Biometric device

A Biometric device is a security identification and authentication device. Such devices use automated methods of verifying or recognising the identity of a living person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic. These characteristics include fingerprints, facial images, Iris prints and voice recognition.

Biometric devices have been used by man over a long period of time. Non-automated biometric devices have been used since 500 BC as it was seen that Babylonian business transactions were recorded on clay tablets that included fingerprints. Automation in Biometric devices was first seen in the 1960s. The FBI in the 1960s, introduced the Indentimat, which started checking for fingerprints to maintain criminal records. The first systems measured the shape of the hand and the length of the fingers. Although discontinued in the 1980s, this system set a precedent for future Biometric Devices.

The characteristic of the human body are used to access information by the users. According to these characteristics, the sub-divided groups are:

Biometrics are being used to establish better and accessible records of the hours employee's work. With the increase in "Buddy Punching"( a case where employees clocked out coworkers and fraudulently inflated their work hours) employers have looked towards new technology like fingerprint recognition to reduce such fraud. Additionally, employers are also faced with the task of proper collection of data such as entry and exit times. Biometric devices make for largely foul proof and reliable ways of enabling to collect data as employees have to be present to enter biometric details which are unique to them.

As the demand for air travel grows and more people travel, modern day airports have to implement technology in such a way that there are no long queues. Biometrics are being implemented in more and more airports as they enable quick recognition of passengers and hence lead to lower volume of people standing in queue's. One such example is of the Dubai International Airport which plans to make immigration counters a relic of the past as they implement IRIS on the move technology (IOM) which will help the seamless departures and arrivals of passengers at the airport within seconds.

Thumbprint recognition become accessible to millions with the iPhone 5S. The fingerprint sensor, also called Touch ID is used to unlock the phone, authorise payments and buy app store applications. The biometric protection added another layer of security, removing the ability of people to look over the shoulders of others and read. Since then, all major phone manufacturers like Samsung, Sony and Huawei have implemented similar technology to enhance phone security and enhance user experience.

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