Know and understand characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of biometric recognition including face, iris, retina, finger, thumb, hand, voice

6 ICT Applications – Biometric Recognition

Biometric recognition uses unique physiological or behavioural characteristics of a person to verify identity. The main types studied for IGCSE ICT are face, iris, retina, finger, thumb, hand (palm), and voice.

1. Face Recognition

Characteristics

• Analyzes facial geometry – distance between eyes, nose shape, jawline, etc.
• Works with 2‑D images captured by cameras.
• Can be performed at a distance and without physical contact.

Uses

• Security checkpoints (airports, stadiums).
• Smartphone unlocking.
• Attendance systems in schools or workplaces.

Advantages

• Non‑intrusive and quick.
• No need for users to remember passwords or carry tokens.
• Can be integrated with existing CCT \cdot infrastructure.

Disadvantages

• Accuracy can be reduced by lighting, facial hair, glasses, or changes in appearance.
• Privacy concerns – facial data can be captured without consent.
• Vulnerable to spoofing with photographs or video loops unless liveness detection is used.

2. Iris Recognition

Characteristics

• Uses the unique pattern of the coloured part of the eye (iris).
• High resolution infrared cameras capture the pattern.
• Stable throughout life; changes only due to disease or injury.

Uses

• Border control and immigration.
• High‑security facilities (data centres, labs).
• Banking authentication for mobile apps.

Advantages

• Very low false‑accept rate – one of the most accurate biometrics.
• Hard to forge; the iris is internal and not easily copied.
• Fast verification (typically < 1 second).

Disadvantages

• Requires users to be close to the camera and keep eyes still.
• Higher equipment cost compared with fingerprint scanners.
• Performance can be affected by glasses, contact lenses, or bright sunlight.

3. Retina Recognition

Characteristics

• Scans the pattern of blood vessels at the back of the eye.
• Uses low‑intensity infrared light.
• Extremely stable and unique.

Uses

• Very high‑security environments (military, nuclear facilities).
• Secure access to classified information systems.

Advantages

• Highest level of uniqueness among biometrics.
• Very low false‑reject and false‑accept rates.

Disadvantages

• Intrusive – user must place eye close to a scanner.
• Expensive hardware and longer enrolment time.
• Not suitable for the general public; can cause discomfort.

4. Fingerprint Recognition

Characteristics

• Analyzes ridge patterns, minutiae points, and overall fingerprint shape.
• Can be captured by optical, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensors.
• Widely used in consumer devices.

Uses

• Smartphone and laptop unlocking.
• Time‑and‑attendance systems.
• Access control for doors and cabinets.

Advantages

• Low cost and mature technology.
• Fast enrolment and verification.
• Well‑known to users; easy to understand.

Disadvantages

• Can be affected by cuts, dryness, or dirty fingers.
• Susceptible to spoofing with lifted prints unless liveness detection is added.
• Privacy concerns if fingerprint data is stored insecurely.

5. Thumb Recognition

Thumb recognition is a subset of fingerprint technology, focusing on the larger surface area of the thumb. The same characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages apply, with the added benefit that thumbs are often easier to position on a scanner.

6. Hand (Palm) Recognition

Characteristics

• Analyzes the overall shape of the hand, palm lines, and vein patterns.
• Often uses infrared imaging to capture vein patterns.
• Provides a larger area for data collection than a single fingerprint.

Uses

• High‑throughput access points (e.g., factories, warehouses).
• Bank ATMs in some countries.

Advantages

• Less affected by minor cuts or wear on individual fingers.
• Can incorporate both surface (hand geometry) and internal (vein) features for higher security.

Disadvantages

• Requires larger scanners, increasing cost and space.
• Slower than fingerprint verification because of the larger data set.
• Users may find it less convenient to place an entire hand on a sensor.

7. Voice Recognition

Characteristics

• Analyzes vocal tract characteristics, pitch, cadence, and pronunciation.
• Can be text‑dependent (specific pass‑phrase) or text‑independent.
• Works over telephone lines, microphones, or smart speakers.

Uses

• Customer service authentication (banks, telecoms).
• Smart home assistants (e.g., voice‑activated commands).
• Remote access to computers or \cdot PNs.

Advantages

• Hands‑free; convenient for users with disabilities.
• Can be used over distance – no physical device needed.
• Low hardware cost – only a microphone is required.

Disadvantages

• Accuracy affected by background noise, illness, or emotional state.
• Vulnerable to replay attacks unless anti‑spoofing measures are applied.
• Privacy concerns – voice recordings can reveal personal information.

Comparison of Biometric Types