BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINT TERMS T
Technology Evaluation
One of the three types of performance evaluations. The primary goal of a technology evaluation is to measure performance of biometric systems, typically only the recognition algorithm component, in general tasks.
Template
A digital representation of an individual’s distinct characteristics, representing information extracted from a biometric sample. Templates are used during biometric authentication as the basis for comparison.
Threat
An intentional or unintentional potential event that could compromise the security and integrity of the system.
Threshold
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.
Throughput Rate
The number of biometric transactions that a biometric system processes within a stated time interval.
Token
A physical object that indicates the identity of its owner. For example, a smart card.
True Accept Rate
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.
True Reject Rate
A statistic used to measure biometric performance when operating in the verification task. The percentage of times a system (correctly) rejects a false claim of identity. For example, Frank claims to be John and the system rejects the claim.
Type I Error
An error that occurs in a statistical test when a true claim is (incorrectly) rejected. For example, John claims to be John, but the system incorrectly denies the claim.
Type II Error
An error that occurs in a statistical test when a false claim is (incorrectly) not rejected. For example: Frank claims to be John and the system verifies the claim.