What is biometry and how does it impact the field of chemical engineering?

     The study of biometry if it has not already edged its way into your life, it will certainly do so in the future.   It could be something as simple as watching the newest movie released that introduces you to biometry or it could be something dramatic such as if you decide to commit a criminal act.   Biometry has changed and will continue to change the way many activities are carried out by each of us.  Biometry or biometrics is simply defined as automatically recognizing a person using distinguishing traits.  Biometric identification uses some unique physiological or behavioural characteristic, not shared by any other individual, to positively identify an individual. 

     Biometric devices work by matching these specific individual characteristics features to one recorded in a specific device's memory.   The individual usually has an identification card or pin number which is also entered and compared to the specific biometric chareacteristic that is already entered into the device.  An example would be the use of an identifier to be able to gain access to the hospital pharmacy.  This device would be outside of the pharmacy and only authorized persons would be allowed into the pharmacy.  Before the person entered they may have to enter a pin number and then place their finger into a certain place on the device.  The pin number and the biometric data obtained from the finger will be compared and then the device will determine if this person is allowed to have access to the pharmacy. 

     The bioidentifiers that are used can be broken into three categories which are described below.

(1)Behavioural Traits-these are activities that a person does in a learned and consistent manner.  An example of this would be voice verification, handwriting, and keyboard dynamics.

(2)Topological Traits-these are physiological characteristics which remain stable throughout the lifetime of a person.  An example of this would be facial features, hand geometry, and handwriting.

(3)Discrete Traits-these are traits that are neither behavioural or topological.  An example of this would be retinal vasculature. 

     These traits are then recorded as a set of minute features or a "minutiae."  These traits are stored into a certain device by means of a physical contact method and/or electromagnetic scanning such as in eye/iris scanning or fingerprinting.  Many companies are purchasing such equipment to incorporate into their day to day operations.  By visiting the following website, you will be able to see some of the specific products that are on the market to be sold:   http://www.zdnec.com/products.  I would also like to refer all of you to a detailed list of biometric terms that is available on the internet, which is as follows:  http://www.afb.org.uk/public/glossuk1.html#part1.

     Chemical engineers working in conjuction with physicians can help develop the system as whole.  The development of the electronic equipment and systematic algorithms necessary to perform the comparisons between the measured data and stored data are examples of how chemical engineers with insight into programming, biochemistry, and statistics could be helpful in such a task.  As this science evolves and includes even more chemistry and critical thinking (probably in terms of how to avoid having the systems bypassed by thieves), the engineers may play an even larger role.

     Biometry can sometimes show up in the most unlikely of places.  Mr. Earle Eldridge of USA Today, recently featured a Siemens Automotive product in an article entitled "Gizmos Steer Cars into Future".  The fingerprint sensor works by reading a fingerprint and adjusting the mirrors, seatings, and other controls as well as activating the starter for the automobile.  For those really "bright" thieves that may consider stealing the owners finger before the automobile, the sensor foils their plans.  The Siemens product must also read a small electric pulse present in all living humans to work.   This electric pulse would be absent from a severed finger.....good thinking!