Biometric Engine

Last Updated: November 10, 2011

Definition - What does Biometric Engine mean?

A biometric engine is the core program that controlls the different hardware and components of a biometric system. The biometric engine controls the enrollment, capture, extraction, comparison and matching of biometric data from a user.

It is based on a set of algorithms that facilitate the steps in the recognition process, as well as the intermediary processes like image enhancement, determining quality and the extraction of distinguishing features.

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Techopedia explains Biometric Engine

Different software or firmware might run the different hardware of the biometric system, but there is a core system connecting them all. When connected together, they form the biometric engine. It is the efficiency of this engine that dictates the quality of the system. Even with state of the art hardware, if the biometric engine is not functioning correctly, then the system will get many errors and false readings or identifications.

The biometric engine is the core program controlling the whole biometric system. This includes the extraction of biometric data during enrollment, the extraction of distinguishing features from the collected biometric data, and the matching and authentication stages. The biometric engine will also enhance the data taken, enhancing images and clearing out noise so that what is left is clear data. Thus, the data becomes easy to match whenever an enrollee needs to be authenticated.

Off-the-shelf biometric systems have biometric engines of their own, but more powerful and proprietary biometric engines are required for higher security and accuracy. These engines must be developed specifically for the organization that needs them. In addition, they should have a special way of handling scans to reduce false positives and impersonator access.