Download Week 2: Biometric Modalities Uncovered Topic 6: PHYSICAL

Week 2: Biometric Modalities Uncovered
Topic 6: PHYSICAL BIOMETRICS
Ear Recognition
Ear, DNA & Body
It is known that the shape of the ear and the
structure of the soft tissue of the pinna are very
distinctive. However Alfred Iannarelli in his 38
years of research and application in ear-ology,
has found that over the thousands of ears that
were studied, no two ears were found to be
identical (Advancements in Biometric Science,
2014). I also looked at my own identical twins
and they have quite distinctly different ear profiles even though many people cannot tell them
apart by visually looking at them.
The ear with its fleshy lines is as unique as fingerprints with the outer ear being very distinctive
in its design. The feature set of an ear makes it ideal for identification purposes.
Match the left ear in the left image with the right ear in the right image.
A
B
C
Ear recognition approaches are based on matching the
distances of relevant points on the pinna, which is the
outer ear, from the various landmarks which have been
identified on the ear. For example the helix or down
turned skin flap on the ear, the anti-helix which is the
inside curved part of the ear, tragus which is the small
lump which is immediately in front of the ear canal and
lobe which is the soft fleshy part on the lower part of
the ear.
What is the correct name on the ear for A?
lobe
anti-helix
tragus
helix
What is the correct name on the ear for B?
lobe
anti-helix
tragus
helix
What is the correct name on the ear for C?
lobe
anti-helix
tragus
helix
What is the correct name on the ear for D?
lobe
anti-helix
tragus
helix
Although there are currently no commercial systems available, a French company has developed the Optophone which uses a telephone handset, lighting and camera to identify an
individual’s ears (Srivastava & Kumar, 2014).
DNA Profiling
Another technology that is current
available is Deoxyribonucleic acid
or DNA and it is considered the
ultimate unique code for a person’s
individuality. Current findings show
the chance of two individuals sharing
the same DNA profile is less than
one in 100 billion (FBI, 2014) except
for identical twins that have identical
DNA. However it is mostly used in
the context of forensic applications
for criminal recognition.
The biggest issue for automated DNA is the performance.
As DNA comparisons currently tend to require large
amounts of manual labour making the comparison is
slow and relatively costly. In most situations biometrics
are used to control physical access and the user would
require an identity verification in seconds, making DNA
fairly impractical for this use.
Match the DNA sample from the crime scene to the correct suspect.
suspect #1
suspect #2
suspect #3
In addition to the time and cost of DNA comparisons there is also the issue that DNA is
somewhat difficult to acquire and the current process is usually handled by trained staff.
In an automated scenario it might be difficult to get users to self-collect or may require the
individual have significant training, to ensure sufficient biological material is obtained.
Also many people would be reluctant
to provide their DNA to gain access to
resources, as there are many privacy issues
related to the storing of DNA information.
Whilst DNA has properties that make it a
very useful biometric trait for identity, the
practical relevance of DNA as an automated
identity method is seen as quite limited.
Match the DNA sample from the *Bloodstain to the correct suspect.
suspect #1
suspect #2
suspect #7
suspect #6
suspect #5
suspect #4
suspect #3
*BLOODSTAIN
suspect #4
suspect #3
suspect #2
suspect #1
However, interestingly a Canadian laboratory recently
claimed that they now have a DNA extraction process
which takes only 15 minutes and only needs simple
equipment to obtain the profile.
Body Odour Recognition
Body odour recognition is an emerging biometric which is used to analyse the olfactory
scent or smell of the human body. It is thought that the University of Cambridge have developed sensors that are capable of capturing the body scent from areas such as the hands.
This scent is then extracted and converted by a unique algorithm into a data profile, used
for future identification.
Body Salinity Recognition
Body salinity recognition can be used to identify the amount of salt a person expels. A small
electrical pulse is sent through the body to determine the salt levels and the corresponding
template created. It is speculated by Michigan State University researchers that this technology could be used to identify individuals using mobile technologies such as a mobile
phone or an iPad.
Summary
Ear Recognition
• Alfred Iannarelli in his 38 years of research and application in ear-ology, found
that over the thousands of ears that were studied, no two ears were found to
be identical.
• The ear with fleshy lines is as unique as fingerprints with the outer ear being
very distinctive in its design.
• The feature set of an ear makes it ideal for identification purposes.
• Approaches are based on matching the distances of relevant points on the
pinna, the outer ear, from the various landmarks on the ear.
• There are no commercial systems currently available.
DNA Profiling
• Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is considered the ultimate unique code for a
person’s individuality.
• The chance of two individuals sharing the same DNA profile is less than one
in 100 billion except for identical twins.
• Currently DNA comparisons currently tend to require large amounts of manual labour, are relatively slow and not considered a suitable biometric to
control physical access.
• People would be reluctant to provide their DNA to gain access to resources,
as there are privacy issues related to the storing of DNA information.
• A Canadian laboratory recently claimed that they now have a DNA extraction
process which takes only 15 minutes and only needs simple equipment.
Body Odour Recognition
• An emerging biometric used to analyse the olfactory scent or smell of the human body.
• This scent is then extracted and converted by a unique algorithm into a data
profile, used for future identification.
Body Salinity Recognition
• An emerging biometric to identify the amount of salt a person expels.
• A small electrical pulse is sent through the body to determine the salt levels
and the corresponding template created.
References:
Advancements in Biometric Science. 2014. 55 Year Summary | Ear Identification. [ONLINE]
Available at: http://earidentification.com/?page_id=48. [Accessed 16 August 2014]
FBI. 2014. FBI — DNA. [ONLINE]
Available at: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/fingerprints_biometrics/biometric-center-of-excellence/modalities/dna [Accessed 16 August 2014]
Srivastava, K. & Kumar, M. 2014. Biometric Security Systems. [ONLINE]
Available at: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manish_Kumar115/publication/232710087_Biometric Security_Systems/links/0912f508e21964f627000000 [Accessed 16 August 2014]