BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT TERMS B
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.
Benchmarking
The process of comparing measured performance against a standard, openly available, reference.
Bifurcation
The point in a fingerprint where a friction ridge divides or splits to form two ridges, as illustrated below.
Binning
Process of parsing (examining) or classifying data in order to accelerate and/or improve biometric matching.
BioAPI – Biometrics Application Programming Interface
Defines the application programming interface and service provider interface for a standard biometric technology interface. The BioAPI enables biometric devices to be easily installed, integrated or swapped within the overall system architecture.
Biological Biometric Characteristic
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 characteristic. Examples of biometric modalities for which biological characteristics may dominate include fingerprint and hand geometry.
Biometrics
A general term used alternatively to describe a characteristic or a process.
As a characteristic: A measurable biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral characteristic that can be used for automated recognition.
As a process: Automated methods of recognizing an individual based on measurable biological (anatomical and physiological) and behavioral characteristics.
Biometric Consortium (BC)
An open forum to share information throughout government, industry, and academia.
Biometric Data
A catch-all phrase for computer data created during a biometric process. It encompasses raw sensor observations, biometric samples, models, templates and/or similarity scores. Biometric data is used to describe the information collected during an enrollment, verification, or identification process, but does not apply to end user information such as user name, demographic information and authorizations.
Biometric Sample
Information or computer data obtained from a biometric sensor device. Examples are images of a face or fingerprint.
Biometric System
Multiple individual components (such as sensor, matching algorithm, and result display) that combine to make a fully operational system. A biometric system is an automated system capable of:
1. Capturing a biometric sample from an end user
2. Extracting and processing the biometric data from that sample
3. Storing the extracted information in a database
4. Comparing the biometric data with data contained in one or more reference references
5. Deciding how well they match and indicating whether or not an identification or verification of identity has been
achieved.
A biometric system may be a component of a larger system.