Evaluation of biometric security systems against artificial fingers

Verification of users’ identities are normally carried out via PIN-codes or ID- cards. Biometric identification, identification of unique body features, offers an alternative solution to these methods. Fingerprint scanning is the most common biometric identification method used today. It uses a simple and quick method of identification and has therefore been favored instead of other biometric identification methods such as retina scan or signature verification. In this report biometric security systems have been evaluated based on fingerprint scanners. The evaluation method focuses on copies of real fingers, artificial fingers, as intrusion method but it also mentions currently used algorithms for identification and strengths and weaknesses in hardware solutions used. The artificial fingers used in the evaluation were made of gelatin, as it resembles the surface of human skin in ways of moisture, electric resistance and texture. Artificial fingers were based on ten subjects whose real fingers and artificial counterpart were tested on three different fingerprint scanners. All scanners tested accepted artificial fingers as substitutes for real fingers. Results varied between users and scanners but the artificial fingers were accepted between about one forth and half of the times. Techniques used in image enhancement, minutiae analysis and pattern matching are analyzed. Normalization, binarization, quality markup and low pass filtering are described within image enhancement. In minutiae analysis connectivity numbers, point identification and skeletonization (thinning algorithms) are analyzed. Within pattern matching, direction field analysis and principal component analysis are described. Finally combinations of both minutiae analysis and pattern matching, hybrid models, are mentioned. Based on experiments made and analysis of used techniques a recommendation for future use and development of fingerprint scanners is made