Guide to Biometrics for Large-Scale Systems

Although there have been significant developments in the field of biometrics in recent years, much of the research in this area has focused upon the front-end technology.

This unique Guide to Biometrics for Large-Scale Systems considers biometric technology in a broader light, integrating the concept more seamlessly into mainstream Information Technology, while also striving to understand the cultural attitudes and the societal impact of identity management. This approach represents a step-change in current thinking – that may come to be viewed as a milestone in the development of biometric technology – in which many established tenets are placed under considerable scrutiny.

Topics and features: summarizes the material covered at the beginning of every chapter, and provides chapter-ending review questions and discussion points; reviews identity verification in nature, and early historical interest in anatomical measurement, which form the foundations of the modern field of biometrics; provides an overview of biometric technology, presents a focus on biometric systems and true systems integration, examines the concept of identity management, and predicts future trends; investigates performance issues in biometric systems, the management and security of biometric data, and the impact of mobile devices on biometrics technology; explains the equivalence of performance across operational nodes and why this is so important, introducing the APEX system as an example of how this issue can be addressed; considers the legal, political and societal factors of biometric technology, in addition to user psychology and other human factors.

This highly practical reference/guidebook is an invaluable resource for program managers, application developers and consultants working in this area. Students interested in biometric technology will also find this a must-read.