Remote secure proof of identity using biometrics

Biometric measurements derived from finger- or voiceprints, hand geometry, retinal vessel pattern and iris texture characteristics etc. can be identifiers of individuals. In each case, the measurements can be coded into a statistically unique bit-string for each individual. While in electronic commerce and other electronic transactions the proof of identity of an individual is provided by the use of either public key cryptography or biometric data, more secure applications can be achieved by employing both. However the former requires the use of exact bit patterns. An error correction procedure allows us to successfully combine the use of both to provide a general procedure for remote secure proof of identity using a generic biometric device. One such procedure has been demonstrated using a device based on hand geometry