Top 10 Physiological Biometrics for the Future

I am not a sci-fi fan, yet the prospective far-stretched technology that the genre talks of is exciting. A decade back, reading about iris scans and finger scans for crime thrillers made us applaud the writer’s imagination. Today, it is a reality! The penchant for biometrics has increased and is no longer limited to the government for identifying the citizens or marking the criminals. Biometrics today has penetrated our everyday lives in varied formats. Whether locking your data on your phone or locking the access to your homes with PINs and passwords, fingerprints or iris scans, every form of the biometric sensor is being utilized to offer a heightened sense of security for data entered in the cloud systems. Here are the ten physiological biometrics we see ruling the real world in the future.

The physiological and biological analysis done by machines to identify a person’s unique identity is known as biometrics. The biometric sensor changes a person’s biometric trait into an electrical signal converted into electrical data and stored in the database to give access to the right match.

Behavioral biometrics

Developed on the theory that no two people can have the same fingerprints, this biometric system has gained immense popularity for identification and security purposes in everyday life. However, the easily accessible system has its drawback in getting clear images of finger patterns in case of tears, cuts, dirt and sweat. Therefore, fingerprint recognition works more for gadgets for personal use rather than securing data at a higher level. The most exciting development in this domain is the introduction of fingernail authentication, which will rely on the unique quality of the nail plate.

2. Face Recognition

The biometric of face recognition utilizes unique facial features to identify a person in two ways: static recognition and real-time identification. 

Static Recognition: A set collection of images is used from the photo camera to create a template and start the identification process. 

Real time identification: A real-time video camera is used to recognize a person’s identity. 

Many commercial software are programmed to make the real identification of human facial features. The ease of using these and their low-cost implementation is why they are popular and growing in demand. The only drawback for this recognition system is the software’s difficulty in identifying the changes in facial expression, which can lead it to falter. The future of face recognition sees development in sensors that can identify and distinguish between people based on their facial skin, unique patterns, spots and lines.

3. Iris Recognition

First proposed as an idea by the ophthalmologist Frank Bursch in 1936, iris recognition is currently the most accurate biometric system with dedicated scanners. The system captures the images of the iris and processes them to extract the unique features for the authentication process. Since the iris cannot be changed genetically, it is one of the most secure systems in biometrics. This scanning system is constantly under research to produce more accuracy in future scanning through a three-dimensional camera.

4. Retina Recognition

Retina recognition is complicated in its identification of the unique features of a person. However, the complex pattern has led to the development of a fast authentication system that utilizes a specific sensor to acquire data on the distinguishing feature of the blood capillaries in a retina. The retina system has found a lot of buyers in government agencies because of its accuracy in gathering samples for the recognition of individuals. However, the retina recognition system hits a glitch in case of a person with high blood pressure or when people are wearing glasses or lenses. Therefore, researchers are working on collecting blood vessel samples accurately and efficiently, implementing this security system in our cell phones.  

5. Hand Geometry Recognition

The use of the hand geometry recognition system dates back to the late 60s. Scanning the palms through a three-dimensional machine with different angles extracted the most composite and accurate sample. The ease of use and easily agreeable participants resulted in its rise as a trusted recognition system. However, this mode of security is expensive, and often the process is hindered because of jewellery and accessories worn by people on their hands. In addition, the handprint takes up large storage space, making it inconvenient. The future for hand geometry recognition is the simplification of the sensor device and less storage which could give rise to its fame.

6. Ear Recognition

Did you know that the human ear does not change its visual shape even while a person keeps growing and ageing? The dependability on the stability of the ear is why it is proposed as an increased level of security in recognition systems. That is why showing our ears in passport photographs has become mandatory. This security system utilizes a mathematical model to attribute to each individual, thereby helping in deducing a person’s identity. However, the disadvantage of this system is its simplicity and how the ear features cannot present a strong case for a person’s identity.

7. Voice Analysis System

It sounds impossible to have voice analysis as a mode of secure recognition system because of the ease with which people mimic voices. However, Artificial Intelligence has paved the way for research in this area. Studies are currently on to find the perfect method for medical analysis of the voice to ensure a perfect recognition system on the mode of the voice.

8. Signature Analysis System

A form of behavioural biometric it uses digitized signatures of individuals to identify and authenticate the purpose. The signature is first taken on paper, scanned and later digitized, or it could be done in real-time on tablets. Much research is being initiated in this field to initiate a foolproof system.

9. Gait Recognition System

Every human being has approximately 24 different factors and movements while walking. This difference in movement offers a unique walking pattern for each. A recognition system based on this unique identification is being worked, identifying the force exerted on the floor during a footstep to make the distinction. However, this is very challenging because of the subtle variations.

10. Footprint Recognition

A non-intrusive recognition system that will pick up data for identification while he is walking. The remarkable feature is its ability to identify the pressure pads and gait difference without removing shoes and socks. This form of recognition is more helpful in the medical sector. Research is on to develop it as the next extensive system for identification. 

All the above systems are gearing up for the future market of biometrics with extensive research to perfect themselves. And with the development of Artificial Intelligence, there is remarkable scope for these to become the super recognition systems of the future.