By Editorial Team Traditionally, biometric sensors were only used by law enforcement agencies to find out the identity of a person. Biometrics basically refers to the method of recognizing and verifying an identity of a person depending on physical or behavioral characteristics. Every human being has a unique biological and behavior feature that distinguishes them from the rest. The features include retinal structure, DNA, vein pattern, etc. There are also behavioral characteristics like the way we speak, the way we type on the keyword, the way we sign, etc. Biometric systems leverage these unique features to identify the individual. In this blog, let us explore these type of sensors deeply
What Are Biometric Sensors?
These are basically semiconductor devices that can be integrated in an Internet of Things environment for authentication and identification of a person. These devices mainly comprise automated techniques to recognize or authenticate a person. Recognition of a person depends on unique characteristics like facial features, fingerprints, voice recognition, iris, etc. Nowadays, biometric sensors are primarily used in industries in biometric scanner for attendance monitoring. Moreover, it is also used in smart locks, smart cards, mobiles, etc., to ensure higher-end efficiency and security.
What Is the Importance of Biometrics?
Multiple ways can be employed to recognize or authenticate a person. For example, pins, passwords, id cards, tokens are some of the traditional means of identification. The major problem with these methods is the fact that they are not sustainable for every human. People can easily forget their passwords or pins or easily misplace their id cards and tokens. What cannot be misplaced or forgotten are the biometric characteristics.
Thus, biometric sensors ensure a more reliable and secure method of recognizing and authenticating a person. They can be used in conjunction with other techniques to ensure multi-factor authentication and prevent frauds. Common biometric features used in industries for identification include fingerprints, geometry of hand, a person’s speech, key strokes, retina, gait etc.
What Are the Types of Biometric Sensors?
Various types of biometric systems are used in the industries depending on their purpose. Let us briefly discuss four major types of biometric devices-
Fingerprint Sensors:
The most ubiquitous biometric scanner used in the industry is the fingerprint scanner. Their usage varies from higher-end security systems to simple handheld devices such as laptops and smartphones. Basically, the sensors collect information regarding the physical features of a person’s finger like peaks and troughs. These details are then transformed into a code primarily consisting of a string of numbers. They are not only easy to implement but also quite accurate. Easy implementation and fast authentication of the IoT sensors help in making IoT a right technology for home automation.
Facial Recognition Sensors:
They confirm the identity of a person using their facial features. Facial recognition biometric sensors can be used to recognize an individual in-person, or via photos and videos. Mainly these sensors first detect a face, then analyze it, convert the image into data, and ultimately compare the data with the stored database of faces. Though, smartphones have started to incorporate facial recognition in their feature list.
Iris Scanners:
Recognition of a person based on an iris pattern is one of the most accurate biometric identification methods used in the world. Such scanners operate on using the near infra-red light to collect unique details in the colored ring of the iris. The iris of every person does not alter as the person ages. Thus, it is an effective method of recognition used in immigration control, confidential government sites, and immigration control.
Heartbeat Sensors:
These are cardiovascular biometric devices that measure the pulse or heartbeat of an individual. This involves electrocardiogram to measure the electrical signals that are produced by a person’s heart. Such sensors are often present in the popular wearables for monitoring health. They are also used in the highly secure instruments or devices used in the industry.
What Are the Benefits of Biometric Sensors?
Biometric systems are primarily utilized in the industry because of their ability to provide recognition accuracy, satisfy speed and organizational resource needs, and prevent fraudulent attacks. Let us explore primary advantages of biometric sensors here-
Fast and Convenient Biometric Authentication-
Though the speed of biometric authentication depends on its type, it generally gets completed in seconds. Since, there are no passwords, pins, or knowledge involved, all processes prove to be quite convenient for the user. Users do not need to store or memorize anything. Thus, it ensures a secure and convenient security measure against identity fraud.
Biometrics Provide a Higher Level of Security-
In knowledge-dependent systems, the risk of data breach is quite high because they offer a target-rich environment for cyberattackers. Stealing a person’s biometric data is a lot harder for cyberattackers than knowing his or her credentials. Sophisticated facial recognition also checks the liveness of a person and prevents possibilities of impersonation.
Higher Scalability-
Biometrics can easily be scaled to include more users, departments, or projects. Biometrics systems do not have to be limited to a particular aspect of the organization. They can be scaled to include a higher number of users without any significant spending on infrastructure upgrades.
Conclusion
Biometric sensors are basically semiconductor devices that store images of people’s unique biometric characteristics and use complex algorithms to identify them. They are one of the various IoT sensors used in a broad range of industries like law enforcement, healthcare, banking, laptops, airport security, etc. The blog explores what biometric systems are, their importance, types, and advantages. For more blogs on sensors or other IoT-enabled devices, check out our other blogs!
Also Read
IR Sensors Explained | Types, Applications, and Benefits for Modern Technology
What Are Gyroscope Sensors? | Everything You Need to Know
Chemical Sensors | A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Applications, and More
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