Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Star Trek at 50: Biometrics

Biometrics refers to metrics related to human characteristics. Biometrics authentication (or realistic authentication) is used in computer science as a form of identification and access control. It is also used to identify individuals in groups that are under surveillance.

It has been suggested that biometrics originated in the identificatory systems of criminal activity developed by Alphonse Bertillon and developed by Francis Galton's theory of fingerprints and physiognomy.


Regardless of where it started, it is around us every day. iPhones use fingerprint identification. Walt Disney World takes an image of your finger, converts the image into a unique numerical; the numerical value/ticket combination facilitates ease of re-entry into the park and helps prevent fraud. Washington State has an option for an Enhanced Driver's License that utilizes facial recognition to allow for border crossings into Canada without a passport, a necessity if you're after some Timbits®.
 
This week, a look at Biometrics.

TTFN, Fred.

Quote of the week: "Believing oneself to be perfect is often the sign of a delusional mind.” - Lieutenant Commander Data to the Borg Queen, Star Trek VIII: First Contact 

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