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 Biometric Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What
is the difference between verification and identification?
 The key difference between these two modes of authentication is whether
the match/non-match decision is based on a one-to-one comparison or
on an association based on a one-to-many search in a database.
Verification – The system verifies the claimed identity of the
user by comparing his/her biometric sample with one specific reference
template, which is either physically presented by the user or pointed
to in the database. Verification can be knowledge-based (e.g. PIN or
password) or token-based (e.g. smart card). The user says, "I am X!" and
the system reply with "yes, your are X!" or "no, you are not X!"
Identification – The system identifies the end user from his/her
biometric sample by associating it with his/her particular reference
template based on a database search among the reference templates of
the entire enrolled population. The user asks, "who am I?" and the
system reply with "you are X!" or "your are not an authorized user".
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Can my fingerprint
be stolen from the database?
No, only templates are stored in the iQBio system. When a finger is
scanned, only a small subset of the characteristic points, or minutiae
of the fingerprint image are extracted and
turned into a template. Only a digital representation of the specific
points is stored, not the image which is discarded after feature extraction.
Since the template only holds information about a few points located on your
fingerprint, and not the entire image, the original image cannot be restored by any means.
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Is
it possible to cheat the system with a 3D finger replica?
See our information on Spoofing
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How
many people can be enrolled to an authentication database?
Most iQBio systems allow for a minimum of 30 -100 users. We have
broken this down by category for further clarification -
- Personal Products (iQBio Drive, iQBio Giga Clip, etc.) -
10 fingerprints max
- Access Control Products (Door Locks, etc) - Minimum 30
prints
- iQBio Fingerprint Safe Products - Minimum of 30 prints
Most of our iQBio Products list the available memory size
for fingerprints within the description of the item itself.
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How
long time does an identification of a fingerprint take?
The speed of identification is dependent on two factors; the speed/processing
power of the logic performing the identification and the number of fingerprint
templates in the database. Usually, the identification speed ranges between
1-2 seconds maximum.
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I have dry
fingers, can I still use the system?
Most often a dry finger is not a problem, but if the finger is too dry,
the image quality will not be sufficient for creating a high quality
template. This may result in a so-called false reject, which means that
you have to present the finger on the scanner one more time. If you experience
a false reject and you think it is because of a dry finger, breathe on
your finger or rub them together and try again.
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I have cut
my finger, can I still use the system?
Due to the large scanning surface of our iQBio scanners, authentication is
based on a high number of characteristic points. In addition to providing
high reliability it also makes our system less sensitive to cuts and
minor injuries of the finger. However, it is recommended to enroll minimum
one finger from each hand in case the finger normally used for authentication
is unavailable, e.g. due to a tragic snow-boarding accident, band-aid or cast.
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Does the
system store an image of my fingerprint?
No, only a digital representation of a small subset of specific points
on the fingerprint
is stored, not the image, which is discarded after the feature extraction.
Since the template only holds information about points located on your
fingerprint, the original image cannot be restored by any means. The
automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) used by the Police
store the entire fingerprint images while our (and competing) systems
only store information about specific points.
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Can my template be used
by the police?
No, the automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) used by
the Police store the entire fingerprint images while our (and competing)
systems only store information about specific points.
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Does
my iQBio Login Product or Software replace the normal Windows logon system?
A user must log on to a Windows NT or Windows 2000 system by supplying
a user name and password. iQBio Login products replace the existing login
GINA of Windows XP and Windows 2000. User accounts and rights must be
built in the "normal" Windows way before you can manage iQBio protection.
Therefore, iQBio will let you restrict logon and access rights already
permitted by the network settings, but cannot override these settings
to allow more extensive rights.
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What are the advantages
of identification?
The biggest advantages of identification based on a central database
(and distributed databases) is that you do not need to remember a PIN
code, which can be forgotten or compromised, or carry a smart card, which
can be lost, stolen, or forgotten at home. You are simply whom you
claim to be by the identification of your fingerprint. Some of our
systems, such as the iGuard system have a verification method.
This is because these systems have capacity for larger numbers of users
and thus would require substantial processing power to identify the
user.
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What happens if I cut my finger?
Usual cuts on the finger (except for major injuries) are tolerated by
the system. If it's necessary to apply a bandage, use your secondary
finger.
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