Biometric image processing and recognition

Biometric-based identification and verification systems are poised to become a key technology, with applications including controlling access to ´buildings and computers, reducing fraudulent transactions in electronic commerce, and discouraging illegal immigration. There are at least eight image-based biometrics that are being actively considered. In image-based biometrics, the biometric signature is acquired as an image and the image is processed using techniques from computer vision, image understanding, and pattern recognition. We consider two promising image-based biometrics, faces and fingerprints. For each, we provide a critical assessment of the state of the art, suggest future research directions, and identify technological challenges.