Biometrics & Aviation Security

Since 2014, our research group at the Maryland Test Facility has been testing the performance of biometric technologies for the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). 

We have tested dozens of commercial fingerprint, iris, and face biometric systems by embedding these devices in realistic scenarios simulating the air travel environment.  This testing measures how well the technologies work for test volunteers diverse in race, age, and gender revealing much about how fast, accurate, usable, satisfying, and equitable these devices are. 

This page links to public presentations and opinion pieces and other information related to this work.  For technical publications, please visit the publications page.

Opinion:

• The Real Problem with Face Recognition is not What You Thought
• 'Bias' in Face Recognition: Some Facts
• Where's the Bias in Face Recognition
• Who is the User of a Biometric Identity System

Public Presentations:

• Estimating relative skin reflectance and measuring its effect on recognition. NIST IFPC 2019
• Usability and perceptions of self-service biometric technology. NIST IBPC 2016
• Efficient test design for biometric exit scenarios. NIST IBPC 2016

More Information:

• Maryland Test Facility
• DHS S&T - What is the MdTF
• DHS S&T - What is the Biometric Technology Rally
• WACV Demographics Workshop
• SAIC - Biometrics