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Enrollment and Recognition Phase

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views3 pages

Enrollment and Recognition Phase

Uploaded by

shumaila alam
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A biometric system operates through two fundamental stages: enrollment and recognition.

These stages are crucial for ensuring that the system can accurately identify or verify individuals
based on their unique biometric traits.

1. Enrollment Phase

The enrollment phase is the first step in setting up a biometric system. During this stage, the
system captures and stores the biometric data of a user to create a reference template that will be
used for future comparisons.

Key Steps in the Enrollment Phase:

1. Biometric Data Capture:


o The system captures a sample of the user’s biometric trait. This could be a
fingerprint scan, a photo of the face, a recording of the voice, or an image of the
iris.
o The quality of the captured data is essential; poor quality may lead to difficulties
in future recognition. For instance, smudged fingerprints or low-resolution facial
images can affect the accuracy of the system.
2. Feature Extraction:
o After capturing the biometric data, the system processes it to extract key features.
For example, in fingerprint recognition, the system identifies minutiae points
(ridge endings and bifurcations), while in facial recognition, it analyzes the
distances between facial landmarks (eyes, nose, and mouth).
o This extracted information is converted into a biometric template, which is a
digital representation of the unique features of the user’s biometric trait.
3. Template Storage:
o The biometric template is then securely stored in a database. This template serves
as a reference against which future recognition attempts will be compared.
o Proper encryption and security measures are necessary to protect the stored
templates from unauthorized access or tampering.

Example:

 When a user sets up Face ID on an iPhone, the device captures multiple images of the
user’s face from different angles. It then processes these images to create a detailed 3D
model, which is stored securely on the device.

2. Recognition Phase

The recognition phase is where the system uses the stored biometric templates to identify or
verify an individual. Depending on the system's purpose, this phase can be either identification
or verification.

Key Steps in the Recognition Phase:


1. Biometric Data Capture:
o During recognition, the system captures a new sample of the user's biometric trait
(e.g., fingerprint, face, voice) when the user tries to access the system or service.
o The system ensures that the quality of the captured sample is adequate for
comparison. If the quality is too low, the user may be asked to provide the sample
again (e.g., re-scan their fingerprint).
2. Feature Extraction:
o The new sample undergoes the same feature extraction process as during the
enrollment phase. The system extracts key features to create a temporary
biometric template for the captured data.
3. Template Matching:
o The temporary template is then compared to the stored template(s) in the
database.
o Depending on the type of operation, the system performs:
 Verification (1:1 Matching): Confirms if the captured biometric data
matches a specific stored template. This answers the question, "Are you
who you say you are?" It’s typically used for authentication purposes
(e.g., logging into a device).
 Identification (1

Matching): Compares the captured data against multiple stored templates


to find a match. This answers the question, "Who are you?" It’s commonly
used for access control (e.g., airport security systems that check if a
person is on a watchlist).

4. Decision Making:
o The system determines whether the captured data matches the stored template(s)
based on a similarity score. If the score meets or exceeds a certain threshold, the
system grants access or identifies the person as a match.
o If the score is below the threshold, access is denied, or no match is found.

Example:

 When a user places their finger on a fingerprint sensor at an office entry point, the
system captures their fingerprint, extracts the features, and compares it to the stored
templates. If a match is found, the door unlocks.

Types of Recognition Systems:

1. Verification System (1:1 Matching):


o Example: A smartphone requiring a fingerprint scan to unlock.
o Purpose: To confirm the identity of the individual.
o Benefit: High accuracy as it compares the input against one stored template.
2. Identification System (1

Matching):
o Example: A law enforcement system scanning a database of fingerprints to find a
suspect.
o Purpose: To find an individual’s identity among many records.
o Benefit: Useful for identifying unknown individuals but requires more processing
power and time.

Challenges in Enrollment and Recognition Phases:

1. Quality of Biometric Data:


o Low-quality data during enrollment can lead to higher failure rates in the
recognition phase. For instance, a poor-quality iris scan during enrollment might
not match future scans accurately.
2. False Acceptances and False Rejections:
o False Acceptance Rate (FAR): The probability that the system incorrectly
matches a non-enrolled individual’s biometric data to an enrolled template.
o False Rejection Rate (FRR): The probability that the system fails to recognize
an enrolled individual. Balancing FAR and FRR is crucial for the system’s
reliability.
3. Security of Stored Templates:
o Biometric templates need to be encrypted and stored securely to prevent
unauthorized access and misuse.

Example:

 Face ID Enrollment on a Smartphone:


o When you set up Face ID on an iPhone, the phone’s camera scans your face
multiple times from different angles. The system extracts detailed features such as
the distance between your eyes, the shape of your nose, and the curve of your
mouth.
o The system then creates a 3D facial template and securely stores it on the device.
This template will be used for future comparisons whenever you try to unlock the
phone.

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