Biometrics can be used to determine an individual's identity on the basis of physical or behavioral characteristics. The most common form is fingerprint biometrics, but there are also facial recognition, palm, iris and voice technologies. A smart card is a plastic card containing a microprocessor - similar to those found in computers. Special software must be installed on the smart card in order to use it for Match-on-Card technology. This type of smart card is supplied by all of the world's leading smart card manufactures. Biometric templates are representations of a fingerprint or other biometric using series of numbers and letters. Templates are created using sophisticated algorithms, a mathematical process.
In Match-on-Card it is the biometric template that is held on the card, and used for matching against the live biometric sample. Match-on-Card allows the bearer of the card to control their biometric template at all times. Other forms of biometric matching release the biometric template into a non-secure environment such as a PC or over a network.
The other forms of biometric matching include:
- Match-on-Server: requiring a database and the biometric to be passed over a network.
- Match-on-PC/Computer: requiring the template to be accessed by a computer.
- Match-on-Device: releasing the template into a computer accessory.
Smart cards will require a program to run on them in order to perform Match-on-Card. There are a great number of smart card companies that offer these cards. Fingerprint biometrics is being used around the world for identification. In most countries there are no restrictions from allowing government or private industry from using biometrics – like fingerprint ID – for traveler cards or season tickets. There are many countries however, which restrict the development of databases of biometrics.
Match-on-Card technology eliminates the need for databases. In that way, Match-on-Card improves legal environment for using biometrics. If you are not certain about your countries rules, please consult with the appropriate governmental bodies for guidance. Photo IDs are still the most issued identification document. Fingerprints on the ID documents are most often seen as added security features, and not as a replacement for the existing status quo. Part of that is a photo can be visually compared, and a biometric cannot.
However, Match-on-Card technology allows for off-line verification of identity – something not offered with other forms of biometric matching. The ability of Match-on-Card to perform identity verification without infrastructure, a network, or communication channel bring biometrics closer to filling the role of picture ID. Match-on-Card can be used for passports. In fact, it would be an ideal solution for allowing biometric verification using international standards for passport without requiring heavy infrastructure and imposing databases.
Match-on-Card can also be done in many other form factors – shapes and sizes – beyond the traditional credit card shaped smart card. The chip of the smart card can be added to tokens, payment pass keys, paper documents, and other forms allowing all of these to do Match-on-Card. Replacing a lost or stolen card for a Match-on-Card enabled smart card is no more difficult than replacing existing ID badges, bank cards, or other cards. That being said the control of much of the re-issuance process will be regulated by the card issuers' policies.
However, from a strictly easy replacing-a-card perspective, you merely complete the same process used in the original enrollment of the Match-on-Card smart card. The rights of the individual to see what is being held on their smart card and make changes is controlled by the card issuers policies. It varies based on the organization issuing the card and the country rules governing privacy and informational rights.
Access to the information on the card is made more secure with the use of Match-on-Card. The biometric on the card locks the personal information way from any unauthorized person and puts the cardholder in control of their smart card and their personal information. Match-on-Card has been included in many standards throughout the world. The International Organization for Standards (ISO) develops standards for the biometrics industry. It is expected that the next round of standards will include Match-on-Card. Multi-biometrics is the combination of several different biometric technologies. Demand for multi-biometrics is increasing and an important reason behind Precise Biometrics' decision to acquire Fyrplus Teknik was, for example to be able to offer complete multi-biometric system solutions for biometric passports. The process begins with enrolling. Enrolling involves the collection of biometric data from the individual, which is later processed and stored as a template. The template is processed and stored. When the individual then goes to confirm his or here identity, the input biometric image is compared against the stored template. | 