Glossary

Biometric Characteristics - “biological and behavioural characteristic of an individual from which distinguishing, repeatable biometric features can be extracted for the purpose of biometric recognition”.1 Biometric Identification – “process of searching against a biometric enrolment database to find and return the biometric reference identifier(s)attributable to a single individual. Note 1 to entry: Use of the term “authentication” as a substitute for biometric identification is deprecated”.1 Biometric Recognition – “automated recognition of individuals based on their biological and behavioural characteristics. Note 1 to entry: In the field of biometrics (as defined in this document), “Individual" is restricted in scope to refer only to humans. Note 2 to entry: The general meaning of biometrics encompasses counting, measuring and statistical analysis of any kind of data in the biological sciences including the relevant medical sciences. Note 3 to entry: Biometric recognition encompasses biometric verification and biometric identification. Note 4 to entry: Automated recognition implies that a machine-based system is used for the recognition either for the full process or assisted by a human being. Note 5 to entry: Behavioural and biological characteristics cannot be completely separated which is why the definition uses ‘and’ instead of ‘and/or’. For example, a fingerprint image results from the biological characteristics of the finger ridge patterns and the behavioural act of presenting the finger. Note 6 to entry: Use of 'authentication' as a synonym for “biometric verification or biometric identification” is deprecated; the term biometric recognition is preferred”.1 Biometric Systems – “system for the purpose of the biometric recognition of individuals based on their behavioural and biological characteristics. Note 1 to entry: A biometric system will contain both biometric and non- biometric components”.1 Biometric Verification - “process of confirming a biometric claim through comparison. Note 1 to entry: The term “verification”, in the above definition refers to verifying biometrics. Note 2 to entry: Use of the term “authentication” as a substitute for biometric verification is deprecated”.1 Physiological Biometrics - “physical, structural, and relatively static characteristics”.3,4 Examples include: fingerprints, face, iris, retina, dental features, finger/hand geometry, ear shape, vascular structures (finger/palm veins)”.6 Multimodal - “multiple in at least two out of three constituents of a mode in a single biometric system. Note 1 to entry: Multiple implies difference in type”.1