs, these ridges form patterns of loops, whorls and arches.
SOURCE: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website, Taking Legible Fingerprints
A biometric modality that uses the physical structure of a biometric subject’s fingerprint for recognition purposes. Important features used in most fingerprint recognition systems are minutia(e) points that include bifurcations and ridge endings.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Acquisition and recognition of a biometric subject’s fingerprint characteristics for identification purposes. This process allows the recognition of a biometric subject through quantifiable physiological characteristics that detail the unique identity of an individual.
SOURCE: Derived from The Intel Corporation website, Biometric User Authentication: Fingerprint Sensor Product Guidelines, Version 1.03, September 2003
Segmentation is the automated (and often manually reviewed) separation of an image of N fingers into N images of individual fingers. N is usually four, for the index through little finger, and two for a capture of two thumbs.
SOURCE: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Security Research Center
A method of fingerprint capture. Identification flat impressions are taken simultaneously without rolling. These are referred to as plain, slap, or flat impressions. The individual’s right and left four fingers should be captured first, followed by the two thumbs (4-4- 2 method). Instituting this finger capture method ensures the highest level of fingerprint sequence accuracy.
SOURCE: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Recording Legible Fingerprints
Feet and toes have friction ridges, like fingers and palms, that can be used for identification purposes. Footprint identification analyzes images or impressions of friction ridges from bare feet, for the purpose of attributing them to an individual.
SOURCE: IBIA
Preventive measures taken to mitigate hostile actions against Department of Defense personnel (to include family members), resources, facilities, and critical information by using biometrics to positively link identity information to a given physical individual. Force protection does not include actions to defeat the enemy or protect against accidents, weather, or disease. Also called FP.
SOURCE: Derived from Joint Publication 30, Joint Operations, 17 September 2006
Programs conducted to relieve or reduce the results of natural or manmade disasters or other endemic conditions such as human pain, disease, hunger, or privation that might present a serious threat to life or that can result in great damage to or loss of property. Foreign humanitarian assistance (FHA) provided by US forces is limited in scope and duration. The foreign assistance provided is designed to supplement or complement the efforts of the host nation civil authorities or agencies that may have the primary responsibility for providing FHA. FHA operations are those conducted outside the United States, its territories, and possessions. Also called FHA. Biometrics can be used as an enabler for personal identification for humanitarian assistance distribution.
SOURCE: Derived from Joint Publication 30, Joint Operations, 17 September 2006
Relates to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence. Collected biometric samples could then be linked to nonbiometric forensic evidence.
SOURCE: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
Biometric enrollment data record created or modified for the purpose of supporting wrongful or criminal activity.
Note: Records that are inadvertently erroneous or created for test purposes are not considered fraudulent.
The ridges present on the skin of the fingers and toes, and on the palms and soles of the feet, which make contact with an incident surface under normal touch. On the fingers, the distinctive patterns formed by the friction ridges that make up the fingerprints.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Enrollment of biometric data on a subject that includes 14 fingerprint images (4 slaps, 10 rolls), 5 face photos, 2 irises, and required text fields. The sample must be EBTS compliant. Typically used for detainees, locally hire screenings, and other applications.
SOURCE: Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) for Biometrics in Support of Personnel Identity (BSPI) (Draft), 30 Jun 2007
A biometric subject’s manner of walking. Gait as a biometric can be useful because it can be observed at a distance and is thought to be unique to each individual who walks. This is because anatomical, sociocultural, and genetic factors, as well as simply one’s habits and personality, shape the silhouette of movement by which any individual travels. Gait metrics have also emerged as an indicator of health, as in the Apple Health app for iPhones.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; American National Standards Institute; Scientific Reports: Validity and reliability of the Apple Health app on iPhone for measuring gait parameters in children, adults, and seniors
The biometric system’s database, or set of known biometric subjects, for a specific implementation or evaluation experiment.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The number of noncorresponding digits in a string of binary digits; used to measure dissimilarity. Hamming distances are used in many Daugman iris recognition algorithms.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A biometric modality that measures the physical structure (geometry) of a biometric subject’s hand for recognition purposes.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Print from the outer side of the palm.
SOURCE: Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) for Biometrics in Support of Personnel Identity (BSPI) (Draft), 30 Jun 2007
The Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology System (HART) replaces the legacy Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) as the primary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) system for storage and processing of biometric and associated biographic information for national security; law enforcement; immigration and border management; intelligence; background investigations for national security positions and certain positions of public trust; and associated testing, training, management reporting, planning and analysis, development of new technologies, and other administrative uses. The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) will implement HART in phases. As of this writing, HART has not achieved Interim Operational Capability (IOC), a milestone necessary before consideration of IDENT retirement.
The friction ridge detail on the palm, below the triradiate inter-digital area on the ulnar side [little finger side] of the palm between the little finger and wrist.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
IDENT is the name for the multi-modal Automated Biometric Identification System that is the central DHS-wide system for storage and processing of biometric and associated biographic information for national security; law enforcement; immigration and border management; intelligence; background investigations for national security positions and certain positions of public trust; and associated testing, training, management reporting, planning and analysis, or other administrative uses. To be succeeded by HART.
IXM (IDENT Exchange Messaging) is the exchange that provides common interfaces to OBIM stakeholders. OBIM is the Office of Biometric Identity Management under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. IXM leverages existing industry data models, including NIEM 2.1, and ANSI/NIST -ITL 1-2011. IXM also promotes interoperability between OBIM IDENT and the FBI Next Generation Identification (NGI) system (Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) previously known legacy system). The earliest versions of IXM (version 1.0 through version 5.5) used a data model, vocabulary, and an XML schema based on the Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM). The GJXDM reference model was deprecated as a DHS standard in 2007 and was replaced by the NIEM.
SOURCE: NIEM Biometrics Domain Enterprise Level Data Standards Execution Plan, February 2021.
1: The one-to-many (1:N) process of comparing a submitted biometric sample against all of the biometric reference templates on file to determine whether it matches any of the templates and, if so, the known identity of the biometric subject whose template was matched.
2: Process of searching against a biometric enrollment database to find and return the biometric reference identifier(s) attributable to a single individual.
Note: Use of the term “authentication” as a substitute for biometric identification is deprecated.
SOURCE: [1] Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
The rate at which a biometric subject in a database is correctly identified.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A unique data string used as a key in the biometric system to name a biometric subject’s identity and its associated attributes. An example of an identifier would be a passport number.
SOURCE: Derived from National Information Assurance Partnership, US Government Biometric Verification Mode Protection Profile for Medium Robustness Environments v1.0, 15 November 2003, Sponsored by the DoD Biometrics Management Office (BMO) and the National Security Agency (NSA)
Biometric search against a biometric enrollment database to find and return the biometric reference identifier(s) attributable to a single individual.
The set of attribute values (i.e., characteristics) by which a biometric subject is recognizable and that, within the scope of an identity manager’s responsibility, is sufficient to distinguish that biometric subject from any other biometric subject and to distinguish the identity from any other identity.
SOURCE: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
Operations that protect and defend identity information and management by ensuring their availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, intended use (privacy), and nonrepudiation.
SOURCE: DoD Biometrics Strategy Working Group
A statement that a biometric subject is or is not the source of a reference in a database. Claims can be positive (I am in the database), negative (I am not in the database), or specific (I am end user 123 in the database).
SOURCE: Derived from NSTC Subcommittee on Biometrics IAW INCITS/M1 and ISO/IEC JIYC 2 SC37standards bodies, Aug 2006
The operational capability to achieve an advantage over an adversary by denying him the ability to mask his identity or counter our biometric technologies and processes. This is accomplished through the use of enabling technologies and processes to establish the identity of a biometric subject and to establish a knowledge base for that identity.
SOURCE: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
The combination of policies and actions taken to ensure enterprise-wide consistency, privacy protection and appropriate interoperability between individual identity management systems.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A business function that authenticates an individual to validate identity, DoD affiliation, and authorization of the credential holder. The centralized data repository delivers credentialing information and status for business functions within DoD for use as proof of identity and DoD affiliation is delivered by Identity Management.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
The process of safeguarding and ensuring the identities of individuals, devices, applications, and services are not compromised.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
The management, protection, and dominance of identity information for friendly, neutral, or unknown, and adversary subject through the application of military operations and business functions.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
A person who submits a biometric sample in either an intentional or inadvertent attempt to claim the identity of another person to a biometric system.
SOURCE: IBIA
Biometric capture subject who is unconcerned with the achievement of a successful biometric acquisition process.
Presentation in which the biometric capture subject is unconcerned that the biometric capture process is occurring.
Light that lies outside the human visible spectrum at its red (low frequency) end. In the context of biometrics, infrared illumination is used to image irises for iris recognition, though it can also be used to image faces.
SOURCE: IBIA
The FBI’s prior largescale ten fingerprint (open set) identification system that was used for criminal history background checks and identification of latent prints discovered at crime scenes. This system provided automated and latent search capabilities, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses. IAFIS was replaced by the FBI’s Next Generation Identification system (NGI) after it achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) on September 15, 2014.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The Integrated Biometric System (IBS) supports the U.S. Department of State (DoS) Bureau of Consular Affairs mission requirements for issuing visas to foreign nationals and passports to U.S. citizens. The IBS is an enterprise-level, facial-recognition matching service. Face recognition technology is used to facilitate anti-fraud goals of the U.S. DoS’s existing travel document issuance processes. IBS provides DoS the ability to add, delete, and search millions of photographic images for the same person prior to the issuance of travel documents.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of State
Biometric sample resulting from intermediate biometric sample processing.
EXAMPLE: Biometric samples that have been cropped, down-sampled, compressed, or enhanced are examples of intermediate biometric samples.
Any manipulation of a biometric sample that does not produce biometric features. Examples of intermediate biometric sample processing include cropping, down-sampling, compression, conversion to data interchange formats standard and image enhancement.
Biometric sample resulting from intermediate biometric sample processing.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 168 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
The conditions achieved among communications electronic (CE) equipment systems or items of CE equipment when information or services can be exchanged directly and satisfactorily between them and their users.
SOURCE: Joint Publication 60, Joint Communication Systems, 20 March 2006
A biometric feature format used in the Daugman iris recognition system.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A biometric modality that uses an image of the physical structure of a biometric subject’s iris for recognition purposes. The iris muscle is the colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Coming soon
A biometric modality that uses the cadence of a biometric subject’s typing pattern for recognition.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
KYC references a set of guidelines that financial institutions and businesses follow to verify the identity, suitability, and risks of a current or potential customer. The goal is to identify suspicious behavior such as money laundering and financial terrorism before it ever materializes.
SOURCE: Dow Jones
A fingerprint "image" left on a surface that was touched by a biometric subject. The transferred impression is left by the surface contact with the friction ridges, usually caused by the oily residues produced by the sweat glands in the finger.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A biometric residue that is dormant, inactive, or non-evident but can be captured, measured and stored. It may be difficult to see but can be made visible to scrutiny. A residue left on a medium that came in contact with a biometric subject.
SOURCE: Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
Typically refers to a fingerprint capture device that electronically captures fingerprint images using a sensor (rather than scanning ink-based fingerprint images on a card or lifting a latent fingerprint from a surface).
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Occurs when taking a fingerprint or palm print directly from a biometric subject’s hand.
SOURCE: Derived from ANSI/NISTITL 12000, Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial, & Scar mark & Tattoo Information
The quality or state of being live or alive. Can refer to the real-time nature of a broadcast, the reverberant quality of a room, or (more germane in this context) the observable characteristics and behaviors of a living (not dead or artificial) being (like a human).
SOURCE: Merriam-Webster and IBIA
A technique used to ensure that the biometric sample submitted is from a real (living) biometric subject (person). A liveness detection method can help protect the system against some types of spoofing attacks.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Process of granting access to information system resources to authorized users, programs, processes, or other systems. The controls and protection mechanisms that limit users’ access to information and restrict their forms of access to only what is appropriate.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
A fingerprint pattern in which the friction ridges enter from either side, curve sharply and pass out near the same side they entered. This pattern will contain one core and one delta.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The use and development of computer systems that are able to learn and adapt without following explicit instructions, by using algorithms, [classifiers], and statistical models to analyze and draw inferences from patterns in [training] data. [The recent dramatic reductions in biometric algorithm error rates are in large part due to the adoption of ML techniques for biometrics.]
SOURCE: Oxford Dictionary; [IBIA]
[DEPRECATED] The process of accurately identifying or verifying the identity of a biometric subject by comparing a standardized biometric file to an existing source of standardized biometric data and scoring the level of confidence of the match. Matching consists of either a one-to-one (verification) or one-to-many (identification) search.
SOURCE: International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics; Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
(Noun) Comparison decision stating that the biometric probe(s) and the biometric reference are from the same source.
Note: Historically, the word "match" has been used as a verb to indicate the act of comparison and decision making. As "match" is the decision coming out of the comparison process, its use as a verb is deprecated in favor of compare.
The ability of a Smart Card to perform a biometric match, usually a 1:1 match, to a reference biometric stored within the Smart Card. Match-on-card can be performed either by presenting the Smart Card with a probe biometric or having a biometric sensor contained within the Smart Card form factor.
SOURCE: IBIA
Of or having to do with a paired biometric probe and biometric reference that are from the same biometric characteristic of the same biometric data subject.
[In human anatomy] the centre or middle, for example the medial section of [a] phalange [finger or toe bone]. [Relevant to palm print biometrics.]
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms; [IBIA]
The presentation of a live biometric measure in an attempt to fraudulently impersonate someone other than the submitter.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The point where a friction ridge begins, terminates, or splits into two or more ridges. Minutia(e) are friction ridge characteristics that are used to individualize a fingerprint image.
SOURCE: ANSI/NISTITL 12000, Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial, & Scar mark & Tattoo Information
A Digital identity held within a mobile device and presented to Relying Parties from a mobile device under the control of the mobile device user.
SOURCE: IBIA
Also known as a digital driver’s license (DDL), it is a driver’s license that is provisioned to (digitized for storage on) a mobile device with the capability to be updated in real time. It is comprised of the same data elements that are used to produce a physical driver’s license, however, the data is transmitted electronically to a relying party’s reader device and authenticated. At present, an mDL is not a replacement for a physical driver’s license but is intended as a supplement. The mDL is an improvement over physical credentials which can be lost or stolen, become broken or damaged, contain outdated information, offer too much information (including personally identifiable information), and can more easily be replicated by counterfeiters. The mDL offers safe, secure, and trustable technologies that allow for touchless transactions, selective information release, and data protection.
SOURCE: American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators; IBIA
A type or class of biometric system. For example: face recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition, etc.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
DEPRECATED: biometric: (noun) Combination of a biometric characteristic type, a sensor type and a processing method.
1: A representation used to characterize a biometric subject. Behavioral-based biometric systems, because of the inherently dynamic characteristics, use models rather than static templates.
2: Stored function generated from biometric data.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
Multiple in at least 2 out of 3 constituents of a mode in a single biometric system.
Note: Multiple implies difference in type.
1: A biometric system in which two or more of the modality components (biometric characteristic, sensor type or feature extraction algorithm) occurs in multiple.
2: (Multi-Modal) Multiple in at least 2 out of 3 constituents of a mode in a single biometric system.
Note: Multiple implies difference in type.
SOURCE: [1] Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
NIEM is a dictionary of agreed-upon terms, definitions, relationships, and formats that are independent of how information is stored in individual systems. The NIEM model includes community-specific elements, as well as core elements that are commonly agreed to by the communities who use NIEM. For example, common elements in the NIEM core include “person,” “location,” “item,” “organization,” and “activity.” The NIEM Biometrics domain is part of a coordinated global effort to maintain and refine operations focused on security, intelligence, law enforcement, international trade, travel, and immigration by means of identity management and assurance.
SOURCE: https://www.niem.gov/about-niem and https://www.niem.gov/communities/biometrics
A nonregulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that develops and promotes measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST’s measurement and standards work promotes the wellbeing of the nation and helps improve, among many other things, the nation’s homeland security. NIST conducts highly respected independent testing of biometric algorithms and publishes the results. Organizations, particularly government organizations, consider NIST test results when selecting a biometric algorithm.
SOURCE: National Institute of Standards and Technology; IBIA
The NATO Nations have endorsed the concept of biometrics data in support to operations. To accelerate the development of interoperability in this domain, under the Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work, NABIS (NATO Automated Biometric Identification System) implemented STANAG 4715 which is a mechanism for achieving a high degree of interoperability [between NATO nations] in the biometrics domain.
SOURCE: MTA Review
Assertion that a biometric capture subject is not the source of specified or unspecified biometric reference(s) in a biometric reference database.
Note: "Specified" means there is a non-biometric input, such as a PIN, name, or ID number pointing to particular biometric reference(s). Unspecified means there is no such non-biometric input provided.
A computer system modeled on the human brain and nervous system. [Often used for machine learning (ML)]
SOURCE: Oxford Dictionary; [IBIA]
The FBI NGI system is a multi-modal biometric identification system used to facilitate criminal investigations and civil investigations like background checks. Succeeding the IAFIS system, the NGI system improved the efficiency and accuracy of biometric services to address evolving local, state, tribal, federal, territorial, and international criminal justice requirements. Capabilities include a national Rap Back service; the Interstate Photo System and face recognition search; fingerprint verification services; latent, palm and 10-print identification service; deceased person services; iris services; and scars, marks and tattoo services.
SOURCE: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Resources
NIST Fingerprint Image Quality (NFIQ) 2 is open source software that links image quality of optical and ink 500 PPI fingerprints to operational recognition performance. This allows quality values to be tightly defined and then numerically calibrated, which in turn allows for the standardization needed to support a worldwide deployment of fingerprint sensors with universally interpretable image qualities. NFIQ 2 quality features are formally standardized as part of ISO/IEC 29794-4 and serve as the reference implementation of the standard.
Interactions of the biometric capture subject and the biometric capture subsystem that does not comply with the capture task.
1: A decision that the recognition biometric sample(s) and the biometric reference are not from the same source.
2: Comparison decision stating that the biometric probe(s) and the biometric reference are not from the same source.
SOURCE: [1] JTC001-SC37-n-2263 Text of Standing Document 2(SD2) Version 8, Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary, November 2007; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
Of or having to do with a paired biometric probe and biometric reference that are not from the same biometric characteristic of the same biometric data subject.
Note: While ‘non-match’ is the result of a biometric comparison decision, ‘non-mated’ is a statement, based on non-biometric information, concerning the origin of the source of the biometric probe and the biometric reference.
Biometric capture subject who does not attempt to subvert the correct and intended system policy of the biometric capture subsystem.
User of a biometric system who does not attempt to subvert the correct and intended system policy.
A phrase used in the biometrics community to describe a system that compares one reference to many enrolled references to make a decision. The phrase typically refers to the identification or watchlist tasks.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
DEPRECATED: One-to-few
Process in which biometric probe(s) of one biometric data subject is compared against the biometric references of more than one biometric data subject to return a set of comparison scores.
Note: The term “compared” refers to comparison in the biometric sense.
Process in which biometric probe(s) of one biometric data subject is searched against the biometric references of more than one biometric data subject to return a biometric candidate list or a comparison decision.
Note: The term “searched”, in the above definition, refers to biometric search.
A phrase used in the biometrics community to describe a system that compares one reference to one enrolled reference to make a decision. The phrase typically refers to the verification task (though not all verification tasks are truly one-to-one). The identification task can be accomplished by a series of one-to-one comparisons.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
Process in which biometric probe(s) from one biometric data subject is compared to biometric reference(s) from one biometric data subject to produce a comparison score.
Biometric task that more closely follows operational biometric system conditions to 1) determine if a biometric subject is in a database and 2) find the record of the biometric subject in the database. This is sometimes referred to as the “watchlist” task to differentiate it from the more commonly referenced closed set identification.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
One of the three types of performance evaluations. The primary goal of an operational evaluation is to determine the workflow impact seen by the addition of a biometric system.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The own-race bias (ORB) phenomenon in peoples’ memory for human faces is the finding that faces from people of their own race are better remembered when compared with their memories for faces of other less familiar races. The phenomenon has been known and researched for over 30 years.
SOURCE: Meissner, C. A., & Brigham, J. C. (2001). Thirty years of investigating the own-race bias in memory for faces: A meta-analytic review. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 7(1), 3–35. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076- 8971.7.1.3
A biometric modality that uses the physical structure of a biometric subject’s palm print for recognition purposes. [Includes friction ridges and crease lines that exist on palms.]
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [IBIA]
A catch-all phrase for describing a measurement of the characteristics, such as accuracy or speed, of a biometric algorithm or system.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A biometric modality that uses the eyes and the region surrounding the eyes (periocular region) for recognition purposes. The approach gained momentum during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to the widespread use of face masks and the initially poor performance of face recognition algorithms against masked faces.
SOURCE: IBIA
An individual for whom information needs or discovery objectives exist.
SOURCE: The DoD Biometrically Enabled Watchlist (BEWL) A Federated Approach, May 3, 2007
A number used in conjunction with an access control system as a secondary credential by the user to ensure the holder of the access control card is the authorized user. [May be one of the factors used in multi-factor authentication (in addition to smart cards and biometrics, for example).]
SOURCE: Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, Antiterrorism Team website, Glossary of Terms; [IBIA]
A PIV credential is a U.S. federal government-wide credential (smart card) used to access federally controlled facilities and information systems at the appropriate security level. PIV credentials have certificates and key pairs, pin numbers, biometrics like fingerprints and pictures, and other unique identifiers. When these items are put together in a PIV credential, the credential provides the capability to implement multifactor authentication for networks, applications, and buildings.
Short for picture element. This is the smallest addressable element of a digital imaging device or display array that can be assigned a display value (e.g. color and brightness). Denser, higher numbers of pixels in the array generally yield higher resolutions of images.
SOURCE: IBIA
A measure of the resolution of a digital image. The higher the PPI, the more information is included in the image, and the larger the file size. This is often of interest for face recognition, wherein some algorithms work best with a certain minimum number of pixels between the eyes of a captured face image (e.g. 150).
SOURCE: IBIA
The number of picture elements per inch that a fingerprint scanner can resolve and capture. For example, 500 PPI or 1000 PPI. Higher numbers of PPI indicates an ability to resolve finer details.
SOURCE: IBIA
Related to the sole of the foot.
SOURCE: Oxford Languages
An impression from a foot left under uncontrolled circumstances.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
An impression of the friction ridges of any or all of the foot taken under controlled conditions.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
The surface on which a finger is placed during optical finger image capture.
SOURCE: International Association for Biometrics (iAfB) and International Computer Security Association (ICSA), 1999 Glossary of Biometric Terms
The condition in which a person’s hand or foot has more than five digits.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
Polymerase chain reaction (abbreviated PCR) is a laboratory technique for rapidly producing (amplifying) millions to billions of copies of a specific segment of DNA, which can then be studied in greater detail. PCR involves using short synthetic DNA fragments called primers to select a segment of the genome to be amplified, and then multiple rounds of DNA synthesis to amplify that segment.
Small openings on friction ridges through which sweat is released.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
A study of the size, shape, and arrangement of pores on the friction ridges.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms
Assertion that a biometric capture subject is the source of specified or unspecified biometric reference(s) in a biometric reference database.
Note: Specified means there is a non-biometric input, such as a PIN, name, or ID number, pointing to particular biometric reference(s). Unspecified means there is no such non-biometric input provided.
Presentation to the biometric data capture subsystem with the goal of interfering with the operation of the biometric system. Examples: holding up a picture of a face to a face camera; applying fake fingerprints to a fingerprint reader.
Automated determination of a presentation attack. A subset of presentation attack determination methods, referred to as liveness detection, involves measurement and analysis of anatomical characteristics or involuntary or voluntary reactions, in order to determine if a biometric sample is being captured from a living subject present at the point of capture.
1: The biometric sample that is submitted to the biometric system to compare against one or more references in the gallery.
2: Biometric sample or biometric feature set input to an algorithm for biometric comparison to a biometric reference(s).
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
[In human anatomy, refers to a location] situated at the closest point of attachment; direction toward the body.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms; [IBIA]
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Technology that uses low-powered radio transmitters to read data stored in a transponder (tag). RFID tags can be passive (not self-powered) or active (powered). They can be used to track assets, manage inventory, authorize payments, and serve as electronic keys. RFID is not a biometric, but the technology can sometimes be used in conjunction with biometrics as an additional factor (or token) in multi-factor authentication (e.g. through a smart card or smart phone).
SOURCE: IBIA
Process of establishing a new biometric reference for a biometric data subject already enrolled in the biometric enrollment database.
A method of showing measured accuracy performance of a biometric system. A verification ROC curve graphically compares false acceptance rate (x-axis) vs. verification rate (y-axis). An open-set identification (watchlist) ROC compares false alarm rates vs. detection and identification rate.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
1: A generic term used in the description of biometric systems (e.g. face recognition or iris recognition) relating to their fundamental function. The term ‘recognition’ does not inherently imply the verification, closed-set identification or open-set identification (watchlist).
2: Automated recognition of individuals based on their biological and behavioral characteristics.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
A Relying Party is an entity or web-based service which may accept digital identities and biometric information for verification of access or authentication of a user to the Relying Party’s service or application.
SOURCE: IBIA
The number of pixels per unit distance in an image. Describes the sharpness and clarity of an image.
SOURCE: IBIA
The time used by a biometric system to return a decision on identification or verification of a biometric sample.
SOURCE: International Association for Biometrics (iAfB) and International Computer Security Association (ICSA), 1999 Glossary of Biometric Terms
A retinal scan looks at the complex network of vessels that supply the retina with blood. Using a retina scan as a biometric for identification purposes is a special subset of vein pattern recognition. A special scanning device is used to shoot a beam of light into the eye to capture the vein pattern on the retina. To enroll, a person must be positioned very close to the scanner – much closer than for iris recognition. The retina is generally stable throughout a person’s life, but its patterns can be altered by glaucoma, diabetes and retinal degenerative diseases. Retina scans are rarely used for biometric purposes and are used primarily by ophthalmologists and optometrists for eye exams and diagnostic purposes. Retina recognition is often confused with the more widely used iris recognition.
SOURCE: IRIS ID
A minutiae point at the ending of a friction ridge.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
An image that includes fingerprint data from nail to nail, obtained by “rolling” each finger individually across a sensor.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006, IBIA
Refers to often unique or identifiable visible variations in the appearance of a person’s skin, either by accidental injury (scars) or intentional design (marks and tattoos). SMTs can be a factor in the identification of people. Like biometrics, SMTs can be registered in an identity database, often with images and a searchable text description, and more recently searchable by means of enrollment of the SMT in an image database.
SOURCE: IBIA
One of the three types of performance evaluations. The primary goal of a scenario evaluation is to measure performance of a biometric system operating in a specific application.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Scent in the form of human body odor is a biometric feature unique to each individual, and it can be used for authentication or identification. In addition to identification, body odor can be indicative of health, diet, stress, medications, recent activities, and emotions.
SOURCE: National Institutes of Health-National Library of Medicine
The process of parsing the biometric signal of interest from the entire acquired data system. For example, finding individual finger images from a [4-finger] slap impression.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Hardware found on a biometric device that converts biometric input into a digital signal and conveys this information to the processing device.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Refers to checking fingerprint enrollment records for capture errors, especially out of sequence recordation, left-hand right-hand confusion, or capture inversion. For instance, capturing an index fingerprint as a pinkie and vice versa.
SOURCE: IBIA
In human DNA, short tandem repeats (STRs) are short repeated sequences of DNA (2–6 base pairs) that account for approximately 3% of the human genome. The number of repeat units is highly variable among individuals, which offers a high power of discrimination when analyzed for identification purposes. It is a widely accepted notion that STRs are non-coding in nature and are therefore not implicated in gene expression. [See “DNA”]
SOURCE: Frontiers in Genetics
A behavioral biometric modality that analyzes dynamic characteristics of a biometric subject’s signature, such as shape of signature, speed of signing, pen pressure when signing, and pen-in-air movements, for recognition.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
1: A value returned by a biometric algorithm that indicates the degree of similarity or correlation between a biometric sample and a reference.
2: Comparison score that increases with similarity.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
Simplified Arrival, CBP’s enhanced international arrival process, uses facial biometrics at airports as one of many tools to verify travelers’ identities. To begin this process, CBP uses flight manifest data and a facial comparison system, the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), to build a gallery of traveler photos collected from passports, visas, and other Department of Homeland Security encounters. The facial recognition matching process is initiated when the CBP officer takes a traveler’s photo at the airport. TVS first compares the “live” photo of the traveler to the photos in the gallery, a step CBP refers to as the one-to-many (or 1:N) matching process. If the photos match, the CBP officer proceeds to determine whether the traveler may enter the United States. If no match to the gallery is found, the officer scans the traveler’s document to access the traveler’s digital photo, if available. TVS then compares the traveler’s live photo to the photo in the document, a step known as the 1:1 matching process. If the result is a match, the CBP officer proceeds with the traveler’s admissibility interview.
SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General
Fingerprints taken by simultaneously pressing the four fingers of one hand onto a scanner or a fingerprint card. Slaps are known as four finger simultaneous plain impressions.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A plastic card with a built-in microprocessor, used typically for electronic processes such as financial transactions and personal identification.
SOURCE: Oxford Languages
An approved database and infrastructure that stores biometrics files.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
A biometric modality that uses a biometric subject’s speech, a feature influenced by both the physical structure of a biometric subject’s vocal tract and the behavioral characteristics of the biometric subject, for recognition purposes. Sometimes referred to as ‘voice recognition.’ Most often associated with 1:N identification operations. ‘Speaker Recognition’ is not the same as ‘Speech recognition’ which recognizes the words being said and is not a biometric technology.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A type of biometric verification for confirming a biometric claim using input speech data.
SOURCE: Wayman, J., Sawchak E., & Clarke, S. (2023). ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37 SD 2 Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary (v40)
A technology that enables a machine to recognize spoken words. Speech recognition is not a biometric technology.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The ability to fool a biometric sensor into recognizing an illegitimate biometric subject as a legitimate biometric subject (Verification) or into missing an identification of someone that is in the database.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
The process of enrolling, maintaining, and updating biometric files to make available standardized, current biometric information on biometric subjects when and where required. Biometric files are either enrolled or updated before they are stored.
SOURCE: Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006
The process whereby a subject provides a biometric sample to a biometric system.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Biometric capture subject who attempts to subvert the correct and intended policy of the biometric capture subsystem.
User of a biometric system who attempts to subvert the correct and intended system policy.
Surveillance is using humans or machine automation to persistently observe an environment to derive intelligence, detect adverse behavior, or – when recorded – to forensically analyze circumstances leading up to an event of interest (perhaps for purposes of attribution). There are many forms of surveillance, including aerial imagery, data mining, social network analysis, computer, communications, RF (including RFID and geolocation), geophysical, audio (e.g., gunshot detection and location) and video surveillance. Credential matching (e.g., by TSA of drivers’ licenses at airport checkpoints or by CBP of passport pictures at international ports) is legally required and is NOT surveillance.
SOURCE: IBIA
Enrollment of biometric data on a subject that includes at least 2 fingerprints (indexes), 2 iris prints, and required text fields. The sample must be EBTS compliant. Typically used when subject is not being detained, but a record of the encounter is required at an ICED site, raid, humanitarian assistance, etc. It is an identification leading to an enrollment of a subject utilizing biometric data that includes at least 1 fingerprint or 1 iris and capture identification number. Used when subject is being detained and full enrollment will be conducted at the detention facility or at a base access point, when a subject is applying for a job on a base and is escorted to the LEP screening site for full enrollment.
SOURCE: Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) for Biometrics in Support of Personnel Identity (BSPI) (Draft), 30 Jun 07
A digital representation of a biometric subject’s distinct characteristics, representing information extracted from a biometric sample. Templates are used during biometric authentication as the basis for comparison.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
An absolute positive identification of a biometric subject by corresponding each of his or her 10 fingerprints to those in a system of record. Usually performed by an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) and verified by a human fingerprint examiner.
SOURCE: Derived from Biometrics Task Force
Use of biometric sensors between deployed personnel within a robust command and control architecture.
SOURCE: Biometrics Fusion Center
[On a person’s hand], the large cushion of the palm located at the base of the thumb.
SOURCE: Forensic Science Regulator: Fingerprint Examination - Terminology, Definitions and Acronyms; [IBIA]
1: (noun) A user setting for biometric systems operating in the verification or open-set identification (watchlist) tasks. The acceptance or rejection of biometric data is dependent on the match score falling above or below the threshold. The threshold is adjustable so that the biometric system can be more or less strict, depending on the requirements of any given biometric application.
2: (noun) Numerical value (or set of values) at which a decision boundary exists.
3: (verb) Eliminate biometric reference identifier(s) associated with biometric reference(s) and/or identifiers for biometric probe(s) that have failed to attain a level of any type of score.
SOURCE: [1] National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics; [3] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
The number of biometric transactions that a biometric system processes within a stated time interval.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A physical object that indicates the identity of its owner. For example, a smart card.
SOURCE: IBIA
CBP deployed this facial recognition technology, known as the Traveler Verification Service (TVS), to support comprehensive biometric entry and exit procedures in the air, land, and sea environments. TVS provides face recognition services to, for example, Simplified Arrival and Global Entry operations at international ports.
SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the verification task. The percentage of times a system (correctly) verifies a true claim of identity. For example, Frank claims to be Frank and the system verifies the claim.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Capture attempt that does not fulfill the requirements of a biometric capture process.
Biometric capture subject motivated to not achieve a successful biometric acquisition process.
Presentation by an uncooperative biometric capture subject.
Note 1: Uncooperative presentation may or may not be a conformant capture attempt.
Note 2: To be uncooperative, the biometric capture subject must be aware that biometric data is being collected.
An individual who actively tries to deny the capture of his/her biometric data. Example: A detainee mutilates his/her finger upon capture to prevent the recognition of his/her identity via fingerprint.
SOURCE: IBIA
Biometric data whose biometric data subject is currently unknown.
Collection, analysis and use of biometric sensors between deployed personnel outside of a robust command and control architecture.
SOURCE: Biometrics Fusion Center
DEPRECATED: end user
Any person or organization interacting in any way with a biometric system.
Note: When discussing a particular class of users involved with biometric systems, the specific term for that class should be used. For example, those users whose biometric data is being collected should be referred to as biometric capture subjects.
The area of a fingerprint surrounding a friction ridge that does not make contact with an incident surface under normal touch; the area of the finger between two friction ridges.
SOURCE: ANSI INCITS 378-2004 Information technology - Finger Minutiae Format for Data Interchange
Sometimes also called vascular recognition or vein pattern authentication since it is most often used for personal authentication for access control, payment systems, or test candidate verification (e.g., the GMAT test). Usable vein patterns for biometrics include those of the fingers, palms, whole hand, retina, and sclera. Vascular patterns are unique to individuals and don’t change with age. The modality is difficult to spoof or forge and is generally contact-less.
SOURCE: IBIA
1: The one-to-one process of matching a biometric subject’s biometric sample against his stored biometric file. Also known as Authentication.
2: Process of confirming a biometric claim through biometric comparison.
Note: Use of the term “authentication” as a substitute for biometric verification is deprecated.
SOURCE: [1] Derived from Capstone Concept of Operations for DoD Biometrics in Support of Identity Superiority, November 2006; [2] International Organization for Standardization. (2017). Information technology - Vocabulary - Part 37: Biometrics
Biometric claim and capture attempt(s) that together provide the inputs for comparison(s).
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the verification task. The rate at which legitimate biometric subjects are correctly verified.
SOURCE: Derived from National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
One or more verification attempts resulting in resolution of a biometric claim.
Confirm a biometric claim through biometric comparisons.
Note: It is understood that, in general, biometric claims can neither be proven nor be refuted with certainty.
Voice diarization is a subset of audio diarization. Audio diarization is the process of annotating an input audio channel with information that attributes (possibly overlapping) temporal regions of signal energy to their specific sources. These sources can include particular speakers [voice diarization], music, background noise sources, and other signal source/channel characteristics. Diarization can be used for helping speech recognition, facilitating the searching and indexing of audio archives, and increasing the richness of automatic transcriptions, making them more readable.
SOURCE: IEEE
Recognizing an individual from voice data; recognition might be performed with different kinds of vocal sounds (e.g. speaking, singing, shouting, crying and whispering).
SOURCE: Wayman, J., Sawchak E., & Clarke, S. (2023). ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 37 SD 2 Harmonized Biometric Vocabulary (v40)
The potential for the function of a biometric system to be compromised by intent (fraudulent activity), design flaw (including usage error), accident, hardware failure, or external environmental condition.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
A term sometimes referred to as open-set identification that describes one of the three tasks that biometric systems perform. Answers the questions: Is this person in the database? If so, who are they? The biometric system determines if the individual’s biometric template matches a biometric template of someone on the watchlist. The individual does not make an identity claim, and in some cases does not personally interact with the system whatsoever.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
Provides the definitions, requirements, and guidelines for specifying the FBI’s WSQ compression algorithm. The document specifies the class of encoders required, decoder process, and coded representations for compressed image data.
SOURCE: Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Electronic Fingerprint Transmission Specification IAFIS-doc-01078-7.1
A fingerprint pattern in which the ridges are circular or nearly circular. The pattern will contain 2 or more deltas.
SOURCE: National Science & Technology Council (NSTC), 14 September 2006
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